I have replaced the inner (lift gate) and outer (body) tail light assemblies on both sides, and I think one of them more than once in the few years I've owned the vehicle.


In my case there was corrosion around the bulb socket contact points due to water infiltration from both a lift gate wiring grommet and from the tail light lens gaskets themselves. The leak was so bad that some control modules were partially submerged in water behind the left access panel. Fortunately they dried out and appear to be working. I had to clean the connector contacts with electrical contact cleaner.


Check for corrosion and signs of water infiltration, perform a soak test, and fix any issues first.