2014 Dodge Durango Exterior lighting Problems

Water leaks into and pools in the tail lights causing the tail light to go out. Other drivers can't see the back of the car at night thus increasing risk of rear end collision. The problem was confirmed by the dealer and I was told that it is a very common problem on this model and that the manufacturer refuses to cover the $1600.00 repair cost. There were no warnings that the light had gone out, so this is very dangerous because it's possible that you drive around for many months without realizing that your tail light is not working.

NHTSA ID

11743817

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The rear racetrack light on the lift gate, right side leaks when it rains, car wash, snow and has shorted out part of the light strip.

NHTSA ID

11731281

Incident

Jan 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was pulled over by a Police Officer, and was informed that both taillights were inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the taillight assemblies. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA ID

11666350

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

Mileage

122,000 mi

Racetrack light bar has failed twice since purchasing this car. The same bulb has went out and in order to pass inspection I need to replace the whole thing. I've had this vehicle for 2 years.

NHTSA ID

11663639

Incident

Jan 15, 2025

The rear tail light racetrack assembly gasket has permitted water intrusion, with currently about an inch of water having collected in the light. The lower segments of the LED lights have failed, posing a safety risk due to reduced visibility, as well as a fire risk. In addition, the rear license plate LED module has failed, likely due to this water intrusion, requiring replacement no less than 4 times since i have owned this vehicle (since 2015). This repair is costly, roughly $300 each time. It was just replaced in November of 2024, and has already failed.

NHTSA ID

11647543

Incident

Nov 16, 2024

The driver side Daylight Running Light went out prematurely.

NHTSA ID

11640214

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

The rear light bar in my vehicle has repeatedly failed in my nine years of ownership. It first occurred in 2015 under the 36,000-mile warranty, followed by three more failures every two years, with the latest at 84,000 miles in 2024. This issue is tied to a design flaw. The light bar is prone to water ingress, causing light source failure and attributed to a manufacturing defect by the dealership. The cost of replacement is $2,100, and Arapahoe Dodge in Centennial, CO, acknowledges it as a widespread problem in Dodge vehicles with this part. Despite replacements, the issue persists, calling for a recall to redesign and replace the faulty units. Functioning as a crucial safety component in the braking system, the failure of the brake light significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions. I initiated a ticket with Chrysler, but the representative lacked knowledge. Suggestions of a factory technician assisting at the dealership were met with uncertainty. There are no warning signs before the LED fails, with water accumulation being the only indicator. In summary, the recurring failure of the light bar poses a significant safety risk, acknowledged by the dealership. The cost of replacement is substantial, warranting a recall for redesign. Communication gaps with Chrysler and the lack of warning signs compound the issue, emphasizing the urgency for resolution.

NHTSA ID

11568207

Incident

Nov 15, 2023

The “racetrack” tail light on my wifes Durango is completely burnt out due to water infiltration in the assembly, which is a now known issue for multiple drivers of a Durango. With that being said, since it’s been burnt out, my wife has almost been rear ended 3 times now and I believe it could have something to do with 90% of tail lights that is equipped with the vehicle is now burnt out due to a flaw in manufacturing. It is also a $1000+ repair being you have to replace the entire assembly. Her application of the brakes would be more well known if the entire assembly illuminated and make safer driving conditions for her and others. I understand the product needs replaced but with it being a now known flaw, I don’t believe it should be at the expenses of the vehicle owners.

NHTSA ID

11566795

Incident

Jan 20, 2024

Due to the 2014 dodge Durango not having a proper seal on them the race track light on my 2014 dodge Durango has been halfway burnt out and there is no reason for me to have to pay $1200 when this is a safety hazard this should be a recalled this is ridiculous. It is not safe it could cause electrical fire a short I’ve worked for emergency services and I will tell you now if your lights on the back of your car do not work properly, it is very highly dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11565262

Incident

Dec 31, 2023

Center hatch led strip light leak causing led to go out and back up camera to stop working. Causes hazardous conditions for backing up with camera not working and hazardous conditions while driving because don’t know if the short in few of led lights will cause all tail light/brake lights to short out also.

