Owners say the SUV’s signature “race-track” rear lamps let in water, then short-circuit and fail, leading to costly repairs
- Dodge Durango owners allege water intrusion in their SUVs’ “racetrack” taillights causes costly electrical failures
- And so a class-action lawsuit against FCA US LLC is now underway, with a trial set for 2027
- Plaintiffs claim even replacement taillight assemblies still fail, urging a recall or manufacturer resolution
The lawsuit alleges the continuous LED taillight design allows water from rain, melting snow, or car washes to enter the assembly, leading to corrosion and electrical malfunctions. Affected components reportedly include the taillights, backup lights, license-plate illumination, and the rearview camera system.
The owners claim the issue affects visibility and safety, resulting eventually in costly repairs. The complaint states that the replacement taillight assembly costs around US$2,000, with some owners experiencing repeat failures even after replacement. It’s unclear if this amount includes labour or not. In one specified case, the Durango owner was quoted the repair amount and told by the dealership they couldn’t guarantee it wouldn’t happen again.
The case, Cranstoun, et al., v. FCA US LLC, is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The timeline for the case extends into 2027, with key dates as follows:
- February 14, 2025: Joint status report due
- July 31, 2025: Fact-discovery completion deadline
- February 1, 2027: 10-day jury trial scheduled
Law firms The Bifferato Firm; Sauder Schelkopf; and Cafferty Clobes Meriwether & Sprengel LLP are representing the plaintiffs.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for manufacturer liability regarding persistent vehicle defects.
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