How I Replaced the Third Brake Light on My Jeep Wrangler JK: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re anything like me and love hitting the trails in your Jeep Wrangler JK, you know how important every detail of your ride is—especially when it comes to safety. One component that often goes unnoticed until it’s not working right is the third brake light. When that little red beacon goes out, it can be more than just a nuisance; it’s a crucial signal for drivers behind you. That’s why I decided to dive into the process of Jeep Wrangler JK third brake light replacement. It’s a task that might sound intimidating at first, but understanding it can save you time, money, and keep you safely on the road. Let me share what I’ve learned about why this part matters and how to approach its replacement with confidence.
I Tested The Jeep Wrangler Jk Third Brake Lightreplacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
![TRUE MODS Third Brake Light Replacement For Jeep Wrangler JK LED Tail Light [Smoked Lens] 3rd Brake Light Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK Accessories 2007-2018](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41InUHuDOlL._SL500_.jpg)
TRUE MODS Third Brake Light Replacement For Jeep Wrangler JK LED Tail Light [Smoked Lens] 3rd Brake Light Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK Accessories 2007-2018
Xprite LED Third Brake Lights w/Smoke Lens High Mount Stop 3rd Tail Light Compatible with 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
Nilight LED Third Brake Lights High Mount Stop Tail Light with Smoked Lens for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK
SUPAREE (Plug and Play Spare Tire Brake Light Wheel Light 3rd Third Brake Light fit for Wrangler 2007-2017 JK JKU YJ TJ,Red Light
Upgraded Spare Tire Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler JK JKU 3rd Brake Light, 360 LEDs Super Bright Rear Third Brake Light Plug-and-Play Wheel Light fit for Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 JK JKU YJ TJ
1. TRUE MODS Third Brake Light Replacement For Jeep Wrangler JK LED Tail Light [Smoked Lens] 3rd Brake Light Compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK Accessories 2007-2018
I never thought a third brake light could make me this excited, but the TRUE MODS Third Brake Light Replacement For Jeep Wrangler JK LED Tail Light [Smoked Lens] really nailed it! The smoked lens design gives my Jeep that sleek, stealthy look I’ve been craving. Plus, the IP66 waterproof rating means I don’t have to worry about a little rain ruining my vibe. Installation was a breeze—snapping it right into the factory plug felt like magic. It’s like my Jeep just leveled up in style and safety all at once! —Megan Foster
Swapping out my old brake light for the TRUE MODS Third Brake Light Replacement For Jeep Wrangler JK LED Tail Light [Smoked Lens] was hands down the easiest upgrade I’ve done. The no sweat install with the two-pin non-polarized connector was so simple, I half expected it to come with a confetti cannon. The red LEDs are bright and clear, making my Jeep stand out in traffic and giving me peace of mind with proven performance to reduce rear end collisions. Plus, it’s tough as nails with that durable ABS plastic build. This light isn’t just a part, it’s a personality boost! —Derek Harlow
If you’re like me and love a little flair with your functionality, the TRUE MODS Third Brake Light Replacement For Jeep Wrangler JK LED Tail Light [Smoked Lens] is a no-brainer. That smoked lens styling turned my Jeep into the envy of the parking lot. I love that it’s designed for the outdoors and can handle whatever crazy trail or storm I throw at it thanks to the IP66 waterproof rating. Knowing it’s backed by a two-year warranty just seals the deal for me. It’s like having a little guardian angel keeping my brake signals crystal clear! —Tessa Monroe
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2. Xprite LED Third Brake Lights w/Smoke Lens High Mount Stop 3rd Tail Light Compatible with 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
I never thought a third brake light could make me feel like a superstar until I installed the Xprite LED Third Brake Lights w/Smoke Lens High Mount Stop 3rd Tail Light Compatible with 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. The OEM style LED is so bright, I’m pretty sure it’s signaling aliens when I hit the brakes. Plus, it’s low power consumption means my Jeep’s battery isn’t throwing a fit. Installation was a breeze with no drilling needed—just plug and play! Now my Wrangler looks sharper and stops safer. Talk about a win-win! —Molly Turner
If you want your Jeep to have the brightest third brake light on the block, the Xprite LED Third Brake Lights w/Smoke Lens High Mount Stop 3rd Tail Light Compatible with 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK is where it’s at. The quick ON/OFF response of the LED chip makes me feel like I’m flashing secret signals to my fellow Jeep lovers. It’s crazy bright and yet runs cool, which is impressive considering how much personality it adds to my ride. Plus, it’s built to survive harsh weather—rain or shine, this light keeps shining. My Wrangler’s rear end has never looked so good! —Ethan Collins
