Dodge Durango's Racetrack Taillights Trigger Lawsuit | Carscoops

      The taillights of Dodge Durango models from 2014 to 2023 are being reported as defective and susceptible to water damage.

      It's alleged that these taillights can incur water damage, potentially causing partial or complete failure of the unit.

      The lawsuit asserts that this defect presents a "significant safety risk" to passengers.

      According to the plaintiffs, some owners may face repair expenses amounting to $2,000 to resolve the issue.

      When contemplating vehicle defects, one might think of things like a damaged engine block or a failed transmission rather than a taillight that could ignite a fire. However, this is the core issue in a class action lawsuit filed in Delaware.

      The lawsuit claims that the 'racetrack' LED taillights in 2014-2023 Dodge Durango models are susceptible to water damage, which could lead to complete failure over time. Even more concerning, it is alleged that water intrusion can result in short circuits within vital electrical components, posing a significant fire risk. The lawsuit further states that the automaker was aware of the defect and has not provided any free repairs.

      The class action, representing plaintiffs David Granstoun, Gary Eisner, Monica Lambert, and Erik Wolfmann, is seeking a jury trial. The suit claims that the 'racetrack' LED taillights in the affected Durango models are at risk of water damage from various sources such as rain, car washes, melting snow, or any scenario where water comes into contact with the rear of the vehicle.

      If water penetrates the taillight, it can build up and lead to initial problems like dimming or short-circuits within part of the light assembly. Over time, this accumulation may corrode electrical and lighting components, ultimately leading to the failure of the taillights, reverse lights, and/or license plate lights. The lawsuit states that malfunctioning taillights "present a significant safety risk to the vehicle driver, passengers, and those nearby."

      The plaintiffs contend that FCA has been aware of the design and manufacturing defect for a considerable period, yet owners continue to face repair costs of up to $2,000. One such plaintiff, Gary Eisner, bought a Dodge Durango with a Mopar extended warranty. By mid-2021, he found a substantial amount of water had built up in the taillight. Upon bringing it to the dealer, he was informed that the repair was not covered by the warranty and that he would need to pay more than $1,500 for the fix.

      The class action seeks compensation for legal expenses and demands that FCA repair, recall, or replace the affected vehicles. It also asks for an extension of warranties on the applicable Dodge Durango models. A preliminary schedule has been established by the judge, with a 10-day jury trial expected to commence on January 25, 2027.