If you’ve noticed a mysterious haze, droplets of water, or even a small swimming pool forming inside the sleek, horizontal tail light of your Dodge Durango, you’re not alone. You’re not imagining things, and despite what a dealership might have told you, it’s not “normal condensation.” What you’re seeing is the visible symptom of a significant design defect—a flaw that has left thousands of owners frustrated, hundreds out of pocket, and, most alarmingly, many driving with a critical safety risk they didn’t even know they had.
This isn’t just an aesthetic issue. Those signature “racetrack” tail lights are a key part of your vehicle’s communication system with the drivers behind you. When they fill with water and fail, your brake lights and turn signals can—and do—stop working entirely. In the split second it takes for someone to realize you’re stopping, a preventable rear-end collision can become inevitable.
This widespread problem has now exploded into a full-blown legal battle. A proposed class action lawsuit specifically targeting Stellantis (the parent company of Dodge) is moving forward through the U.S. District Court. The lawsuit alleges that the company knowingly sold 2021-2023 Dodge Durango models with defective tail lights that are prone to water leakage and premature LED failure.
This guide is designed to be your ultimate resource. We’ll cut through the legal jargon and dealer-speak to give you a clear, straightforward understanding of:
- What the exact defect is and why it happens.
- Which specific Dodge Durango models are affected.
- The very real safety risks this problem creates.
- The latest update on the Durango racetrack tail light lawsuit (Boyle v. Chrysler).
- What to do if your dealership won’t fix the tail light under warranty.
- Practical steps you can take right now to protect yourself, your family, and your wallet.
So, let’s dive in and shed some light on this murky situation.
1: The Heart of the Problem: Why Your Durango’s Tail Lights Fail
At first glance, a little condensation might seem like a minor quirk. But the reality is a fundamental engineering failure. The problem isn’t the weather; it’s the seals.
The lawsuit alleges that the racetrack tail light assemblies on these Durangos have faulty seals and gaskets that are inadequate for their job. These seals are supposed to create a watertight barrier protecting the expensive LED circuitry inside from the elements. Instead, they allow moisture intrusion at an alarming rate.
This water ingress doesn’t just fog up the lens; it leads to a cascade of electrical failures. The moisture corrodes connections, shorts out the LED boards, and eventually causes complete electrical failure. It’s a classic case of a small, cheap component (a seal) causing a massive, expensive problem (a full tail light assembly replacement).
From Drips to Darkness: The Stages of Failure
Owners on forums like DodgeDurango.net (a primary source of user complaints) report a very consistent pattern:
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The Fog: It starts with light condensation or “sweating” on the inside of the lens after a rain wash or a humid night.
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The Pool: The condensation doesn’t evaporate. Instead, it accumulates, often pooling at the lowest point of the light housing.
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The Failure: The water makes contact with the electrical components. You might see one section of the light (like the turn signal or a portion of the brake light) flicker and die.
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Total Blackout: Eventually, the entire unit fails. The racetrack light stops illuminating entirely, meaning your brake light failure is now complete and you are driving with a major safety hazard.
Beyond the Racetrack: Are Other Lights Affected?
A common question from owners is whether this issue is isolated to the main racetrack bar. Based on extensive reports from the NHTSA database and owner forums, the primary focus of the lawsuit and the vast majority of complaints are on the prominent rear racetrack light. However, some users have also reported similar condensation issues in the traditional tail light housings and the third brake light. If you own an affected Durango, it’s wise to check all rear lighting regularly. [Link to our article on how to inspect your vehicle’s lights]
2: “Is My Durango Affected?” Model Years, Trims, and Part Numbers
This isn’t a problem that affects every Durango ever made. The class action lawsuit and the flood of NHTSA complaints are very specific.
The vehicles at the heart of this issue are:
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2021 Dodge Durango
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2022 Dodge Durango
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2023 Dodge Durango
It appears that all trims—from the base SXT to the powerful SRT Hellcat—that are equipped with the signature racetrack taillight design are susceptible. The problem seems to be with the design of the part itself, not how one particular trim level is assembled.
