2018 Dodge Durango lights problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · IA

The rear tail lights The factory gaskets and seals fail to keep rain out, causing water to pool inside and short out or corrode the LED strips and circuit boards

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · MI

I purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, moisture was present inside the rear liftgate/racetrack lamp assembly and portions of the rear lighting did not operate. The selling dealership inspected and repaired the vehicle. Its repair invoice states that the left rear tail/running/parking lamp was inoperative because of an open wire between the body control module and the left rear lamp, but I have a picture I uploaded that only one of the passenger side light actually worked so I don' know about the broke wire, but I know the lights didn't work when I purchased the vehicle as our home camera showed after I brought it home. But they did try to fix them. The dealership routed a new wire, taped and waterproofed it, and returned the vehicle after stating that the system worked. I was also told or understood that the racetrack lamp assembly had been replaced, but the repair records I received do not identify a replacement lamp or part number. Approximately one week after the repair, moisture reappeared. The liftgate lamp assembly now contains substantial visible standing water that moves when the liftgate is raised or lowered. Sections along the bottom appear to be dimming or failing, Because raising the liftgate causes the standing water to move toward the upper lamps and electrical connections, I now avoid using it A suggestion drilling a drainage hole in the lamp assembly. I have not drilled, sealed, drained or otherwise modified the assembly. I am concerned that the standing water may contact or corrode the lamp sockets, connectors, wiring, license-plate lamps, backup lamps or rear camera and cause the rear lighting to fail without warning. This could make the vehicle difficult for other drivers to see, especially at night. Cannot drive it at night for safety reasons No crash, fire or injury has occurred. The vehicle and defective component are available for inspection. Photographs, video and dealership repair records are available

Filed Jul 10, 2026 · Lights · 100,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that a section of the rear light was inoperable. The passenger’s side light was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tail light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · NJ

Water in racetrack tailgate taillights

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Lights · TN

The tailgate light has gone out on my 2018 Dodge Durango R/T. Researching online has lead me to discover that this is a known issue that is costing customers thousands of dollars due to a known design flaw. The tailgate light goes out and usually leads to the brake lights and backup camera going out. I do not know when the brakes lights may glitch or go out which can cause an accident. I asked the service person at the dealership about the tailgate issue in May of 2025 when the tailgate light was intermittently going in and out. I was told to call the 800 customer service number. There’s no warning for the tailgate light failing and leading to the failure of the brake lights and backup camera.

Filed Jul 4, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · MN

Rainwater or going through a car wash leaks water into backend lighting compartment which leads to backend lights not working. You can see the water into the lights. Water leaks out the backend when you open or close the back door. No brake lights could cause accidents. Wiring also corrodes and needs replacement due to water corrosion.

Filed May 18, 2025 · Lights · PA

Purchased this vehicle used from a dealership and a few months later the racetrack light malfunctioned and stopped working which is also connected to my license plate light. The dealership refused to cover the expense of the light which to my surprise was over two thousand dollars, an expense I was not prepared for and now I am at a loss. They tried to negotiate that I should pay for half the cost when the car was purchased of their lot less than a few months with a major malfunction like this. Upon further research I find out there is a class action lawsuit against FCA about this issue. I do not have the money for this repair unless I borrow the money, if so can I get reimbursed though FCA?

Filed May 8, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · MI

Rear Racetrack LED lightning is failing due to water intrusion. This could also possibly cause electrical issues to the license plate lights and back up camera. When in bad weather, other drivers could fail to see the back of my car, and could get into an accident. Yes, dealer stated that the cost is 1500 to fix. The Durango has 60K miles. Dealer only. No warning just a fellow driver reported my Racetrack light flickers and dim.

Filed Mar 30, 2025 · Lights · CT

The rear race track rail has water build up at the bottom of it and it fried the lights so they don’t work anymore.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Lights · NY

Center lift gate racetrack light failed due to water getting into seam and shorting out that light and the license plate light. The whole unit needs to be replaced due to a faulty design which is going to cost over $2000