For years, the Dodge Durango has been praised for its muscular design, roomy interior, and strong performance. One of its most recognizable styling elements is the wide LED “racetrack” tail light that stretches across the rear of the SUV. But for many owners, that signature design has become a source of frustration, safety concerns, and unexpected repair bills.
Those complaints have now taken legal shape. A federal class action case commonly referred to as the durango racetrack tail light lawsuit is putting renewed attention on whether Stellantis (formerly FCA US) knowingly sold vehicles with a defective rear lighting system and failed to warn customers or issue a recall.
This article breaks down everything known so far: what the lawsuit claims, which models are affected, how the alleged defect works, what the manufacturer says, and what Durango owners should consider next.
The Problem Behind the Racetrack Tail Light
At the center of the dispute is water intrusion. Owners of Dodge Durangos equipped with the LED racetrack-style rear light allege that moisture can seep into the sealed light housing. Once water gets inside, it doesn’t drain easily.
Over time, this trapped moisture is said to cause:
- Corrosion of electrical contacts
- Flickering or dim LEDs
- Complete tail light failure
- Malfunctioning brake lights
- Issues with license plate illumination
- Rear camera and wiring problems
In some cases, owners report discovering visible water pooling inside the light bar after rain, snow, or even routine car washes.
While cosmetic issues can be annoying, lighting failures raise serious safety concerns especially when brake lights stop working or visibility is reduced at night.
Which Dodge Durangos Are Affected?
According to court filings and owner complaints, the issue primarily affects:
- Model years 2014 through 2023
- Dodge Durangos equipped with the full-width LED racetrack tail light
- Both V6 and V8 trims, including R/T, Citadel, and SRT variants
Not every vehicle experiences the issue, but the volume and consistency of complaints across model years have played a major role in advancing the lawsuit.
How the Issue Typically Appears
Owners often describe a similar pattern.
It starts small. After heavy rain or a car wash, condensation forms inside the rear light bar. At first, it may fade on its own. Then it comes back and stays longer.
Eventually, warning signs appear:
- Dashboard alerts
- Random lighting failures
- Burnt-out LEDs
- Electrical shorts
Some drivers only discover the issue when another motorist alerts them that their brake lights aren’t working.
What frustrates many owners is that replacing the light assembly doesn’t always solve the problem. In numerous cases cited in the lawsuit, replacement parts reportedly suffer from the same design flaw, leading to repeat failures.
Repair Costs and Financial Impact
Replacing the racetrack tail light is not cheap.
Depending on location and dealership pricing, owners report repair costs ranging from:
- $1,200 to over $2,000 per repair
- Additional labor charges
- Diagnostic fees
- Wiring repairs if corrosion spreads
Because many failures occur after the factory warranty expires, owners often pay out of pocket. Some have replaced the assembly more than once.
Plaintiffs argue this has reduced resale value and forced consumers to shoulder costs for a problem they say should never have existed.
What the Lawsuit Claims
The class action lawsuit alleges that Stellantis:
- Knew or should have known about the water intrusion problem
- Failed to disclose the defect to buyers
- Did not issue a recall or permanent fix
- Continued selling vehicles with the same design
The legal complaint cites internal service records and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that reportedly acknowledge water-related tail light issues.
While TSBs provide guidance to dealerships, they are not recalls and do not require manufacturers to notify customers directly.
Plaintiffs say this allowed the problem to persist quietly while owners absorbed the costs.
Safety Concerns Raised by the Case
Beyond money, safety is a central issue.
Functional rear lighting is critical for:
- Braking visibility
- Night driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Highway safety
The lawsuit argues that a vehicle sold with a known lighting defect could pose a risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.
Some filings even raise concerns about potential electrical overheating, though no widespread fires have been officially confirmed.
Where the Case Stands Now
The case filed in federal court in Delaware has survived early procedural challenges and moved forward into discovery. That means both sides are now exchanging documents, internal records, and expert testimony.
Key points so far:
- No recall has been issued
- Stellantis denies wrongdoing
- The company argues failures are isolated or due to external factors
- Plaintiffs maintain the defect is systemic
A trial is not expected until at least 2027 unless the case settles earlier.
Stellantis’ Response
Stellantis has not publicly admitted to a design defect.
In court filings, the automaker argues that:
- The tail lights meet regulatory standards
- Not all vehicles experience failures
- Environmental exposure can vary by region
- Proper maintenance may prevent issues
As of now, there is no official compensation program tied specifically to the tail light issue.
Owner Experiences and Public Reaction
Online forums, complaint databases, and social media paint a consistent picture.
Many owners describe:
- Repeated dealer visits
- Temporary fixes
- DIY sealant attempts
- Drilling small drain holes (not recommended)
Some owners report success after resealing the assembly, while others say the problem returns months later.
The frustration has fueled support for the lawsuit, particularly among long-term Durango owners.
Why There Has Been No Recall
Recalls are typically issued when a defect clearly violates safety regulations or federal standards.
In this case, the absence of a recall may be due to:
- Inconsistent failure rates
- No official NHTSA mandate
- Lack of documented injuries
However, lawsuits like this often pressure manufacturers to reconsider their stance.
What Owners Can Do Right Now
If you own a Dodge Durango with a racetrack tail light, there are practical steps you can take:
- Document condensation or water buildup with photos
- Save repair invoices and dealership records
- Report the issue to the NHTSA
- Monitor the lawsuit’s progress
Some owners may qualify for reimbursement if a settlement or judgment is reached in the future.
Broader Impact on Auto Design
This case highlights a larger industry trend.
As vehicles rely more on integrated LED lighting and complex electronics, design flaws can become expensive quickly. A sealed unit that fails may require full replacement rather than a simple bulb change.
The outcome of this lawsuit could influence how automakers design and test exterior lighting systems going forward.
Looking Ahead
The durango racetrack tail light lawsuit is still unfolding, but it has already brought attention to a problem many owners say they have lived with for years.
Whether the case ends in a settlement, a recall, or a courtroom verdict, it underscores an important reality: when a design feature becomes a liability, transparency matters.
For now, Durango owners are watching closely hoping the case leads to accountability, clarity, and a lasting fix.
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