Tail Light Switch problems of the 2005 Honda Civic

Tag and rear running lights failed 11/28/2012. Rick case Honda dealer said the entire rear tail light harness was brittle due to age and required replacement at a cost of $ 228 labor and $186 for the parts. In my mind this main harness is poorly designed for the life time of the vehicle and should have connectors that allow repair for less cost to consumer since tail lights are safety issue and I observe a number of Honda Civics on the highway with failed or failing tail lights. I think the wiring harness should be higher grade wire due to safety concerns or have connectors added to insure repairs are easy to conduct for the do it yourself repairs or improve the design so failures due not occur with age of the vehicle.

I purchased a 2005 Honda Civic new. The vehicle now belongs to my son. The vehicle was taken to the Honda dealer for maintenance since I purchased it. Approx. 6 months ago my son was stopped by the police on several occasions due to the license plate light and all of the tail lights being in-op. It was taken immediately to the dealer. They replaced the bulbs did a diagnostic check and the light still did not work. They could not figure it out. He took the vehicle to meineke for state inspection and of course it could not pass due to the lights. When the mechanic look at the wiring it had been sliced in three different places and taped back together. The wiring had either been jimmied apart, or something snagged them. I never added anything to the car. It belong to me until sept last year. It is apparent it came from the factory this way. It cost several hundred dollars to correct. Honda is not helping me with this.