This IS a common problem! When I was taking out my side lights before I got the car painted, BOTH of them broke off because of the burning. I also have a junk yard piece that has the same problem.

Here is my theory: Those side lights were not designed to be lighted. In Japan, they are just reflectors, and have no bulb in them. The design was modified for the US/CDN markets, and the people who modified the design didnt make a large enough area for which the bulb to sit, thus causing heat to collect in the small area (making it hot hot hot).

Whew... That's the most ive thought about anything since... ehh i dont feel like thinking about it.

Mike