Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:BULBS
15 NHTSA complaints about exterior lighting:brake lights:bulbs issues across 4 makes and 8 models.
The exterior lighting:brake lights:bulbs is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 15 filings from 4 manufacturers and 8 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the HYUNDAI SONATA with 7 filings, followed by KIA FORTE and RAM 2500. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HYUNDAI SONATA | 7 |
| 2 | KIA FORTE | 2 |
| 3 | RAM 2500 | 1 |
| 4 | KIA SPORTAGE | 1 |
| 5 | KIA SOUL | 1 |
| 6 | HYUNDAI TUCSON | 1 |
| 7 | HYUNDAI ELANTRA | 1 |
| 8 | FORD ECOSPORT | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the "Check Brake Light" message was displayed on the instrument panel, and the screen indicated that the rear brake light bulb was defec
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while the brake pedal was depressed, the rear driverâs side and rear passengerâs side brake lights failed to illuminate as designed. No wa
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the vehicle seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to d
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that on various occasions, the brake lights and turning signals failed to illuminate as designed. The contact stated that she replaced the bu
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the windows needed to be scraped from the inside. The driver was unable to see the roadway. The brake light became inoperable. The vehicle was
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated she noticed that the driverâs side brake light bulb was inoperable. The bulb was replaced; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehic
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while replacing the brake light bulb on the passengerâs side, the contact became aware that the brake light housing was melted, causing the
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the message "Check Brake Lights" displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. How
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had tak
The lights bulbs have burned out multiple times. The hole where the bulb fits is misshapen and is very hard to install new light bulbs (practically impossible). Reported to dealership. They said it is
Tail lights continually kept burning out. Eventually, after a few installs, tht last one melted requiring they full assembly to be replaced. The first side went out on the right a couple of years prio
The brake light is constantly going out since I purchased this car in 2013 see other ocmplaints https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/sonata/brake-light-problems.php
I am having trouble with the exterior lights on my vehicle. That includes brake lights, tail lights, head lights, turn signals (front and rear). I am constantly replacing them as one or several are al
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE BULB BURNED OUT AND THE SOCKET APPEARED BROWN AND MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LIBERTY HYUNDAI DEALER, LOCATED AT:
Related Vehicle Components
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.