Understanding the Part Numbers
For the DIY-inclined or those facing pushback from a dealership, knowing the specific part number for your racetrack light can be empowering. The assemblies are side-specific:
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Left Side (Driver’s Side) Tail Lamp Assembly: Part number often begins with
68505967AE -
Right Side (Passenger Side) Tail Lamp Assembly: Part number often begins with
68505966AE
(Note: Part numbers can be superseded by newer versions. Always confirm the latest part number with a trusted parts department, ideally referencing your VIN.)
3: The Stark Reality: Documented Safety Risks and NHTSA Complaints
This is the most critical part of this entire issue. This is not about a cosmetic flaw; it’s about a critical safety risk.
The NHTSA database contains harrowing accounts from owners. One report describes a driver being “rear-ended because the brake lights were not working due to water inside the light.” Another states they were “followed by police and told that no brake lights were working,” a terrifying situation that could have ended very differently. The universal theme is an increased risk of rear-end collision—a type of accident that can have devastating consequences.
When your brake lights fail, you become virtually invisible to drivers behind you when you slow down, especially at night or in bad weather. This transforms a daily commute into a high-risk scenario. The safety hazard is undeniable and is the core reason why this issue has escalated to a class action lawsuit. [Link to our guide on what to do after a car accident caused by a defect]
4: The Legal Battle: Boyle v. Chrysler – Status, Claims, and Timeline
The formal legal response to this crisis is the case Boyle, et al. v. Chrysler Group, LLC. This proposed class action lawsuit is currently proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (Case No. 3:24-cv-00870). You can look up docket information on the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system.
The lawsuit accuses Stellantis of violating consumer protection laws by selling vehicles with a known defect and failing to acknowledge it or provide an adequate repair. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for owners who have paid out of pocket for replacements, a free repair remedy for all affected owners, and potentially other damages.
What a Successful Lawsuit Could Mean for You
It’s important to manage expectations. Class action lawsuits move slowly, often taking years to resolve. A successful outcome doesn’t mean a giant check for every owner. More likely, it would result in:
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Reimbursement: Owners who already paid for repairs could be reimbursed.
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Extended Warranty: Stellantis could be forced to extend the warranty coverage specifically for the tail lights for a longer period of mileage/years.
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Free Repair/Replacement: A free repair program could be established for all affected owners, regardless of warranty status.
As of now, the case is in the discovery phase. There has been no recall issued as a direct result of the lawsuit yet. [Link to our article on how class action lawsuits work]
5: The Official Response: Why There’s No Recall (Yet) and How to Change It
Many owners are frustrated that despite the obvious danger and the ongoing lawsuit, there has been no official recall from the NHTSA or Stellantis.
It’s crucial to understand the difference:
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A Lawsuit is a civil action brought by consumers. Its goal is compensation and a remedy.
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A Recall is a regulatory action, typically mandated by the NHTSA, after they determine a defect poses an unreasonable safety risk.
The NHTSA needs data to act. This is where you come in.
The Power of Your NHTSA Complaint: How to File It Right
Filing a complaint with the NHTSA is the single most important action you can take to force a recall. It’s not complicated:
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Gather Info: Have your VIN, mileage, and a clear description of the problem ready.
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Go to NHTSA.gov: Navigate to the “File a Vehicle Complaint” section.
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Be Detailed: Describe the water leakage, condensation, and any resulting brake light failure. Mention the safety risk and that you are aware of the ongoing class action lawsuit.
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Submit Photos/Videos: The site allows you to upload evidence. A video showing the condensation and the non-functioning light is incredibly powerful.
Every complaint adds to the official record and pushes the NHTSA closer to opening a formal defect investigation, which is the precursor to a recall. [Link to our step-by-step guide on filing an NHTSA complaint]
6: At the Dealership: Navigating Warranty Claims and Pushback
If you’re experiencing this problem, your first stop will likely be the dealership. Be prepared.
