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 2017 Dodge Durango owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled while utilizing the AUTO STOP/START feature. The contact was able to pull over. The shift to park message was blinking and the AUTO STOP/START exclamation was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the headlamp was inoperable. There was an abnormal knocking noise detected from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer; Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (211-10 Jamaica Ave, Queens, NY 11428[phone]) who was also unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake light bulbs had failed due to water and condensation inside the rear taillight assembly housings. The light bulbs were replaced, and the failure was temporarily fixed; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the rear taillight assembly housings had been replaced on two previous occasions for the same failure. Additionally, the rear back-up camera malfunctioned and no image was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000. The contact stated that the rear brake lights were replaced for a second time but the problem still persists.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the contact was pulled over by the police and was informed that their rear center taillight was inoperable. Additionally, the license plate light was also inoperable. The contact was able to continue driving back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that there was a cost for a diagnostic test. The contact declined due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,506.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the vehicle, he became aware that the taillights were not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the taillight sealant, resulting in water leaking into the casing and short-circuiting the wiring. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 79,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the taillights failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that a circuit chip was burned due to contact with an unknown fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
I am filing a complaint regarding a known defect with the rear racetrack taillight assembly on the 2017 Dodge Durango GT. The rear racetrack taillight allows water and moisture to enter the sealed housing. Over time, this causes condensation buildup, corrosion, and partial or complete failure of the LED lighting. In my case, the racetrack light has gone out and shows visible water inside the assembly. This issue creates a safety concern because the rear lighting becomes dim or nonfunctional, reducing visibility to other drivers, especially at night or during rain. In some cases, the electrical issues may also affect other vehicle lighting or electrical components. This problem is widely reported by many Dodge Durango owners across multiple model years, yet the taillight assembly design has not been properly corrected. …
Approximately 3 years ago we noticed water accumulating in the rear light. They refer to it as a race track light bar. Went to dealer who said not covered under warranty, and it would be $1,455 to replace. I did not have the money at that time to replace it. So we kept draining the water, as I noticed the light getting dimmer. I charged the $1455 and replaced it. 1/8/23. I did find that there were numerous complaints. and this week I found water in the entire light had approximately 3 inches of water in it. We drained it and I contacted the dealer who advised that the 24 month warranty was up Jan 2026 (two months ago. I just found information that there is a class action lawsuit regarding this and since they determined ti is a safety issued there is a jury trial scheduled end of this year. and the manufacturer refused to repair or replace. …
The rear center tail light, or track light, was poorly designed and it allows water to get trapped inside and sit, resulting in the lights burning out. This single light assembly consists of a brake light that is the width of the rear hatch, a backup camera, and reverse lights. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the entire light assembly which costs over $1,000. This is a very widespread problem with Dodge Durangos based on the vast number of complaints for this specific issue, and I am surprised that this is not a recall considering the number of complaints associated with this problem. As you can see from the picture that I have attached, the bottom lights on both sides no longer work because of the sitting water inside. …
On my 2017 Doge Durango RT the "Racetrack" light has failed and created a safety issue for my vehicle. The LED light on the hatch has failed from poor manufacturing and has allowed water it get into the light shorting out the whole taillight. This has not only made a running light not work while I'm driving, but has caused the license plate light and the rear backup camera to fail. This is an over 1000 dollar repair. I will replace it for the safety of my family and those who drive on the roads with me. I have seen many other dodge Durango of the same model years that have a similar problem. There is a large online community who report the same issue. I hope this issue has not caused an accident for anyone else.
Water has been collecting in the right hand side of my racetrack taillight on my 2017 Durango causing my entire strip to burn out completely. It seems as though debris and bugs have also made their way into the tail light as both are visible and trapped within the light assembly. The taillight flickers upon starting the car and then completely stops working. I attempted to dry the light out by removing it, getting all condensation and collected water out, sealing up the parts that were weeping and cleaning up the gaskets that had weak spots but the entire assembly seems to have totally failed. This car has had no rear end damage and nothing happened that would have compromised the unit to cause this issue.
Headlight complaints in other Durango years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2017 Dodge Durango?
NHTSA has 80 complaints about the lights of the 2017 Dodge Durango, 38% of the model year's 213 complaints. The component named most often is tail lights (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Dodge Durango headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2017 Dodge Durango, though it has 2 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 2017 Dodge Durango headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.