Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he noticed that the driver's side headlight would appear dim and would sometimes not illuminate. The contact was relating the failure to corrosion with the connector of the wire and the bulb. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
The Rear License Plate Light bulb (right) was out and I went to have the bulb replaced. I was quoted over $1100 from the dealer, as the LED racetrack lighting was not properly sealed and is collecting water. The collection of water within the light compartment has caused corrosion within, and the wiring to disintegrate. This is a commonly known, yet not addressed safety issue by DODGE. My vehicle will not pass the MA Safety Inspection at the end of the month. I have read on-line many, many complaints, as well as have spoken to other Durango owners who have experienced this same problem. I have already replaced the racetrack lighting ONCE on this vehicle due to water collection and the brake lights not properly working. THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that upon visual inspection, the contact became aware that the rear exterior lighting was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.
The lighting system allowed water to enter the lights, causing them to fail as they filled up (from bottom to top) to the point that they won't properly indicate running lights or brake lights. This failure has been slowly occuring over the course of 4 years until it now fails to pass the safety inspection.
Rear racetrack led lighting is failing. One segment has gone dark. You can only replace the entire assembly for over &1500. I found on line there is a class action lawsuit regarding exactly what I am seeing
Around Thanksgiving of this year (2022), I noticed that my taillight housing for the center LED Racetrack lighting on my 2016 Dodge Durango was retaining water. I found this odd because light housings are supposed to be sealed and not allow water to enter. If water gets in, the electrical is at risk and lights can be shorted out or even cause an electrical fire. I conducted research and have found that this is a common issue with the Dodge Durango since this model has been sold. Water has been reported all over the internet of rear light housings that have shorted out or caused major issues. If the lights go out, it can cause visibility issues for vehicles behind you. I have noticed that the lights are now flickering on my vehicle in the area where the water settles. The same light housing contains the license plate lights, the back-up camera, and the reverse lights. …
Water has leaked into the "race track lighting" on the lift gate. This is from normal, everyday driving use and care. The lift gate tail lights, as well as license plate lighting no longer function. This makes my vehicle dangerous, and illegal to drive at night. I have read on multiple Dodge Durango forums that this is a common problem, and one Dodge dealer I spoke to said they see this all the time. The part alone to fix the problem is quoted at $1000 before tax. To me, it is crazy that it costs this much simply to make my vehicle legal again, especially when it is a common issue according to my research. I feel that Dodge should issue a recall, as this is a common problem, it's a safety, and legal issue, and it is so expensive to fix. …
This winter we had a lot of snow. As the snow melted, water got into the tailgate light assembly. Now the bottom of the light were water has settled is out. I've noticed a lot of other Durango's. 2016 and up with the same issue. Either on one side or both like mines. When I raise the tailgate water drains out but not completely. There are no visible cracks in the tailgate backup light or damage in anyway. I was curious to see if anyone else has reported this issue. As I said I noticed a lot of vehicles on the road like mines, with this problem the light has not gone out but May cause an electrical short creating another problem or fail while driving resulting in a unwanted ticket. Vehicle was stationary at the time. And when I drove off my husband saw the told me. Any info on what caused this would be helpful. As I am not sure if the seals failed to keep the water or moisture out.
The LED race track style light bars, which are the taillights for Dodge vehicles equipped with them, are defective in design; such that they are not sealed properly to prevent water intrusion. The LED light bars allow water to pool in the bottom of them causing the lights to go out. Needless to say, since this is the taillight system for the vehicle, it poses a grave safety risk. Additionally, Dodge does not consider 'seals' part of their warranty coverage when you try to have it repaired through that channel. I would think driving around with defective water leaking and soon to be malfunctioning taillights would be a bigger safety risk in the eyes of Dodge; however, they seem to think telling me they can order me a new one for $1,200 when it left the factory defective in design is an appropriate remedy.
After purchase, immediately we started having problems with headlight not working, then a rear light and brake light not working. Took in for recall on another part and they discovered it was the electrical, while driving and sitting at lights. Lights on dash, radio, headlights, etc, not work properly or all sudden decide not to work at all. We've taken it back now 5 times. Mechanic says the whole wiring harness is bad and cannot be repaired, but continues to say they called Chrysler for parts to try to repair. While my 83 yrs old dad who bought the car, left sitting at the dealer for 4-5 hours every trip and no rental vehicle available from enterprise or hertz. After sitting there 5 hours today, we had to leave vehicle. This time, we are ready to call attorney for lemon law in missouri.
Headlight complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2016 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the lights of the 2016 Dodge Durango, 33% of the model year's 161 complaints. The component named most often is tail lights (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Dodge Durango headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2016 Dodge Durango, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Dodge Durango headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.