Is This Covered Under Warranty?
The factory bumper-to-bumper warranty on your Dodge Durango is typically 3 years/36,000 miles. If you are within that window, you have a very strong case for a warranty repair. However, many dealers initially dismiss the issue as “normal.” Do not accept this.
Scripts and Strategies: What to Say to Your Service Advisor
Be polite but firm and informed.
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“I am experiencing significant water intrusion in my tail light, which has caused a complete failure. This is a known defect documented in [NHTSA complaint ID #XXXXXX] and is the subject of an ongoing class action lawsuit, Boyle v. Chrysell.”
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“This is not normal condensation. It is a failure of the seals that constitutes a warranty repair for a safety-related component.”
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“Please diagnose the issue and confirm the repair will be covered under my factory warranty. I need that confirmation in writing before you proceed.”
If they refuse, ask to speak to the service manager. If they still refuse, contact Stellantis directly through their customer care line (1-800-423-6343) to open a case. Document every interaction. [Link to our article on your rights under manufacturer warranty]
7: Temporary Fixes and DIY Solutions
For those out of warranty or facing stubborn dealers, here are some potential paths forward. A warning: tampering with safety equipment can be risky. Proceed at your own risk and understand you may void remaining warranty coverage.
How to Safely Dry Out Your Tail Light Assembly
For a temporary fix, you can try drying it out. Carefully remove the assembly (search online for a guide for your model year). Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to evaporate the moisture from the outside of the housing. Do not bake it or overheat it, as you can damage the LEDs and plastics.
The Permanent DIY Fix: Resealing the Housing
Many forum users on DodgeDurango.net have had success with a permanent DIY fix. After drying the unit completely, they carefully pry apart the lens from the housing (often using heat from a heat gun to soften the existing adhesive). They clean off all old sealant, apply a new bead of high-quality butyl rubber sealant or silicone (ensuring it’s safe for plastics), and carefully clamp the unit back together. This addresses the root cause—the faulty seals.
The Nuclear Option: Cost of Replacement and Aftermarket Alternatives
If all else fails, replacement is the option. A new OEM assembly from a dealer can cost $1,000-$1,500 or more for the part alone, plus labor. This expensive repair is what’s fueling the lawsuit. Some owners explore aftermarket options, but availability for the racetrack style is currently limited and quality can vary.
8: Your Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Checklist
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Document: Take clear photos and video of the condensation and any failed lights.
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Report: File a detailed complaint on NHTSA.gov.
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Contact Dealer: Schedule a warranty repair appointment. Go armed with your knowledge.
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Escalate: If the dealer refuses, call Stellantis Customer Service at (800) 423-6343.
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Consult: If you’ve suffered financial loss or an accident, consult with a lemon law attorney to understand your rights. [Link to our guide on finding a lemon law attorney]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a recall for Dodge Durango tail lights?
A: As of the last update of this article, there is no official safety recall from NHTSA or Stellantis for this issue. The matter is being addressed through the class action lawsuit.
Q: How do I join the class action lawsuit?
A: You typically don’t need to actively “join.” If the case is certified as a class action and a settlement is reached, anyone who owned or leased an affected 2021-2023 Durango will likely be automatically included and notified by mail. To stay updated, you can contact the law firms leading the case.
Q: Can I be kicked out of the class action if I DIY my repair?
A: It’s highly unlikely that a successful DIY repair would disqualify you from a settlement that offers reimbursement for past repairs. However, it could potentially affect a future claim for a free repair if that is part of the settlement. Document your DIY repair with photos and receipts.
Q: Are there any aftermarket tail lights that don’t have this problem?
A: As of now, the aftermarket hasn’t fully responded with a direct replacement. Your best bet for a guaranteed fit is an OEM part, but hopefully from a newer production run with improved seals. Always check the latest reviews and forum posts for any new products that may have hit the market.
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