Center Tail Light Dim, connection looks corroded (water), what next?

[WingsVK97]

Our Mazda5's center tail light is dim when the brakes are applied. I popped off the panel at the top of the gate to get behind it a it looks like water is getting in someplace. One side of the connector is corroded (rust) which would explain the dim. There's also signs of water across the top of the lift gate inside and around that area. But now comes the fun part. If that cluster has to be changed out, it looks like almost the WHOLE lift gate has to be taken apart to get it done. Its all one piece and it looks like everything bolts through the molding, not around it.

Two questions:
1. Has anyone else had this issue with their center tail light and can tell me where the water is getting in from?
2. Has anyone taken this rig apart and can tell me what I might be in for?

 

[mudgts]

I have the same issue. Maybe it's time to push for a recall ?

 

[tuanies]

The interior liftgate panel is 4 pieces on the 2012+. Find the service manual on the Mazda subreddit and it should be easy to take apart.

 

[Vasy]

I don't know how to take apart pre-2012, the plastic there seems very different but I'm sure it is covered in this thread.
If it is 2012+ you can watch this video and there is a part that shows you how to take trim off the tailgate.

 

[WingsVK97]

My initial look was WAY off. It is really easy to get that whole piece off. Just pop off cover, unplug the connector, undo the two bolts and it comes out through from the outside. Easy easy easy!

The water is getting in through the posts in the connector. Maybe we parked in a funny place and got water pooling up inside. The inside of the light cluster looks like water got in there as well through that opening so the whole thing is looks like it needs to be replaced. Now comes the fun part. Everyone wants to sell me the left or right side tail light, but where can I get a center tail light? Suggestions?

 

[flcruising]

Do you have a picture of the parts?