I've had issues with my tail lights.. sometimes they work and sometimes they work and sometimes not.. But when I slap the back passenger light, both that and top tail light come on, but not for long..
Loose bulb, short in wires?? Thanks

 

Why don't you take the time to remove the light assembly and find out.
No it is not common as is easily fixable.

 

Buy a can of contact cleaner and take lights apart and clean all contacts maybe use a little ultra fine grit sand paper.

 

And during reassembly Dab some dielectric grease on the contacts before setting the bulb. Almost every electrical connection on my rig is covered in it. Keeps out moisture.