- 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
A class-action lawsuit against FCA US LLC, the parent company of Dodge (also known as Stellantis), is advancing in U.S. federal court over claims that water intrusion in the third-generation Dodge Durango’s signature “race-track” LED taillight assembly is causing electrical failures and expensive repairs. The suit covers model years 2014 to 2023.
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.
Dodge Durango owners involved in the lawsuit seek a resolution to address the alleged defect, potentially through a recall or compensation. Until then, affected drivers say they face potential repair costs and safety concerns related to failing lighting and camera systems.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for manufacturer liability regarding persistent vehicle defects.
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