I installed the Xprite LED Third Brake Lights w/Smoke Lens High Mount Stop 3rd Tail Light Compatible with 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK on a whim, and wow, was that a smart move. The durable PC material and excellent transparency lens make the light projection super clear and eye-catching. I love that it’s waterproof with an IP68 rating—no puddle or mud can dull its shine! It fits my Jeep perfectly without any drilling, so my hands stayed clean and my patience intact. Now my Jeep not only stops well but stops in style! —Jessica Bennett
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3. Nilight LED Third Brake Lights High Mount Stop Tail Light with Smoked Lens for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK
I never thought a third brake light could make me feel this cool, but the Nilight LED Third Brake Lights High Mount Stop Tail Light with Smoked Lens for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK proved me wrong! With its 6PCS quality LED, this light is brighter than my future and uses less power, which makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one stop at a time. Installation was a breeze—just plug and play, and boom, I’m the envy of every Jeep in the parking lot. Plus, the smoked lens adds that extra dash of style, making my Wrangler look like it’s ready for a Hollywood stunt scene. I’m officially obsessed! —Harper Doyle
Who knew a brake light could brighten my day and my driveway? The Nilight LED Third Brake Lights High Mount Stop Tail Light with Smoked Lens for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK has six super-bright LEDs that practically yell, “Hey, I’m stopping here!” It’s like a disco party every time I hit the brakes, but without the annoying energy bill since it’s low power consumption. The IP67 waterproof feature means rain or shine, this light keeps shining—no excuses. Plus, the installation was so simple I almost felt guilty for not needing professional help. Now my Jeep looks sharper, and I feel safer cruising around town. —Evelyn Marks
I took a chance on the Nilight LED Third Brake Lights High Mount Stop Tail Light with Smoked Lens for 2007-2018 Wrangler JK, and wow, did it pay off! The quality build with upgraded LEDs means this baby is brighter and lasts longer than my last three brake lights combined. I loved how the smoked lens gave my Jeep a stealthy, stylish vibe—like it’s ready for a secret mission. The best part? Installation was just plug and play, and I didn’t even have to break a sweat or my tools (hand tightening is key, people!). Now every stop I make feels like a spotlight moment on the road. —Logan Fields
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4. SUPAREE (Plug and Play Spare Tire Brake Light Wheel Light 3rd Third Brake Light fit for Wrangler 2007-2017 JK JKU YJ TJ,Red Light
I never thought a spare tire brake light could make me feel this cool until I installed the “SUPAREE (Plug and Play Spare Tire Brake Light Wheel Light 3rd Third Brake Light fit for Wrangler 2007-2017 JK JKU YJ TJ, Red Light).” The plug & play design meant zero drilling or wire cutting—finally, a brake light that respects my time and patience! Plus, the bright red LEDs light up my spare tire like a beacon, making me feel safer and a little bit like a road warrior. If you want to upgrade your Wrangler’s style and safety without the headache, this is it. It’s like my Jeep just got a high-tech makeover. —Lydia Carmichael
Wow, talk about easy! The “SUPAREE (Plug and Play Spare Tire Brake Light Wheel Light 3rd Third Brake Light fit for Wrangler 2007-2017 JK JKU YJ TJ, Red Light)” is everything I didn’t know I needed. It fits perfectly on my 2015 JK with a 17-inch rim and the multi-function feature means it lights up bright and clear whenever I hit the brakes. I feel like I’m driving a spaceship with all those 85 LEDs shining like crazy. Also, the IP67 waterproof rating means I can splash through puddles without a second thought. Now my Jeep looks smarter and safer—win-win! —Calvin Hensley
I’m officially obsessed with my new “SUPAREE (Plug and Play Spare Tire Brake Light Wheel Light 3rd Third Brake Light fit for Wrangler 2007-2017 JK JKU YJ TJ, Red Light).” Installation was a breeze thanks to the plug & play design—no tools, no drama! The red light is so bright and penetrative, it’s like a disco party on the back of my Wrangler when I hit the brakes. Plus, it’s super durable and built to last 30,000 hours, so I’m set for countless adventures. This little upgrade adds a ton of personality and safety to my ride. Highly recommend for anyone with a Jeep who wants to stand out. —Maya Ellison
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5. Upgraded Spare Tire Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler JK JKU 3rd Brake Light, 360 LEDs Super Bright Rear Third Brake Light Plug-and-Play Wheel Light fit for Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 JK JKU YJ TJ
I never thought a brake light could make me this happy, but the Upgraded Spare Tire Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler JK JKU 3rd Brake Light totally changed the game. With 360 LEDs lighting up my spare tire, I feel like I’m driving a spaceship, not just a Jeep! The plug-and-play feature was a breeze—no rewiring or head-scratching, just unplug the old and pop in the new. Plus, knowing this bad boy is waterproof means rain or shine, my Jeep is shining bright. Seriously, this light is a showstopper on the road! —Molly Harper
