1997 Maxima SE - dashboard lights dimming

My 1997 Maxima SE's dashboard night-lights began dimming on the climate control head and then the problem spread to the certain sections of the Bose stereo over the last 2 yrs or so. Currently the night-lights of the climate control head are completely out as are those on 1/2 of the stereo. The local dealer said both units need to be replaced. This sounds like too easy of a solution. Does anyone know what the possible cause is? Both units still work fine except for the lights that illuminate the buttons at night. THANKS!