2001 Dodge RAM 1500: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The headlights no matter what bulbs I buy are extremely dim making it unsafe to drive at night. Now truck will not start for some unknown reason. It tries to turn over but will not crank. The mileage flashes NO BUS. I was literally only getting at best 8 miles per gallon.

Filed Apr 26, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 110,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the dash assembly for the instrument panel failed and caused the controls to collapse inward into the dashboard. In addition, the air bag on/off switch was attached to the panel, the headlamp switch, instrument cluster, and other controls. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause electrical issues and prevent the air bags from deploying or operating correctly. The dealer was no longer in business. The contact stated that the failure has been occurring since 2009 and was initially informed that it was a cosmetic issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed again of the failure and stated that since the vehicle was sixteen years old with 240,000 miles, it could not be serviced by them. The failure mileage was 110,000. *bf the consumer stated the failure had been ongoing since 2005. In 2005 the failure was not considered a safety defect, but now that it is the vehicle is out of warranty due to age.

Filed Jan 11, 2016 · CA

Cracked dash board poor front head lights front disk brakes only last 20,000

Filed Sep 20, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 105,019 miles · AL

Headlights were on high beam and dimmed lights and lost all of the headlights . It was early morning but there was enough light for me to slow and pull over to the side of the road. I kept moving the dimmer switch back and forth between high and low beam until the lights finally came back on. I left them in low beam and drove the rest of the way to work on low beam. When I got home later after work I waited till night time and pulled my truck into my car port and repeated what had happened on that morning. On about the fifth try the lights went out again , I then repeated flipping the dimmer switch back and forth between high and low beam and after many attempts was able to get the headlights back on. The next day took it to the dealer for repairs , they replaced the dimmer switch and the mechanic who worked on my truck told me that was no the first one he had replaced and told me I was very lucky. If it had failed in heavy traffic on a two lane highway and under darker night conditions and at a higher rate of speed I probably would have wrecked. I believe this is a design flaw. *tr

Filed Jul 30, 2012 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · GA

I own a 2001 dodge ram 1500. This vehicle however, has a defect, the dashboard cracks and is starting to basically disintegrate. I however, am not the only one with these issues. As you can see on the forums and websites below. Http://www.dashcover.com/dodgeramdash.html http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6297146/pickups-suvs/is-your-2001-dodge-ram-dash-falling-apart/index.html http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard.shtml http://www.carcomplaints.com/dodge/ram_1500/2001/accessories-interior/cracked_dashboard-2.shtml http://www.automotiveforums.com/t429358-cracked_dash_in_2001_2500_truck.html the failure is so common there are youtube videos on how to fix it temporarily: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7wfcxsy8xi I have seen quotes to get this fixed anywhere from 800 to 1500 dollars. Absolutely absurd. Some people are reporting that their dashboard is cracking and pieces are falling behind the dash and creating rattling noises and some even as severe as taking out electrical equipment causing headlight failure, AC failure, etc. Despite all of these issues dodge will not issue a recall. One of my biggest concerns is if I were to get into an accident the dashboard could shatter sending sharp edged pieces of plastic towards me under high impact, which could lead to severe injury and/or death. I am highly concerned with this issue and I hope that by you showing interest on mine and others behalf we can resolve this. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Body · CO

Completely cracked dashboard, sharp edges, effecting electrical components, headlights.

Filed Jan 7, 2012 · Body · AR

My dashboard was cracked when I bought it, and this week an entire piece fell in and now slides around under the dash. I have read online from other people that this can cause electrical problems, including headlight failure. The plastic is also very sharp. A recall is necessary because this could be dangerous.

Filed Dec 27, 2011 · Lights · 45,000 miles · NJ

Head lights stopped working , high beams still work. All other lights look like there working.

Filed Feb 14, 2011 · Body · 56,000 miles · IN · crash

Purchased a 2001 dodge ram from local dealer, and didn't have it 6 months and noticed the dash cracked and came apart. Took it to the local dealer several times and asked to fix. They refused, stating it was not a recall and it was due to sun. I tried to tell them that the windows are tinted and it is garage kept when not in motion, but they refused to answer. Now it is on several automotive blogs and sites all over the us with hundreds of people with the same issue with the same year truck package. It is now broken so badly its causing failure to defrost the front windshield and several electrical issues including the headlights going out while driving, speakers cutting off and interior lights going out randomly. It has now cracked so that the heat and air is no longer routed correctly and is causing poor driving conditions. My wife backed into another vehicle because of this... They want 1000 dollars to fix and parts are hard to find.

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Body, Electrical · 120,000 miles · FL

Several electrical issues due to pieces from broken dashboard falling into dash area wearing and cutting away wiring insulation. Have had problems with headlights turning off and gauges not functioning properly. Also on several occasions have seen smoke rising out of large holes in dash area. Glare from mounting brackets reflecting off inside of windshield has created visibility issues on bright days.

Filed Aug 20, 2010 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge 1500 quad cab. The contact was pulling into a residential driveway at relatively low speeds. He utilized the tilt adjust for the steering wheel and when he lifted upward, the electrical components of the vehicle failed. When he adjusted the steering wheel back downward, the electrical components became operable. The contact repeated several times and the failure occurred with each instance. The dealer discovered that the wiring harness wires were too short and was beginning to loosen. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred and the headlights failed. The high beams were the only front-end lights that would operate. The contact was concerned that the failure could potentially cause a crash. Updated 01/20/11 *bf updated 04/20/11

Filed May 19, 2010 · Body · 40,000 miles · NC

I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 and the dash pad is cracked and several pieces are missing. I ask the dealer if dodge had issued a recall for the problem and was told no. I have been reading several comments on corcomplaint about drivers with the same problem having additional issue such as headlights not coming on and other electrical problems...having large holes in the dash and having the sun heating up electrical wires seems like a safety issue. This is my reason for filing this complaint.