2016 Dodge Durango Exterior lighting Problems

The Rear License Plate Light bulb (right) was out and I went to have the bulb replaced. I was quoted over $1100 from the dealer, as the LED racetrack lighting was not properly sealed and is collecting water. The collection of water within the light compartment has caused corrosion within, and the wiring to disintegrate. This is a commonly known, yet not addressed safety issue by DODGE. My vehicle will not pass the MA Safety Inspection at the end of the month. I have read on-line many, many complaints, as well as have spoken to other Durango owners who have experienced this same problem. I have already replaced the racetrack lighting ONCE on this vehicle due to water collection and the brake lights not properly working. THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID

11677230

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

Rear racetrack led lighting is failing. One segment has gone dark. You can only replace the entire assembly for over &1500. I found on line there is a class action lawsuit regarding exactly what I am seeing

NHTSA ID

11641732

Incident

Feb 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, the contact became aware that the rear exterior lighting was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11568020

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

The lighting system allowed water to enter the lights, causing them to fail as they filled up (from bottom to top) to the point that they won't properly indicate running lights or brake lights. This failure has been slowly occuring over the course of 4 years until it now fails to pass the safety inspection.

NHTSA ID

11550440

Incident

Oct 1, 2019

Around Thanksgiving of this year (2022), I noticed that my taillight housing for the center LED Racetrack lighting on my 2016 Dodge Durango was retaining water. I found this odd because light housings are supposed to be sealed and not allow water to enter. If water gets in, the electrical is at risk and lights can be shorted out or even cause an electrical fire. I conducted research and have found that this is a common issue with the Dodge Durango since this model has been sold. Water has been reported all over the internet of rear light housings that have shorted out or caused major issues. If the lights go out, it can cause visibility issues for vehicles behind you. I have noticed that the lights are now flickering on my vehicle in the area where the water settles. The same light housing contains the license plate lights, the back-up camera, and the reverse lights. I have also noticed that the main taillights that have the functioning brake lights and turn signal have had condensation as well. The part to replace this entire one section of lighting and electrical components is around $1,000. I have noticed that a technical bulletin was sent out by Dodge reference the "License Plate LED Light Inoperative - Moisture Visible Within the Lens" but it seems to only apply to the license plate lights. However, I believe the issue is much bigger than just the license plate lights and should be addressed with the manufacturer. Most of the components on this light housing contain lighting that is required by most state laws, especially in Texas, to be functional. The rear license plate lights and the reverse lights must be functional to pass vehicle inspection that is required to register the vehicle every year. Worst case scenario, the entire housing shorts out and the owner is left with a vehicle that has non-functioning license plate lights, reverse camera, and reverse lights.

NHTSA ID

11496498

Incident

Nov 21, 2022

WATER HAS LEAKED INTO THE "RACE TRACK LIGHTING" ON THE LIFT GATE. THIS IS FROM NORMAL, EVERYDAY DRIVING USE AND CARE. THE LIFT GATE TAIL LIGHTS, AS WELL AS LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING NO LONGER FUNCTION. THIS MAKES MY VEHICLE DANGEROUS, AND ILLEGAL TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE READ ON MULTIPLE DODGE DURANGO FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND ONE DODGE DEALER I SPOKE TO SAID THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME. THE PART ALONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS QUOTED AT $1000 BEFORE TAX. TO ME, IT IS CRAZY THAT IT COSTS THIS MUCH SIMPLY TO MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL AGAIN, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS A COMMON ISSUE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, IT'S A SAFETY, AND LEGAL ISSUE, AND IT IS SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I BOUGHT A NEWER VEHICLE TO NOT HAVE PROBLEMS, AND IT IS HARD TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE FIX WHEN ALL I AM TRYING TO DO IS MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL TO DRIVE AGAIN. DODGE NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING, AND TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED MANY OF ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA ID

11460116

Incident

Apr 8, 2022

Portions of the rear LED taillight have shorted out due to water accumulation in the housing

NHTSA ID

11432375

Incident

Sep 1, 2019

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he noticed that the driver’s side headlight would appear dim and would sometimes not illuminate. The contact was relating the failure to corrosion with the connector of the wire and the bulb. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11425103

Incident

Jul 16, 2021

Mileage

56,000 mi

RACE TRACK LIGHTING TAKING IN WATER. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS - LOOKS LIKE DURANGO MODELS 2014-20 ALL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. DODGE DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS- THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSAND AND THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. DODGE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEIR CONSUMERS. DODGE CONTINUALLY PUTS THIS FAULT PART ON THEIR DURANGOS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS PART- THEY SHOULD FIX THE PARTS AND THEY SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. IS REALLY SAD THAT SO MANY ARE BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. EVERYONE IN DODGE IS AWARE OF THIS- YET THEY WOULD RATHER MAKE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OFF THEIR CONSUMERS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE! PLEASE HELP. - I WORK HARD FOR MY MONEY I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTINUALLY PAY OUT FOR A FAULTY PART THAT DODGE IS AWARE OF.

