Center Brake Light - Replacement Options

reardiff · November 7, 2022

Noticed the center (third) brake light was out today. Was reading up on it and seems many are also having issues with the seal leaking. Curious what others have done, just replace the bulb and put it back with the same gasket? Couldn't find a gasket separate, so then started looking at replacements assemblys and could either go OEM or LED aftermaket. So far no leaks and want to keep it that way. Curious what others have done and any advice from anyone who's tried one of the options mentioned above?

Found several aftermarket LED alternatvies but have no idea on fitment or seal quality. If the original factory seal is still good, I'd like to take the cheap way out and just replace teh bulb, but if it's going to leak eventually I'd like to address that now and not have that problem later.

mikeyk101 · November 7, 2022

3rd brake light gaskets are available in aftermarket. Here is one that I bought for mine some time ago. I had read about problems with the 3rd brake light leaking here and other forums and figured it would be good to have on hand in case. This particular one had been recommended and had good reviews. Shortly after buying it, I ended up with the dreaded leak. Since mine was still under warranty, I took it to the dealer and let them fix it. They did and it hasn't leaked since. They installed a new oem gasket so at least dealers can get them. Mine is just sitting on a shelf waiting in case it happens again.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174035410493?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nA6hqFjBR_e&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=SX1w3s_iQIW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Edited November 7, 2022 by mikeyk101

rav3 · November 7, 2022

10 hours ago, reardiff said:

Noticed the center (third) brake light was out today. Was reading up on it and seems many are also having issues with the seal leaking. Curious what others have done, just replace the bulb and put it back with the same gasket? Couldn't find a gasket separate, so then started looking at replacements assemblys and could either go OEM or LED aftermaket. So far no leaks and want to keep it that way. Curious what others have done and any advice from anyone who's tried one of the options mentioned above?

Found several aftermarket LED alternatvies but have no idea on fitment or seal quality. If the original factory seal is still good, I'd like to take the cheap way out and just replace teh bulb, but if it's going to leak eventually I'd like to address that now and not have that problem later.

This is what I did after reading about the "leak" history....I removed light to add LED lights, then took some Silicone Lube & applied to the gasket. Makes it "slide into place" when tightening down & repels water. Mine's '17. that was about 2 years ago. Maybe time to reapply.