2016 Dodge Durango: Race track light filling with water
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2016 Durango report: race track light filling with water. CarComplaints.com lists 7 owner complaints, average mileage 41,500 miles.
NHTSA has 53 owner complaints for the 2016 Durango in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11677230 (filed 07/30/2025): “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 compartme…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11641732 (filed 02/10/2025): “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…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace back light assembly (3 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
LED DRLs are often integrated into the headlamp assembly, which may require bumper removal. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $650 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Race track light filling with water (2016 Durango)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2016 Durango
Estimated repair cost: tail light assembly replacement (one lamp, incl. liftgate-mounted lamps)
Average shop cost
$95
Range $30–$210 (labor)
0.3–1.5 h × $100–$139/h estimated shop labor rate
Parts not included.
Average mobile mechanic cost
$145
Range $45–$315 (labor)
Shop labor × 1.5 (mobile convenience premium)
Parts not included.
Estimates only, not a quote. Actual prices vary by vehicle, shop and location. See the estimate for your city → · About this repair and its cost
Page last updated .