NHTSA complaint #11611434

Owner complaint summary

The rear tail light assembly that is mounted on the tailgate (it is often referred to as a "racetrack" light) filled with water and quit working while the vehicle was under warranty. It apparently fails due to a defective seal between the lens and the housing. The light assembly was replaced under warranty and lasted approximately 1 year before leaking and filling with water again. This time it was not covered by warranty. I drained the water, but one of the license plate lights no longer illuminates. It is impossible to change just a bulb. To repair this light requires replacement of the entire assembly at a cost of approximately $2,000. Driving the vehicle with an unilluminated license plate subjects me to being stopped by law enforcement and issued a citation. This is not an isolated incident as I see countless Dodge Durangos, including many that are used by law enforcement, with the same problem.