NHTSA ID

11407254

Incident

Mar 24, 2021

THE LIGHT THAT RUNS ACROSS THE BACK OF THE TRUCK (RAIL LIGHT) CUTS ON AN OFF DUE TO WATER THAT IS INSIDE THE LIGHT DUE TO O A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THE CASE THAT THE LIGHT IS IN HOLD MOISTURE. IT SHORT THE LIGHT OUT AND IT ALSO CAN START A FIRE. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER TRUCK AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON THE BACK WITH OUT ME KNOWING IT. MY 4 CHILDREN AND I COULD'VE DIED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THERE ARE SEVERAL MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11396320

Incident

Nov 15, 2017

THE REAR TRACK LIGHTING FOR RUNNING LIGHTS IS BURNING OUT DUE TO WATER INTRUSION. THE ENTIRE UNIT WILL FAIL FROM THE WATER. VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE DODGES. NO POSSIBLE FIXES OTHER THAN REPLACING UNITS AND THE COST IS REALLY HIGH.

NHTSA ID

11389362

Incident

Jan 11, 2021

Mileage

70,000 mi

WATER HAS LEAKED INTO THE "RACE TRACK LIGHTING" ON THE LIFT GATE. THIS IS FROM NORMAL, EVERYDAY DRIVING USE AND CARE. THE LIFT GATE TAIL LIGHTS, AS WELL AS LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING NO LONGER FUNCTION. THIS MAKES MY VEHICLE DANGEROUS, AND ILLEGAL TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE READ ON MULTIPLE DODGE DURANGO FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND ONE DODGE DEALER I SPOKE TO SAID THEY SEE THIS ALL THE TIME. THE PART ALONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS QUOTED AT $1000 BEFORE TAX. TO ME, IT IS CRAZY THAT IT COSTS THIS MUCH SIMPLY TO MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL AGAIN, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS A COMMON ISSUE ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH. I FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, IT'S A SAFETY, AND LEGAL ISSUE, AND IT IS SO EXPENSIVE TO FIX. I BOUGHT A NEWER VEHICLE TO NOT HAVE PROBLEMS, AND IT IS HARD TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE FIX WHEN ALL I AM TRYING TO DO IS MAKE MY VEHICLE LEGAL TO DRIVE AGAIN. DODGE NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING, AND TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED MANY OF ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS.

NHTSA ID

11389248

Incident

Jan 13, 2021

Mileage

54,000 mi

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LIGHT STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. IT WOULD TURN ON AND THEN TURN OFF WITHOUT TRIGGERING A WARNING OR ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OUTAGE. I REPLACED IT AT A COST OF ABOUT $400. NOW, THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT IS HAVING THE SAME FAILURE WITHOUT THERE BEING A WARNING OR ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ISSUE AND I'M HAVING TO SPEND ANOTHER $400 TO GET IT REPLACED. IT IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART AND I'M FURIOUS THAT THESE LIGHTS ARE SO COSTLY TO REPLACE. I THOUGHT LEDS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MUCH LONGER LASTING. I DON'T WANT TO GET PULLED OVER FOR HAVING A HEADLIGHT OUT. DODGE NEEDS TO HAVE A RELIABLE AND SAFE PRODUCT. THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11387222

Incident

Jan 8, 2021

Mileage

59,700 mi

PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN 2018, WITH LESS THAN 30K MILES ON IT. IT CURRENTLY HAS AROUND 48K MILES ON IT, AND THE RACETRACK LED TAIL LIGHT BAR HAS WATER IN IT, CAUSING PART OF THE BAR TO GO OUT. THERE ARE A TON OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE - FCA NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT AND NOT EXPECT THEIR CUSTOMERS TO SHELL OUT AROUND $1200 TO FIX THEIR FAULTY DESIGN.

NHTSA ID

11320510

Incident

Mar 6, 2020

THE TAIL LIGHT THAT RUNS ALL THE WAY ACROSS ON THE BACK LEAKS. I'VE ALREADY THIS REPLACED ONCE WHEN IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE BUGS GOT IN THERE. NOW THIS KEEPS MOISTURE, I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO FIND WAYS TO DRAIN THIS OR IT WOULD MAKE THE LIGHTS GO OUT. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING ON EVERY VEHICLE THAT HAS THESE LIGHTS. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW, I DIDN'T EXPECT AFTER ONLY A YEAR OF HAVING I WOULD COME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!

