I've owned my 2007 since 2009... I've changed tail lights once. That was 3+ years ago.

 

Good point .UE...I never thought of that.
I'll pull them out , wipe, and reinstall.
Seems awful sensitive but worth a try.
By the way the bulbs are burnt out when I uninstall the bad ones so I do not think it is the connection contact.

 

I know to wipe halogen bulbs, never heard of wiping off an incandescent bulb.

I've had mine since 2014, have only changed headlight bulbs and 1 backup bulb.

I would think that even if the brake light bulbs were lit whenever you're driving, they still should last for years. Something is wrong, too much voltage? Have someone step on the brake pedal while you measure voltage at the socket.

 

Looking back since I have owned 10 of these little Jewels, my first one was a Brand New 2011 and it never burnt out any Bulbs.
I did trade it in but only after driving it for almost a year.
I could be wrong but I think it must just be the bulbs from Napa.
I will look for either brand Old Blue mentioned if I can find them and give that a whirl.
I do have a voltmeter so that comes first when I get time.
Really busy right now..
I replaced the Battery about a year ago.

SF

 

I had a tail light housing with some evidence of melting so I drilled some cooling holes in it, even though I figured it was from using the wrong bulb. Cooler operation should make an incandescent bulb last a little longer.

If you think a bulb dies too soon, switch brands. Making light bulbs is touchy, and entire runs can be defective. Very old technology, and 100 year old machinery is probably still in use. Life of incandescent bulbs is much more variable than their life ratings imply.

 

A little different from your issue, but this is what I encountered: LED lamps are a bit more, but they last forever and don't burn hot. My son's car had an issue where the inside red brake light area melted and were glowing white when he pressed on the brake. He got pulled-over twice for this. Instead of replacing the tail light assemblies, he had the idea of using red LED brake light bulbs. Problem solved!