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.
2016 Dodge Durango lights problems
53 complaints (33% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 50,000.
- owner complaints
- 53
- of this car's complaints
- 33%
- typical mileage
- 50,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Tail lights1
- Headlights1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge Durango lights problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2016 Dodge Durango owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Portions of the rear LED taillight have shorted out due to water accumulation in the housing
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.
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.
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.
Questions about the 2016 Dodge Durango lights
Does the 2016 Dodge Durango have lights problems?
Owners have filed 53 complaints about the lights of the 2016 Dodge Durango, 33% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Durango lights problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 50,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Dodge Durango lights?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Dodge Durango have the most lights problems?
The Dodge Durango model years with the most lights complaints are 2014 (260 complaints), 2015 (197 complaints) and 2021 (94 complaints).
Other 2016 Dodge Durango problems
Electrical 40Transmission 30Engine 16Acceleration 9Driver assistance 9Airbags 6Body 6Fuel system 5Seats 5Suspension 5Brakes 4Steering 3Tires 2Locks 1Seat belts 1Wheels 1
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