I have a 2004 jeep cherokee that has the high or third brake light out. The bulb was replaced but it still doesn't work. While driving, I have noticed a lot of cherokees with this problem. My dash never indicates that the light is burnt out, and I suspect others are not being notified so they don't even know they have the problem. My regular or lower brake lights work fine, as do the other ones I've seen on the road. Any thoughts?

is there a bad fuse for the third brake lite

Moving to Grand Cherokee.

I had a POS Saturn for a short while and some of the little bulbs in the third light went out. When I had it in for service, the tech asked me if I wanted the bulbs replaced. They dealer techs told me I didn't have to get them fixed if I didn't want to because they are not a gov't mandated light (yet). So technically I suppose you could not be pulled over and ticketed if that light or some bulbs in the third light are out. I opted not to fix them.

well in any state a lite out is just a reason for a cop to pull you over and god forbid if you had a couple fo drinks in you dui can you really afford that

3 rd brake light has been mandated for last 10 or so years on cars/suvs in the US.
Most states traffic laws say if it's OEM it must work, SO if the Dealer tells you it's not necessary i bet he'll fail your car in it's Safety inspection b/c the lights out.
IF by some chance you're still under the 3/36 warranty get the dealer to fix the problem. If not i would start checking for a damaged wire where tailgate wires connect to the body. The wires have a tendency to become brittle and crack in the rubber loom/hose in the tailgates and doors jams on all cars.
good luck