Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
1,149 NHTSA complaints about exterior lighting:brake lights:switch issues across 41 makes and 240 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:SWITCH
1,149 filings · 240 models · 41 makes · vintage August 2026
- FILINGS MODERATE 1,149 ODI rows
- MODELS 240 nameplates citing this part
- MAKES 41 manufacturers in corpus
- CRASH 2.3% 26 crash-flagged
- RANK #142 of 696 categories
- SEV QUIET 0 deaths · 12 injuries
Filing-volume peers
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH sits MODERATE on ODI intake volume (#142 of 696 standardized categories) with a QUIET severity stamp (0 reported fatalities across 240 models). Open Volkswagen Jetta (category leader) →
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH severity reading
The standout signal for exterior lighting:brake lights:switch is severity: 0 reported fatalities and 12 injuries (QUIET stamp) on 1,149 filings (MODERATE volume).
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 Volkswagen Jetta against POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) on filing totals before treating exterior lighting:brake lights:switch volume as a purchase signal.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen Jetta | |
| 2 | Chevrolet Blazer | |
| 3 | Ford Taurus | |
| 4 | Chevrolet Colorado | |
| 5 | Volkswagen Beetle | |
| 6 | Mercury Sable | |
| 7 | Volkswagen Passat | |
| 8 | Ford Mustang | |
| 9 | