Buy Dodge Durango Tail Light Assembly

Dodge Durango tail light (also called a rear light assembly, tail lamp, stoplight, or rear signal lamp).

Quick Overview

The Durango's tail light design has grown from simple bulb housings on first-generation trucks to today's one-piece LED "racetrack" lamp that wraps across the lift-gate. The modern unit carries brake, turn-signal, and running-light functions in a sealed LED board, while the reverse lights sit in smaller inner pods. This evolution improves visibility, styling, and energy use but also changes how owners diagnose and replace parts. (dodge, Car and Driver)

Fitment Years

• 1998-2003 (Gen 1) - Separate left/right housings using 3157/3156 bulbs. (AUXITO)
• 2004-2009 (Gen 2) - Restyled lenses, still bulb-based.
• 2011-2013 (Early Gen 3) - New body; clear outer lens with red inner reflector, still uses serviceable bulbs.
• 2014-present (Mid-cycle Gen 3 refresh) - Introduction of the 192-LED racetrack light that spans the tailgate. (Car and Driver)
• 2025 model keeps the same LED bar with minor internal tweaks. (dodge)

Key Features

• Full-width LED racetrack bar gives a single bright red outline that is harder for other drivers to miss, boosts styling, and lowers power draw. (, Car and Driver)
• Multiple functions in one module - brake, running, and turn signals share the same board; reverse lamps and license-plate LEDs mount separately. (NHTSA)
• Smart control - the body control module (BCM) monitors tail lamp circuits; a fault sets a dash warning quickly. (Dealer eProcess)

Common Problems

1. Water intrusion - Moisture can leak past the foam gasket, shorting the LED board and even the backup camera harness. (CarComplaints.com, NHTSA)
2. Condensation in license-plate LEDs - FCA issued TSB 08-123-23 to inspect or replace damp housings.
3. Fuse or relay faults - A single blown 15 A fuse in the rear PDC can darken the entire bar. (YouTube, YouTube)
4. Electronic glitches - A 2018-19 recall covers ABS modules that could falsely light the brake lamps during stability-control faults. (AP News)
5. Painted-over letters - A 2021 warranty note warns dealers not to replace full lamps just for faded "DODGE" lettering. (NHTSA)

Bulb & LED Info

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Bulb sizes above come from factory wiring charts and the Durango bulb guide. (AUXITO, Car Repair Q&A) Modern LED boards are not serviceable; replacement means swapping the whole lamp.

Safety & Legal

• U.S. law (FMVSS 108) demands red tail lamps visible at 1,000 ft and functioning stoplights for every vehicle on the road. (Crash Stats)
• Driving with a dark tail lamp can lead to a traffic ticket and higher crash risk. IIHS data links rear-lighting failures to higher collision rates in SUVs. (IIHS Crash Testing)
• The Durango's five-year/60 k-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage includes lamp electronics when still under warranty. (dodge)

Replacement Steps

A basic DIY swap on 2014-2025 models needs only a trim tool and T-20 driver:

1. Lower liftgate; remove two T-20 screws inside the lamp pocket.
2. Pop the clip nearest the quarter panel and slide the lamp straight back.
3. Unclip the wiring plug; set lamp on soft cloth.
4. Line up new lamp, reconnect plug, seat tabs, and tighten screws to 35 in-lb (per owner's manual). (YouTube, Dealer eProcess)
   Tip: Test all lights before closing the hatch.

Care Tips

• Keep seals clean - Wipe foam gasket and body channel twice a year to block water. (NHTSA)
• Avoid harsh chemicals - Use mild car-wash soap; strong solvents can cloud the lens.
• Check operation monthly - Have someone press the brake while you watch; LEDs fail in clusters, so early checks help.

Troubleshooting Guide

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Related Upgrades

• Plug-in LED modules for 2011-2013 trucks offer brighter stoplights; be sure they have DOT-compliant markings.
• Smoke or tinted lenses look nice but must still show red light at required brightness.
• Sequential-turn adapters are popular on forums like DodgeDurango.net for a modern flash pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if my Durango tail lamp is LED or bulb style?
A: If your SUV is a 2014 or newer and you see one solid red bar across the back, it is the sealed LED racetrack lamp. Older models have two separate rectangular housings. (dodge)

Q: Do I have to replace the whole lamp if one LED goes out?
A: Yes. The LED board is sealed; the factory does not supply individual diodes for repair. (NHTSA)

Q: Which fuse controls the racetrack light on a 2023 Durango?
A: It's fuse F48 (15 A) in the rear power-distribution center beside the spare tire jack. (YouTube)

Q: My backup lights work but the red bar is dark. What now?
A: Check for water behind the gasket first; if wet, the LED board may be shorted and the assembly will need replacement. (CarComplaints.com)

Q: Are tinted tail lights legal?
A: Only if they still emit enough red light to meet FMVSS 108 brightness rules; overly dark covers can lead to tickets. (Crash Stats)

Q: Does the BCM need programming after installing a new lamp?
A: No. The lamp is plug-and-play; the BCM auto-detects load. Just clear any stored tail-lamp DTCs. (Dealer eProcess)

Q: What torque should I use on the two tail lamp screws?
A: Tighten them to 35 inch-pounds (about hand-snug plus ¼ turn).

Q: Why do my brake lights come on without pressing the pedal?
A: A recalled ABS control unit on some 2018-19 models can misread pressure and trigger the lamps; contact a dealer for a fix. (AP News)

Q: Can water inside the lamp damage other electronics?
A: Yes. Reports show it can corrode wiring for the camera and license-plate lights if ignored. (CarComplaints.com)

Q: Will warranty cover a failed LED bar?
A: If your Durango is still within the 5-year/60-k-mile basic warranty, the lamp replacement is usually covered. (dodge)