NHTSA ID

11542318

Incident

Sep 2, 2023

Durango has HID headlights. Sometimes one or both headlights do not come on. It is not the headlight bulbs. This is an intermittent problem. Sometimes left doesn't light and sometimes right doesn't light. Safety of driving at night to my family and anyone else on the road is compromised! Many reports of this same problem on cars and trucks with HID headlights. The problem has been reproduced at dealer.

NHTSA ID

11526011

Incident

Jun 6, 2023

Dodge Durango Race track tail light. Whole lower left side bulb out and license plate lights due to water entering that area. When you lift the truck water pours out of the light area. Dangerous to drive not sure when the whole light will give out. This is a defect on tons of Durango’s and is a safety hazard to drive. You never know when the whole light will go out do to this defect. Some will get in a accident because of this. If some can’t see your brake light especially at night this will cause a accident! In addition the police pull you over for a bad light and now no license plate lights due to this water issue .

NHTSA ID

11518195

Incident

Apr 21, 2023

Water in center section of factory brake lamp assembly. This causes less to burn out and are not replaceable bulbs. Only fox is to replace the light completely.

NHTSA ID

11516917

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he activated the remote start feature and noticed that the tailgate light was not illuminated. The contact stated that he observed condensation at the lower portion of the bulb and that the component might have failed due to the fixture not being sealed properly. The contact stated that he was concerned that the failure might lead to him being stopped by the police due to the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11511815

Incident

Nov 1, 2019

Mileage

40,000 mi

The taillight assembly leaks and fills up with water. It is available for inspection. The taillight shorts out and does not work. The potential of being rear ended is very high; threatening the lives of those in the car and those in the car behind it. Many other Dodge Durango owners have the same problem. The car has not been inspected by others. No warning lamps or symptoms. But every time it rains it is best to loosen the taillight assembly to drain as much water as possibly to prevent the malfunction again.

NHTSA ID

11497843

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

Rear tail light accumulates water causing a portion of the LED lights to burn out.

NHTSA ID

11489472

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

Internal failure of catalytic converter and body control module

NHTSA ID

11470055

Incident

Apr 7, 2022

The long rear tailgate lamp (called the CHMSL) suffers from water intrusion which results in LED failure. This is a reoccurring issue. I am now trying to get this lamp replaced for the 4th or 5th time (yes, I've lost track because it's ridiculous!) Dodge should do a recall and hold the lighting manufacturer accountable as it is a common problem over many years of vehicles. Why should the consumer be burdened with having to replace this lamp every 1-2 years?? Lighting is a safety feature! Failure of LED's is a safety failure. This is an automatic recall so why hasn't a recall been issued?? Nothing on the vehicle system tells you the LED's are out. This affects visibility and can lead to accident, injury or death.

NHTSA ID

11465234

Incident

May 18, 2021

Rear racetrack lighting fills with water. Could short out causing fire or no lights. Have had replaced in 2017. Now water leaking again. Common issue when searched for. Called dealers said dodge warranty has not been covering issue now. Have max care coverage.

NHTSA ID

11463083

Incident

Aug 1, 2017

the taillight has been getting water inside and there is no way for the water to get out. The water is taking my LED's. this should be a defect on Dodge since they made it. I speak on the other dodge owners that this needs to be fixed or recalled on this issue.

NHTSA ID

11458014

Incident

Mar 22, 2022

2014 Dodge Durango R/T- water pooled in the drivers side rear light, causing the LED's to short out. I called the dealership and it is well over a thousand dollars to replace this. Currently only operating with the passenger side light which is a huge problem in the state of MI. No warning lamps appeared... I noticed it after a car wash.

NHTSA ID

11452408

Incident

Feb 14, 2022

The rear "racetrack" tail light assembly fills with water and disables the lights. Also water gets in to the lights over the license plate and disables that light as well.

NHTSA ID

11448019

Incident

Jan 1, 2015

Water gets into track lights, short circuiting entire tailgate lighting including license plate light, back up camera, and tailgate panel lighting.

NHTSA ID

11447780

Incident

Jan 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the front windshield lining was cracked which caused water to seep into the glove compartment. Additionally, the exterior tailgate door lights were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty since 2018. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11442816

Incident

Dec 6, 2021

Mileage

68,000 mi

WATER COLLECTS IN THE RACETRACK TAILIGHT.

NHTSA ID

11434965

Incident

Sep 1, 2020