2021-2025 Jeep Taillamp Condensation TSB 08-220-25

Owners of various 2021-2025 Jeep models, including the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Cherokee, may notice condensation or fogging inside their vehicle's exterior taillamp assemblies. This common issue, referred to as Jeep taillamp condensation, is addressed by Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-220-25, which outlines a procedure for clearing the moisture.

This bulletin, dated July 22, 2025, supersedes an earlier TSB, 08-153-24, issued on June 29, 2024. The updated TSB 08-220-25 includes additional model years, market notes, and repair procedure notes, applying to vehicles sold in North America, South America, Enlarged Europe, Middle East & Africa, India & Asia Pacific, and China markets.

Symptoms

Owners might observe a light layer of condensation or fogging on the inside of the taillamp lenses. This Jeep taillamp condensation can appear after the lamps have been on and then rapidly cooled by cold water, such as during rain or a car wash. It can also occur when the vehicle has been parked outside overnight under certain atmospheric conditions, like a warm, humid day followed by a clear, cool night.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

Condensation or lens fogging typically clears as atmospheric conditions change, allowing the moisture to vaporize. Turning the taillamps on can accelerate this process. The underlying cause is identified as condensation or moisture buildup within the taillamp assembly itself.

Important Warnings

This TSB clarifies a crucial point for owners and technicians: Do not replace the taillamp assembly prematurely. If the condensation or fogging begins to clear from the taillamp assembly within 60 minutes of the taillamps operating, it indicates that the taillamp seal has not been breached, and the assembly does not need to be replaced. Replacing it in this scenario would not resolve the issue and would incur unnecessary costs.

Repair Procedure Summary

When a taillamp assembly shows Jeep taillamp condensation or fogging, technicians are instructed to perform a clearing procedure before considering replacement. The process involves:

1. Preparation: First, all water from the outside surface of the lens must be dried.
2. Operation: The vehicle should be started, and the headlamps and hazard lights turned on to operate the taillamps for 60 minutes.
3. Evaluation: The taillamp assembly must be checked every 10 minutes during this 60-minute period.

If the condensation or fogging starts to clear within 60 minutes, the taillamp's sealing is considered intact, and no replacement is needed. However, if the condensation does not clear after 60 minutes, or if large water droplets are visible on most internal surfaces, it indicates a problem with the taillamp sealing, and the assembly should be replaced. Owners might report that moisture in the taillamp is always present and never disappears in such cases.

Labor Operations and Time

Dealers will use specific labor operation codes for this procedure, depending on the evaluation time required. The failure code associated with this service action is ZZ.

Owner Action

If you observe Jeep taillamp condensation or fogging in your 2021-2025 Jeep vehicle, it is recommended to visit an authorized Jeep dealership. The diagnostic and clearing procedure is reimbursable under warranty provisions. The technician will perform the steps outlined in TSB 08-220-25 to determine if the condensation is normal or if the taillamp assembly requires replacement due to a sealing issue.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11021010