2017 Dodge Durango: Water in rear tail light
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2017 Durango report: water in rear tail light. CarComplaints.com lists 4 owner complaints, average mileage 42,400 miles.
NHTSA has 81 owner complaints for the 2017 Durango in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11772894 (filed 10/22/2026): “The rear racetrack led keeps getting water inside them and shorting out all of the lights on the tailgate. when this happens i don’t have taillights, running lights, brake lights, reverse lights or even tag lights who’s is all extremely dangerous when driving …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11772784 (filed 10/21/2026): “2017 dodge durango, rear racetrack lights went out due to widely publicized problem of water getting in and shorting the lights out, also took out my license plate lights. i had to get it replaced so i didnt get fined for the license plate lights being out. d…”
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: none clearly reported. 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
No sourced cost range: get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
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 .