Stellantis Recalls 13,330 Dodge Durango SUVs Over Tail Light Defect, Is Your 2026 Durango Affected?

Stellantis, through its U.S. subsidiary Chrysler (FCA US LLC), is recalling 13,330 model-year 2026 Dodge Durango SUVs because bent or damaged terminals in the tail light wiring harness can stop the rear lights from working properly. Chrysler filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 22, 2026, under NHTSA campaign number 26V701 and Chrysler recall number A2D.

The defect can affect tail lamps, stop (brake) lamps, turn signals and backup lamps. That matters because a driver behind a Durango may not see it braking, turning or reversing, which raises the risk of a rear-end crash. Chrysler’s filing lists no warning that the owner will get before a failure.

Not every 2026 Durango is covered. Chrysler built the recall population from supplier and production records, so your VIN decides whether your SUV is included. The repair is free. This is a federal safety recall, not a class action settlement, and no lawsuit or compensation fund tied to this recall had been identified as of November 5, 2026.

Quick Facts: Dodge Durango Tail Light Recall 26V701

Detail	Information
Manufacturer	Chrysler (FCA US LLC), part of Stellantis
Vehicles	Certain 2026 Dodge Durango SUVs
Potentially affected	13,330
NHTSA recall number	26V701
Manufacturer recall number	A2D
Report submitted to NHTSA	October 22, 2026
Production dates	January 5, 2026 to February 20, 2026
Defect	Bent or damaged terminals in the tail lamp wiring harness
Estimated share with the defect	3% (Chrysler’s estimate)
Affected part numbers	68272126AC and 68272127AC
Tail lamp supplier named in filing	Ventra Greenwich Holdings Corp.
Rule involved	FMVSS No. 108 (49 C.F.R. § 571.108)
Warning before failure	None listed by Chrysler
Remedy	Dealer inspects and, if necessary, replaces the tail lamp assembly
Cost to owner	Free
Dealer notification	On or about October 29, 2026
Owner letters	Scheduled to begin on or about December 3, 2026
VIN lookup	Searchable on NHTSA since October 29, 2026
Chrysler customer service	1-800-853-1403
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline	1-888-327-4236
Lawsuit or settlement	None identified as of November 5, 2026

Which 2026 Dodge Durango SUVs Are in the Stellantis Recall?

The recall covers certain 2026 Dodge Durango vehicles built from January 5, 2026 through February 20, 2026. Chrysler’s Part 573 report says it used supplier and vehicle manufacturing records to identify the suspect vehicles, and that similar Durangos built before or after that window are not part of this recall.

The report does not limit the recall to one trim level. Whether a Durango GT, R/T, SRT or any other version is covered depends on its VIN, not its trim name.

Does every recalled Dodge Durango actually have the defect?

No. The 13,330 figure is the number of vehicles that may have the problem. Chrysler estimates that about 3% of them actually have it. Applied to the full population, that works out to roughly 400 vehicles. It is only the manufacturer’s estimate, and the only way to know about your SUV is a dealer inspection. Every vehicle in the recall population is still entitled to the free inspection.

What Is Wrong With the Dodge Durango Tail Lights?

Chrysler says some 2026 Durangos may have been built with tail lamp assemblies that have a damaged internal connector. Per the Part 573 report, tail lamp assemblies with bent terminals in the wiring harness may not display the required lighting. The replacement part is a tail lamp built with terminals of the correct dimensions.

Which Durango lights can fail?

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 requires working turn signal lamps, tail lamps, stop lamps and backup lamps. Chrysler’s filing says the defective assemblies may not display that required lighting. That puts the vehicles out of compliance with the standard. The filing does not say every affected SUV loses every rear light at once. Which function fails can differ from one vehicle to another.

Is there a warning before the tail lights fail?

Chrysler’s report lists no warning that can occur before the problem. A dashboard alert should not be expected. Check your rear lights by hand: have someone watch while you press the brake, use each turn signal and shift into reverse.

Is it safe to drive a recalled Durango?