NHTSA ID

11310583

Incident

Feb 12, 2020

Mileage

46,000 mi

REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAD MOISTURE IN THEM AFTER BUYING THE CAR. DEALER STATES DODGE WOULD NOT REPLACE THEM UNDER WARRANTY SO THE DEALER DRILLED HOLES TO HELP THE MOISTURE DRAIN. NOW THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAVE POOLING WATER IN THEN ABOUT A 1/4 OF THE LIGHT IS FILLED. REAR TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHTS STILL WORK FOR NOW. LED RACETRACK LIGHTING THAT GOES ALL AROUND THE REAR LIGHTS IS BLOWING OUT DUE TO THE WATER GETTING INTO IT. PER THE DEALER DODGE WILL NOT REPLACE IT EVEN THOUGH IT'S A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THIS LIGHTING AND THE WATER GETTING INTO IT. I WILL HAVE TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $1200 TO HAVE IT REPLACED.

NHTSA ID

11306668

Incident

Dec 30, 2017

THE RACETRACK LIGHTING ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH WATER AND BURNED OUT SEVERAL LED LIGHTS. IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. ONCE I WAS OVER 36,000 MILES, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE NEW PART THE DEALER INSTALLED. I CALLED DEALER SINCE 5 MONTHS LATER AFTER THE NEW INSTALLATION, THE SAME THING HAPPENED. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE PART AND SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO FEE.

NHTSA ID

11299757

Incident

Jul 29, 2019

THE LED RACE TRACK STYLE LIGHT BARS, WHICH ARE THE TAILLIGHTS FOR DODGE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THEM, ARE DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN; SUCH THAT THEY ARE NOT SEALED PROPERLY TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION. THE LED LIGHT BARS ALLOW WATER TO POOL IN THE BOTTOM OF THEM CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, SINCE THIS IS THE TAILLIGHT SYSTEM FOR THE VEHICLE, IT POSES A GRAVE SAFETY RISK. ADDITIONALLY, DODGE DOES NOT CONSIDER 'SEALS' PART OF THEIR WARRANTY COVERAGE WHEN YOU TRY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THROUGH THAT CHANNEL. I WOULD THINK DRIVING AROUND WITH DEFECTIVE WATER LEAKING AND SOON TO BE MALFUNCTIONING TAILLIGHTS WOULD BE A BIGGER SAFETY RISK IN THE EYES OF DODGE; HOWEVER, THEY SEEM TO THINK TELLING ME THEY CAN ORDER ME A NEW ONE FOR $1,200 WHEN IT LEFT THE FACTORY DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN IS AN APPROPRIATE REMEDY.

NHTSA ID

11297535

Incident

Dec 24, 2019

Mileage

16,000 mi

THE RACETRACK LED LIGHTING ON THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE KEEPS BURNING OUT. THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HOLDS WATER AND IT JUST POOLS UP INSIDE THE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY, EVENTUALLY BURNING THE LED'S OUT. HAVE HAD REPLACED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, PROBLEM OCCURRED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AGAIN. NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, AND NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR, DEALER KNOWS ITS AN ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11292538

Incident

Nov 19, 2018

Mileage

26,000 mi

CENTER SECTION OF REAR VEHICLE LIGHTING FAILED. LEAVING INADEQUATE REAR LIGHTS.

NHTSA ID

11292246

Incident

Jul 3, 2019

Mileage

59,541 mi

WATER LEAKS INTO AND POOLS IN REAR TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHT CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. RESEARCH HAS FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11291663

Incident

Dec 5, 2019

MY LED TAILLIGHTS KEEP GETTING WATER INSIDE THEM CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO SLOWLY GO OUT. THIS WILL CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE OVER TIME. ALSO WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I FEEL THAT DODGE DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB AT SEALING THE LIGHTS. BY LOOKING AT THE PICTURES YOU WILL SEE WHAT I MEAN BY THE WATER. I HAVE DRAINED THE WATER SEVERAL TIMES BY REMOVING A BOLT.

NHTSA ID

11291639

Incident

Dec 27, 2019

Mileage

84,000 mi

THE RACING TAILLIGHTS ARE NOT SEALED WELL ENOUGH. WATER IS GETTING INTO THE LIGHT. IT WILL CAUSE PART OF LIGHT TO GO OUT.

NHTSA ID

11286749

Incident

Nov 27, 2019

Mileage

101,000 mi

WHEN IT RAINS WATER IS COLLECTING IN THE BACK TAILGATE LIGHT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. APPARENTLY, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11286562

Incident

Nov 1, 2019

WATER LEAKS INTO THE RACETRACK LIGHTING AND POOLS CAUSING BURNOUT OF LED LIGHTING. THIS RESULTS IN REDUCING VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE DUE LACK OF LIGHTING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE DODGE DURANGO'S.

NHTSA ID

11283110

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

Mileage

44,001 mi