Broken LEDs

[bpsorrel]

Saw three CLCs today, each with a couple of high level LEDs not working.

Anyone else noticed this, and, aren't they meant to be for life?

 

[verytalldave]

If LED's are run at or below their design voltage then they can last a long time. In excess of 45,000 hours is not uncommon.
However if LED's are connected to a supply exceeding their rated voltage, this decreases their life considerably.
Its also not uncommon to get a rogue batch where the LED's fail in a shorter timespan.
Ambient temperature also plays a part. LED's are normally specified at "25deg. C" or below to achieve their output and rated life.
Exceed this (which is easy in a car in direct sunlight) and life expectancy is dramatically cut short.

Unfortunately, nothing is for life - even a Mercedes.