Chrysler’s report describes the risk this way: an inoperative tail lamp assembly can reduce vehicle visibility and fail to alert other drivers that the vehicle is braking, turning or reversing, increasing the risk of a crash. The text of the filing does not make clear whether NHTSA’s “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside” advisory options were selected, and Stellantis has not announced a stop-drive order in anything reviewed for this article. Treat that as unconfirmed and check the recall page for your own VIN on NHTSA.gov. If any rear light on your Durango is not working, call a Dodge dealer right away, and be extra careful at night and in rain or fog. Most state vehicle codes also require working brake lights, so a failed lamp can lead to a traffic citation regardless of the recall.

Related article: Red Coats Inc. Data Breach Settlement, Claim Up to $5,000 and Free Credit Monitoring by January 7, 2027

Dodge Durango Tail Light Recall Timeline

Date	Event
January 5, 2026	Production of vehicles with suspect tail lamp assemblies begins
February 20, 2026	Production of vehicles with suspect tail lamp assemblies ends
June 16, 2026	Chrysler’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) group opens an investigation
June to September 2026	TSRC reviews field and customer assistance records and meets with engineering on root cause and vehicle scope
September 30, 2026	TSRC recognizes a build issue that could cause noncompliance with FMVSS No. 108
October 15, 2026	Chrysler’s Vehicle Regulations Committee determines a noncompliance exists
October 22, 2026	Chrysler submits Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V701 to NHTSA
October 27, 2026	NHTSA acknowledges the recall
October 29, 2026	Planned dealer notification; VINs become searchable on NHTSA
December 3, 2026	Owner notification letters scheduled to begin

The December 3 date is when letters are scheduled to start going out. It is not the date the recall began, and you do not need to wait for the letter to act.

How to Get the Free Dodge Durango Tail Light Repair

Chrysler will recall all affected vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the tail lamp assembly. The inspection and any replacement cost the owner nothing. Mopar states that FCA US LLC performs outstanding safety recall repairs without charge, even when the vehicle is out of warranty or the current owner is not the original buyer.

The filing does not give a repair-time estimate and does not say whether one or both tail lamps will be replaced. The dealer decides that under Chrysler’s repair instructions. Ask when you book whether parts are in stock, and ask for a copy of the repair order showing what was inspected and replaced.

Steps for Dodge Durango owners:

1. Look up your 17-character VIN on NHTSA.gov/recalls or Mopar’s recall lookup.
2. Call an authorized Dodge dealer and give the VIN, recall number A2D and NHTSA campaign number 26V701.
3. Ask whether the recall is open on your vehicle and whether parts are available.
4. Schedule the inspection and keep the final repair order.
5. If a dealer will not perform a covered recall repair, call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403, then report it to NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or NHTSA.gov.

Where to find your Durango’s VIN

• Lower driver’s-side corner of the windshield, visible from outside
• Driver’s-side door jamb label
• Registration card
• Insurance documents

Your Legal Rights Under Federal Recall Law

The recall system rests on the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (the Safety Act), codified at 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. These are the provisions that matter most to Durango owners.

Law	What it does for Durango owners
49 U.S.C. § 30118	Requires a manufacturer that finds a safety defect or noncompliance to notify NHTSA and owners.
49 U.S.C. § 30119	Sets the rules for how and when manufacturers must notify owners and dealers.
49 U.S.C. § 30120	Requires the manufacturer to remedy the defect or noncompliance, and sets reimbursement and free-remedy rules.
49 U.S.C. § 30120(d)	Requires a reimbursement plan for owners who paid for a fix before the recall notice.
49 U.S.C. § 30112	Generally bars dealers from selling new vehicles that do not meet applicable federal safety standards.
49 U.S.C. § 30165	Allows civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act and its regulations.
49 U.S.C. § 30166	Gives NHTSA authority to investigate and enforce, including inspecting records.
49 U.S.C. § 30103(d) and (e)	Preserves other legal remedies and states that compliance with a safety standard does not remove common-law liability.
49 C.F.R. Part 573	Requires manufacturers to file defect and noncompliance reports with NHTSA (the source of report 26V701).
49 C.F.R. Part 577	Sets the required content of owner notification letters.
49 C.F.R. § 571.108 (FMVSS No. 108)	The federal lighting standard the defective tail lamps may fail to meet.

