Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
2,042 NHTSA complaints about exterior lighting:brake lights issues across 44 makes and 380 models.
Data updated August 2026. Counts render from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation standardized component field; severity flags cross-reference NHTSA ODI complaint flags for owner-reported crash, fire, and injury markers. This page is for informational purposes and does not replace NHTSA recall notices or a vehicle-specific inspection. Methodology · Corrections.
NHTSA ODI component intake brief
ODI category EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
2,042 filings · 380 models · 44 makes · vintage August 2026
- FILINGS MODERATE 2,042 ODI rows
- MODELS 380 nameplates citing this part
- MAKES 44 manufacturers in corpus
- CRASH 2.1% 43 crash-flagged
- RANK #107 of 696 categories
- SEV FATAL 10 deaths · 26 injuries
Filing-volume peers
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS sits MODERATE on ODI intake volume (#107 of 696 standardized categories) with a FATAL severity stamp (10 reported fatalities across 380 models). Open Chevrolet Malibu (category leader) →
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS filing-volume reading
The standout signal for exterior lighting:brake lights is ODI intake volume: 2,042 filings (MODERATE band · #107 of 696 standardized categories) across 380 nameplates. Crash-flag share is 2.1%.
Moderate-volume categories still show a fingerprint in the model table below, cross-check each nameplate's recall and investigation history before inferring a defect pattern.
Next step: compare Chevrolet Malibu against FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY on filing totals before treating exterior lighting:brake lights volume as a purchase signal.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Malibu | |
| 2 | Pontiac G6 | |
| 3 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | |
| 4 | Saturn LS | |
| 5 | Chevrolet Blazer | |
| 6 | Hyundai Sonata | |
| 7 | Ford Taurus | |
| 8 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| 9 | Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| 10 | Mercedes-Benz Slk230 | |
| 11 | Volkswagen Jetta | |
| 12 | Mercury Villager | |
| 13 | Mercury Sable | |
| 14 | Ford Windstar | |
| 15 | Ford F-150 | |
| 16 | Ford Explorer | |
| 17 | Chevrolet Venture | |
| 18 | Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| 19 | Chevrolet Lumina | |
| 20 | Toyota Camry | |
| 21 | Volkswagen Passat | |
| 22 | Ford Focus | |
| 23 | Saturn Aura | |
| 24 | GMC Jimmy | |
| 25 | Ford Ranger | |
| 26 | Chevrolet Colorado | |
| 27 | Hyundai Elantra | |
| 28 | Honda Accord | |
| 29 | BMW 325i | |
| 30 | Ford Escort |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact was notified by her son that the third brake light was burned and was melting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted a
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake lights and taillights failed to function as intended. The neighbor who was driving behind t
The contact owns a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System). While placing the
Both front ball joints wore out at 20,000 miles The 3rd break light leaks into the cab at 26,000 miles & won't be warrantied even though there's an active recall for our same truck, same part just di
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the brake light located near the rear window was inope
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the brake light located near the rear window was inopera
Notable brake application pressure without brake light illumination. See attached file for details.
The contact owns a 2019 Mini Clubman. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Left Brake Light Malfunction" was displayed. The vehicle returned to normal functional
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off
The contact owns a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the Standard Mode or in Cruise Mode, depressing the brake pedal, there was a delay with the brake lights illumin
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that water was entering the vehicle through the roof. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started rolling down the hill. The contact state
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake lights remained illuminated. The brake and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additi
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the center high-mounted third stop light was full of condensation, causing the light to become extremely dim. There was no warning light illu
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the brake warning lamp remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the
The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illumi
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the right turn signal light illuminated and blinked intermittently. The contact's wife
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights intermittently illuminated independently. The brake warning light was illuminated.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that there was water inside the driver's side rear taillight, causing a malfunction of the rear brake lights. The contact stated that the brake l
The contact owned a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle before the vehicle jerked forward. There was no
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control became inoperable. The contact stated that the cruise control inadvertently disengaged.
Related Vehicle Components
Verify with NHTSA · consumer-reported counts are not verified defect findings.