Look — Dodge's lighting story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 1,238 complaints across 62 year-model entries from 2005 to 2023. Not a small number. 2014 Dodge Durango leads the list, but the same issue shows up across multiple years on the same platform. 21 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 663 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 58,425 miles. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin DODGE / LIGHTING
62 model-year entries · 2005–2023
Dodge lighting problems
1,238 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Dodge vehicles for lighting issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
1,238
Recalls
3
Year-models
62
Avg fix
$250
14crashes
21fires
20injuries
Worst-affected Dodge model-years for lighting Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2014 Dodge Durango
216 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Dodge Durango
147 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2011 Dodge Charger
83 complaints · ~$250 severe
2006 Dodge Ram 1500
76 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 Dodge Durango
60 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2021 Dodge Durango
57 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Dodge Ram 2500
55 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 Dodge Durango
40 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 Dodge Durango
40 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2012 Dodge Charger
32 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 severe
2007 Dodge Caliber
32 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 Dodge Durango
30 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan
25 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2007 Dodge Ram 1500
25 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Dodge Ram 3500
25 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2020 Dodge Durango
19 complaints · ~$250 severe
2022 Dodge Durango
18 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 Dodge Journey
16 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 severe
2010 Dodge Journey
10 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Dodge Ram 1500
10 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 Dodge Ram 1500
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2008 Dodge Caliber
9 complaints · ~$250 severe
2008 Dodge Ram 1500
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Dodge Ram 2500
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Dodge Magnum
9 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Dodge lighting 3 on file
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles
A dim reflector may reduce the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z99.
Certain trucks equipped with dual rear wheels fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no
Without these lamps, other vehicle operators may not detect the increased width of the vehicle which could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: Dealers will install cab clearance lights free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 20, 2010, through November 8, 2011, and equipped with halogen headlamps
Loss of headlights reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlamp jumper harnesses and bulbs, or the headlamp assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2014. Owners may contract Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P08. This recall concerns non-police vehicles. A separate campaign was launched in 2012 to address police vehicles. See NHTSA recall 12V-042.
Common questions
How many Dodge lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,238 complaints across 62 model-year entries from 2005 to 2023. 3 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Dodge lineup.
Which Dodge model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2014 Dodge Durango leads with 216 complaints in this category. Next: 2015 Durango (147) and 2011 Charger (83).
What does it cost to fix Dodge lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the Dodge lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Dodge lighting recalls?
Yes — 3 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Dodge vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Tony Marino, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Dodge.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.