A few practical points follow from these rules:

• The remedy is free. Under § 30120, a manufacturer must provide the recall remedy without charge, subject to the statute’s limits. Those limits are not a concern for a model-year 2026 vehicle.
• Dealers and open recalls. Federal law restricts dealers from selling new vehicles with unrepaired recalls, and rental companies from renting them. The federal statute does not impose the same ban on used-vehicle sales, so a buyer of a used Durango should run the VIN first.
• Notices must follow federal content rules. Owner letters must contain the information required by 49 C.F.R. Part 577, including a description of the defect, the risk and how to get the remedy.
• Report problems to NHTSA. If you believe a manufacturer or dealer is not meeting its recall obligations, you can file a complaint with NHTSA.

Reimbursement If You Already Paid for a Tail Light Repair

If you paid to repair the same tail lamp problem before Chrysler notified owners, you may be able to get your money back. Section 30120(d) requires manufacturers to have a reimbursement plan, and Chrysler’s NHTSA filing says it is using its general reimbursement plan on file. Reimbursement is not automatic, and Chrysler applies its own eligibility terms.

Keep these records:

• The original repair invoice
• Proof of payment
• The shop’s name and the date of the work
• Any description of the parts repaired or replaced

Contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Mopar to ask how to submit a claim.

Is There a Dodge Durango Tail Light Class Action Lawsuit?

As of November 5, 2026, no filed lawsuit, settlement fund or claim form connected to recall A2D had been identified in the NHTSA records reviewed. A recall is a safety remedy, not a cash payment program. If a case is filed later, it would be a putative class action until a court certifies a class.

There is no Durango tail light settlement, and anyone advertising a claim form or payout for this recall should be treated with suspicion.

Can Durango owners sue over a recall?

The Safety Act sets up the recall and notification system, but it is generally not treated as giving individual owners a private lawsuit for damages under the Act itself. That does not close the door on other claims. Section 30103(d) preserves remedies under other laws, and § 30103(e) states that compliance with a safety standard does not exempt a manufacturer from common-law liability. Any claim would usually come from state law, and which claims are available depends on the facts and the state.

Possible legal theories

Product liability. If a failed tail light contributes to a crash that causes injury or property damage, the injured person may look into a claim under their state’s product liability law. Common theories are manufacturing defect, design defect and failure to warn. A recall can be relevant evidence, but it does not prove a claim by itself. The claimant still has to show that the defect caused the harm and prove recoverable damages.

Negligence. A negligence claim requires proof that a party owed a duty of care, breached it and caused foreseeable harm. A voluntary recall is not an admission that anyone was negligent.

Warranty. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301-2312) governs certain written and implied consumer warranties, and state law adds implied-warranty rules under the Uniform Commercial Code. Whether a warranty claim exists depends on the warranty terms, any breach and the losses involved. A free recall repair fixes the lighting problem but does not by itself resolve every warranty dispute.

State lemon laws. Lemon laws generally apply when a defect substantially impairs a vehicle and the manufacturer cannot fix it after a reasonable number of attempts. Each state sets its own rules, deadlines and coverage period. A single recall repair that works would not normally qualify.

State consumer protection laws. Some states let consumers bring claims over deceptive or unfair practices. Whether any of that applies here depends on facts not established by the recall filing.

Deadlines. Each state sets its own statute of limitations for injury, property damage, warranty and consumer-protection claims. If you were hurt or lost money, do not assume you have unlimited time.

Does a recall entitle owners to compensation?

No. The recall gives you the free inspection and repair. It does not, on its own, entitle you to cash, a replacement vehicle, a purchase-price refund, diminished-value payments or a rental car. Owners who suffered an injury or documented financial loss tied to the defect should keep records and speak with a licensed attorney in their state.

Has Stellantis Reported Injuries or Crashes From the Tail Light Defect?

The Part 573 report describes the crash risk but does not include any crash, injury or death figures for this condition, and no injuries or crashes have been publicly linked to the issue in the reports reviewed. That is not proof the defect cannot cause a collision. A rear lamp that fails to light is a visibility problem for drivers behind it, which is why the inspection is worth doing even if your Durango never shows a problem.

Is This the Same as the Dodge Durango Rear Spoiler Recall?

No. This is a separate campaign. The tail light recall (26V701 / A2D) involves the tail lamp wiring harness on certain 2026 Durangos. The earlier spoiler recall involved a different defect and vehicle population. If you own a Durango, check your VIN for any open recalls. Our earlier coverage is here: Dodge Durango Spoiler Recall, Is Your SUV Affected?

