The $2,500 Flaw: Everything To Know About The Ongoing Dodge Durango 'Racetrack' Tail Light Lawsuit

As of December 2025, the class action lawsuit over the defective "Racetrack" LED tail lights in the popular Dodge Durango SUV is moving forward in court, continuing to pose a significant financial risk and safety concern for thousands of owners. This legal battle alleges that a fundamental design flaw in the vehicle's distinctive rear lighting assembly allows for water infiltration, leading to premature and costly electrical failure. The issue affects a wide range of model years, leaving owners with bills that can soar well over $2,000 for a single replacement. The core of the legal contention is that the manufacturer, Stellantis (formerly FCA), was aware of the water infiltration defect but failed to issue a recall or provide a suitable remedy, forcing consumers to pay out-of-pocket for repairs that their warranties often refuse to cover. This deep-dive article provides the absolute latest updates on the lawsuit, outlines the specific symptoms and model years affected, and explains what current and prospective Dodge Durango owners need to know about the ongoing litigation.

Dodge Durango 'Racetrack' Tail Light Defect: The Full Background

The Dodge Durango, particularly the third-generation (WD) models, is known for its aggressive styling, a key element of which is the unique, full-width "Racetrack" LED tail light assembly. This signature design, however, has become the center of a major class action lawsuit due to an alleged manufacturing defect that compromises its integrity.

What is the Alleged Defect?

The class action lawsuit, which was filed in April 2023, contends that the Racetrack LED tail light assembly has a design flaw that allows water and moisture to leak into the unit. This water infiltration is believed to be caused by a failure to use the correct gasket thickness and material, which is intended to seal the light housing from the elements. Once water breaches the seal, it damages the sensitive electrical components and circuit boards inside the LED light bar.

Which Dodge Durango Model Years Are Affected?

The lawsuit specifically claims that the defect impacts 2014–2023 Dodge Durango SUVs. Owners of any vehicle within this extensive range who experience the tail light failure may be part of the proposed class action, depending on the final certification of the class.

Common Symptoms of the Racetrack LED Failure

The failure of the Racetrack LED light bar is not always immediate or complete. Owners have reported a range of symptoms, which typically worsen over time as the water damage progresses. These symptoms include:

• Flickering or Dimming: The LED lights may begin to flicker erratically or appear noticeably dimmer than normal, especially in wet conditions.
• Partial or Complete Failure: Sections of the distinctive "racetrack" light may go out, or the entire light bar may fail completely.
• Brake Light Malfunction: In some severe cases, the water damage can lead to a failure of the brake lights, posing a significant safety hazard on the road.
• Backup Camera Malfunction: The water infiltration can sometimes affect the wiring and electronics connected to the tailgate assembly, causing the vehicle's backup camera to stop working.
• Strobing or Pulsing: Some owners have noted the lights strobing or pulsing briefly upon startup before going dark.

The Shocking Cost of Durango Tail Light Replacement

One of the primary drivers of the class action lawsuit is the enormous cost associated with replacing the defective tail light assembly. Because the Racetrack light is a single, integrated LED unit, the entire assembly must be replaced, not just a bulb.

Why Repairs Are So Expensive

Dealerships have reportedly quoted owners between $1,100 and $2,500 for a single Racetrack tail light replacement, with costs varying depending on the part, labor, and location. This high cost is compounded by two major factors:

1. Integrated LED Assembly: The part is a complex, sealed LED unit that is costly to manufacture and cannot be easily repaired.
2. Warranty Denial: Many owners report that when they take their vehicle to a dealership for repair, the issue is diagnosed as "liquid damage" or "corrosion," which is typically excluded from both the standard factory warranty and extended warranties. This forces the owner to pay the full, high replacement cost out of pocket.

The lawsuit argues that since the water infiltration is due to a design or manufacturing flaw (the alleged gasket issue), the manufacturer, Stellantis, should be responsible for the repair costs, regardless of the warranty’s liquid damage clause.

Current Status of the Class Action Lawsuit (2025 Update)

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the Dodge Durango Racetrack Tail Light lawsuit is continuing to move through the legal system. It remains a pending class action, with the courts still debating the merits and scope of the case.

Key Legal Entities and Claims

The lawsuit targets Stellantis N.V. (the parent company of Dodge and FCA) and is seeking compensation for all affected owners who have paid for repairs or who own a vehicle with the defective lights. The key claims against the manufacturer include:

• Breach of Warranty: Alleging that the defect breaches the express and implied warranties provided at the time of purchase.
• Negligent Misrepresentation: Claiming the manufacturer misrepresented the quality and durability of the vehicle's components.
• Unjust Enrichment: Arguing that Stellantis benefited financially by selling a defective product and then denying warranty claims.

Is There a Recall for the Durango Tail Lights?

No, there is currently no recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Stellantis for the Racetrack tail light defect. The class action lawsuit specifically contends that a recall should have been announced due to the safety implications of failed brake lights.

What Happens Next in the Lawsuit?

The next major step in the litigation process is the court's decision on *class certification*. If the court certifies the class, the lawsuit can proceed as a collective action on behalf of all owners of the 2014-2023 Dodge Durango models. If a settlement is eventually reached, affected owners would receive notification detailing how they can submit a claim for reimbursement for past repairs or a voucher for future repairs.

What Should Dodge Durango Owners Do Now?

If you own a 2014–2023 Dodge Durango, you should be aware of the following steps to protect your interests:

1. Document Everything: If you experience flickering, dimming, or failure of your Racetrack tail lights, take photos and videos of the malfunction.
2. Keep Repair Records: If you have already paid for a replacement, keep all invoices, receipts, and documentation from the dealership or repair shop. These documents will be crucial for any future settlement claim.
3. Monitor the Lawsuit Status: Keep an eye on legal news websites and class action portals for updates on the *Dodge Durango Racetrack Tail Light Class Action Lawsuit*. You do not need to take action now, but staying informed is vital.
4. Check for Water: Routinely inspect the Racetrack light bar for any signs of condensation, moisture, or water droplets inside the assembly, which is an early indicator of the defect.

The ongoing litigation against Stellantis highlights a significant issue where a desirable aesthetic feature—the Racetrack LED light—has become a major point of contention due to an alleged design flaw. While there is no immediate fix or recall, the class action lawsuit represents a collective effort by owners to hold the manufacturer accountable for the high cost and safety risks associated with the defective tail lights.

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