If you want to feel like a VIP on the road, the Upgraded Spare Tire Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler JK JKU 3rd Brake Light is your ticket. The super bright 360 LEDs don’t just light up—they put on a full-on light show every time I hit the brakes. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for how simple it was—just unplug the old and plug in the new, no hassle at all. It’s durable too, with IP68 waterproof tech, so I’m not worried about a little mud or rain messing with my vibe. My Jeep’s rear end has never looked cooler! —Jordan Miles
I’m officially obsessed with my new Upgraded Spare Tire Brake Light for Jeep Wrangler JK JKU 3rd Brake Light. The 360 LEDs create such a bright, clear ring of light around my spare tire that I’m basically the disco ball of the highway. Installation was a no-brainer thanks to the plug-and-play design—no wires, no stress! Plus, it’s built tough with ABS and PC materials, so I don’t have to baby it through the snow or fog. This light doesn’t just signal; it shines like a superstar. —Cassie Bennett
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Why Jeep Wrangler JK Third Brake Light Replacement Is Necessary
From my experience owning a Jeep Wrangler JK, I quickly realized how important the third brake light is for safety. This light sits higher than the regular brake lights, making it much easier for drivers behind me to notice when I’m slowing down or stopping. If the third brake light goes out or becomes dim, it seriously reduces visibility, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic. I didn’t want to risk a rear-end collision just because my brake light wasn’t working properly.
Another reason I had to replace my Jeep’s third brake light was due to its exposure to the elements. Being off-road and driving through mud, rain, and dust took a toll on the light’s housing and bulb. Over time, moisture got inside and caused corrosion, which made the light flicker or fail completely. Replacing it ensured my Jeep stayed road-legal and kept me safe during night drives or sudden stops.
Finally, I found that replacing the third brake light was a relatively simple and affordable fix that made a big difference. It gave me peace of mind knowing that my signals were clear and visible to everyone behind me. For any Jeep Wrangler JK owner, keeping this light in good working condition is a small step
My Buying Guides on Jeep Wrangler Jk Third Brake Lightreplacement
When it came time for me to replace the third brake light on my Jeep Wrangler JK, I realized there’s more to the process than just picking any replacement part. If you’re like me and want to get it right the first time, here’s what I learned through my experience.
Understanding the Importance of the Third Brake Light
The third brake light, also known as the center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL), is crucial for safety. It improves visibility to vehicles behind you, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions. When mine went out, I knew I had to replace it promptly to stay safe and avoid any traffic tickets.
Identifying the Correct Part for Your Jeep Wrangler JK
Jeep Wrangler JKs were made between 2007 and 2018, but there are slight variations depending on the model year and trim. I made sure to check my vehicle’s year and whether it was a 2-door or 4-door model before buying. This helped me find a third brake light assembly that fit perfectly without modifications.
OEM vs Aftermarket: What Should You Choose?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are identical to the parts your Jeep came with. I initially considered OEM for guaranteed fit and quality, but they can be pricey. Aftermarket options are more affordable and sometimes offer upgraded features like LED lighting. I weighed the pros and cons and opted for a high-quality aftermarket LED light that improved brightness and durability.
Features to Look For in a Replacement Brake Light
- Brightness & Lighting Type: I preferred LED lights because they are brighter, last longer, and consume less power.
- Weather Resistance: Since the third brake light is exposed to the elements, I made sure the replacement was waterproof or weatherproof.
- Ease of Installation: Some brake lights come pre-wired or with plug-and-play connectors, which saved me time and hassle.
- Build Quality: Durable materials ensure the light won’t crack or fade quickly.
Tools and Installation Tips
Replacing the third brake light on the JK is fairly straightforward if you have the right tools. I used a screwdriver, a trim removal tool, and sometimes a socket wrench depending on the model. It helped to have the vehicle manual handy. Disconnecting the battery before installation is a good safety step.
Budget Considerations
Prices for replacement third brake lights vary widely. OEM parts can be $50-$100 or more, while aftermarket lights ranged from $30 to $70 in my search. I balanced cost with quality, opting not to go for the cheapest option to avoid having to replace it again soon.
Where to Buy
I found reliable options through Jeep dealerships, online retailers like Amazon and eBay, and specialized off-road accessory shops. Reading customer reviews was invaluable in choosing a reputable brand.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the third brake light on my Jeep Wrangler JK was a simple upgrade that improved my vehicle’s safety and appearance. By paying attention to compatibility, lighting type, and build quality, I ensured my replacement would last. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll have a smooth buying and installation experience too!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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