Buy Dodge Challenger Tail Light Assembly

Quick Summary

The Dodge Challenger tail light-also called a rear lamp, tail lamp, or brake-light assembly-houses the red running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights on the back of the car. All 2008-2025 Challengers use a one-piece lens that spans the width of the trunk, with LED lighting on 2015-up models for faster illumination and distinctive styling. Installing, maintaining, or upgrading this part is straightforward because it bolts in from inside the trunk and uses weather-sealed plugs. Learning a few basics about fitment years, wiring, legal rules, and common fixes can save time and money while keeping the car safe and road-legal. (RGB Halo Kits, AUXITO, YouTube)

Tail Light Basics

The tail light sits at eye level for drivers behind you and must stay red and plainly visible from 500 feet per federal rule FMVSS 108, which governs lamp color, brightness, and mounting height. (eCFR)
LED versions switch on about 0.2-0.3 seconds faster than old-style incandescent bulbs-roughly a car length of extra stopping distance at highway speed-so later Challengers gained LEDs across the board. (NHTSA, NHTSA)
A dark bar between left and right sections houses the backup lamps and the center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) on most trims. (Mopar eStore)

Fit & Years

• 2008-2014 models share one incandescent tail-lamp design. (RGB Halo Kits)
• 2015-2025 models use a direct-swap LED unit; part numbers 68510770AA (right) and 68510771AA (left) fit every trim from SXT to Hellcat. (Mopar eStore)
• Widebody versions keep the same housing, so fender width is not an issue.
• A 2011-2014 recall (campaign T36) required a wiring update to stop intermittent lamp loss, so check service history if you own those years. (Kbb.com)

Tech & Materials

LED boards inside newer housings use constant-current drivers for long life and uniform brightness. (RGB Halo Kits)
Incandescent bulbs (P21/5W or 3157) run hotter and burn out sooner; swapping to LEDs can cut current draw by ~70 percent while producing a crisper red light. (Peterson Manufacturing)
The lens is molded polycarbonate with UV-resistant coating to fight sun fade.

Safety Rules

Federal law (FMVSS 108) requires red tail lamps plus amber or red turn signals that flash 60-120 times per minute. (eCFR)
Many states copy FMVSS but add local bans on smoked or tinted lenses that reduce visibility; California Vehicle Code 24600, for example, demands lights remain visible at 500 feet. (Legislative Information, Justia Law)
Before adding tint film or vinyl wraps, confirm your state's code to avoid fix-it tickets. Enthusiast posts note that even light tint can trigger citations when combined with LED dimmers. (Reddit)

DIY Replacement

1. Open trunk and pull back the felt liner.
2. Remove four 10 mm nuts securing the lamp. (YouTube, YouTube)
3. Unplug the main connector, then lift the assembly straight out.
4. Re-seat gasket and reverse steps to install the new unit.
5. Test running, brake, turn, and reverse functions before closing the trunk.

Tip: Outer lamp fuses sit in the rear PDC (fuses F22/F23 on many models). If both sides go dark, check these fuses first. (YouTube)

Troubleshooting

• Single side out - likely a burnt bulb (2008-14) or a damaged LED board (2015-up). (Challenger Talk)
• Both sides out - inspect the 15 A tail-lamp fuse and the ground splice behind the trunk liner. (YouTube)
• Fast-flashing turn signal - signals a burnt filament or LED load imbalance; add an inline resistor or use CAN-bus-ready bulbs. (Peterson Manufacturing)

Custom Options

Owners often add sequential turn modules that light each bar in order, echoing classic muscle-car styling. Kits plug into the factory harness without cutting wires. (Challenger Talk)
RGB halo inserts, smoked lenses, or black-out panels provide show-car looks but can reduce legal visibility-balance style with safety. (RGB Halo Kits, Reddit)

Cost Factors

• OEM LED assembly - around 10 pounds shipping weight and lists near $800 new. (Mopar eStore, Mopar Parts Giant)
• Aftermarket LED unit - prices vary widely but average $250-$400.
• Used part - salvage units often sell below $150. (eBay)
• DIY bulb swap - less than $10 for a standard 3157 bulb and takes 15 minutes. (YouTube, The US Sun)

Care Tips

Wash the lens with pH-neutral car-shampoo; harsh cleaners can cloud the plastic.
Seal any hairline cracks with clear silicone to stop moisture and prevent LED failure.
Once a year, check the gasket and tighten mounting nuts to avoid water leaks into the trunk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do factory LED tail lights last?
A: LED boards are rated for roughly 30,000-50,000 hours-often the life of the car-assuming they stay cool and dry. (Peterson Manufacturing)

Q: Will a 2021 tail light fit a 2016 Challenger?
A: Yes. All 2015-up models share the same housing and wiring connector, so the unit is plug-and-play. (Mopar eStore)

Q: Can I tint my tail lights?
A: Only if they stay red and visible from 500 feet; many states, like California, ticket heavy tint. Check local law before darkening the lens. (Legislative Information, Justia Law)

Q: Why did both tail lights stop working at once?
A: The usual culprit is a blown fuse or a loose ground. Inspect the rear PDC fuse first, then look for corrosion on the trunk-floor ground lug. (YouTube)

Q: Are sequential turn signals legal?
A: Yes, as long as they flash within the federal rate (60-120 flashes per minute) and remain amber or red. (eCFR)

Q: Does switching to LED bulbs require resistors?
A: On 2008-14 cars, LED bulbs can cause hyper-flash; adding 6-ohm load resistors or a CAN-bus-compatible bulb fixes the issue. 2015-up models already use LEDs and need no change. (Peterson Manufacturing, AUXITO)

Q: What tools do I need to swap the assembly?
A: A 10 mm socket, trim-panel pry tool, and a flashlight are enough for most driveway installs. (YouTube)

Q: Does the recall on 2011-14 cars mean I must replace the tail light?
A: The T36 recall only adds a wiring overlay; it does not require a new lamp unless the original is damaged. Check with a dealer to confirm the repair was done. (Kbb.com)