For another recent lighting-related safety recall, see Ford Recall 26C43, 41,748 Expedition & Super Duty Headlights.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dodge Durango Tail Light Recall

What is the Dodge Durango tail light recall number?

Chrysler’s recall number is A2D. The NHTSA campaign number is 26V701.

How many 2026 Dodge Durangos are included in the recall?

Chrysler reports 13,330 potentially affected vehicles.

Which Dodge Durango production dates are affected?

Vehicles built from January 5, 2026 through February 20, 2026.

What is the defect in the recalled Dodge Durangos?

Some tail lamp assemblies have bent or damaged terminals in the wiring harness, which may stop the required rear lighting from working.

Do all 13,330 recalled Durangos have bad tail lights?

No. Chrysler estimates about 3% have the defect, but all vehicles in the recall population should be inspected.

Is the Dodge Durango tail light recall repair free?

Yes. Dealers will inspect the tail lamp assemblies and replace them if necessary at no charge to the owner.

When will Dodge Durango owners receive recall letters?

Chrysler plans to begin mailing owner notification letters on or about December 3, 2026.

Can I check my Durango’s VIN for recall 26V701 now?

Yes. VINs have been searchable on NHTSA.gov since October 29, 2026. You can also use Mopar’s recall lookup.

Does the recall cover the Durango R/T, GT or SRT?

The filing does not name specific trims. Use your VIN to check coverage.

Do the recalled Durangos have a brake light problem?

Possibly. The recall covers tail lamp assemblies that may not display required lighting, which includes stop lamps, turn signals and backup lamps under FMVSS No. 108. The filing does not say every affected vehicle loses every function.

Will my Durango warn me before the lights fail?

Chrysler’s filing lists no warning that can occur before the problem.

Can I get reimbursed if I already paid to fix my Durango’s tail lights?

Possibly. Chrysler’s filing says it uses its general reimbursement plan, and 49 U.S.C. § 30120(d) requires one. Keep your receipts and contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Has Stellantis been sued over the Dodge Durango tail light recall?

No lawsuit connected to recall A2D had been identified as of November 5, 2026.

Is there a Dodge Durango tail light class action settlement?

No. There is no settlement fund or claim form for this recall, and the recall itself is not a payment program.

Does the recall expire when my Durango’s warranty ends?

No. Mopar states that open safety recall repairs are performed free regardless of warranty status or ownership history.

What should I do if a dealer refuses the recall repair?

Contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403, then file a complaint with NHTSA at NHTSA.gov or 1-888-327-4236.

The Bottom Line for Dodge Durango Owners

Stellantis is recalling 13,330 potentially affected 2026 Dodge Durango SUVs because bent or damaged tail lamp terminals can stop rear lights from working, and Chrysler lists no warning before it happens. The repair is free. Check your VIN now instead of waiting for the December 3 letter, book the inspection, and keep your repair order. There is no verified class action or compensation program for this recall.

Sources and Legal Authorities

Primary records

1. NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V701, submitted October 22, 2026
2. NHTSA Recall Acknowledgment Letter, October 27, 2026
3. NHTSA Vehicle Recall Lookup
4. Mopar Recall Lookup
5. Mopar Recall FAQs

Federal laws and regulations

6. 49 U.S.C. § 30112: Prohibitions on manufacturing, selling and importing noncompliant vehicles
7. 49 U.S.C. § 30118: Notification of defects and noncompliance
8. 49 U.S.C. § 30119: Notification procedures
9. 49 U.S.C. § 30120: Remedies, including reimbursement under § 30120(d)
10. 49 U.S.C. § 30103(d) and (e): Other remedies and common-law liability
11. 49 U.S.C. §§ 30165 and 30166: Civil penalties and NHTSA enforcement authority
12. 49 C.F.R. § 571.108: FMVSS No. 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment
13. 49 C.F.R. Part 573: Defect and noncompliance responsibility and reports
14. 49 C.F.R. Part 577: Defect and noncompliance notification
15. 15 U.S.C. §§ 2301-2312: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Researched and written by Israr Ahmad, legal content researcher and founder of AllAboutLawyer.com. All facts verified against the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V701, NHTSA recall records and Mopar recall resources, as of November 5, 2026. Last Updated: November 5, 2026.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney. AllAboutLawyer.com is an independent legal information website, not a law firm. A recall does not establish manufacturer liability or create an entitlement to compensation.