Look — RAM's lighting story is well-documented in the NHTSA file, and it ain't pretty. 140 complaints across 20 year-model entries from 2013 to 2025. Not a small number. 2015 RAM 1500 leads the list, but the same issue shows up across multiple years on the same platform. 1 crash report on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin RAM / LIGHTING
20 model-year entries · 2013–2025
RAM lighting problems
140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against RAM vehicles for lighting issues. 3 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
140
Recalls
3
Year-models
20
Avg fix
$250
1crash
1fire
Worst-affected RAM model-years for lighting Top 20 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
2015 RAM 1500
21 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 RAM 1500
19 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 RAM 1500
12 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2019 RAM 1500
11 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2025 RAM 1500
10 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2020 RAM 1500
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 RAM 1500
7 complaints · ~$250 severe
2017 RAM Promaster City
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 RAM 1500
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2016 RAM Promaster City
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2021 RAM 1500
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 RAM 1500
5 complaints · ~$250 severe
2013 RAM 2500
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2022 RAM 3500
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2017 RAM 2500
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 RAM Promaster City
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 RAM 2500
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 RAM 3500
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 RAM ProMaster 2500
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 RAM 2500
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — RAM lighting 6 on file
Blanchat Mfg
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Blanchat has notified the owner, and will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began March 27, 2019. Owners may contact Blanchat customer service at 1-620-896-7145.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster City vehicles
The driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not signaling their intentions to other drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Body Controller Module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y71.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025 Ram 1500 pickup trucks
Inoperative headlights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the headlight module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is D4B.
Unruh Fire, Inc
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Unruh Fire has notified the owner and will provide replacement brake lights, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2019. Owners may contact Unruh Fire customer service at 1-800-856-7080.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured September 9, 2012, through March 5, 2013 and equipped with optional premium tail lamps
Without a warning that the turn signal is malfunctioning, the driver would continue to use the vehicle, unaware that other drivers on the road are not being notified that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Central Body Controller software, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N35.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks manufactured January 7, 2013, through February 28, 2013 and equipped with optional premium headlamps
Improper headlight shutter function during high beam use may reduce the drivers visibility and possibly blind oncoming traffic. Either condition may increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reconfigure the Central Body Controller, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N33.
Common questions
How many RAM lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
140 complaints across 20 model-year entries from 2013 to 2025. 3 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the RAM lineup.
Which RAM model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2015 RAM 1500 leads with 21 complaints in this category. Next: 2014 1500 (19) and 2013 1500 (12).
What does it cost to fix RAM lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the RAM lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there RAM lighting recalls?
Yes — 6 active recall campaigns cover lighting on RAM 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 RAM.
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.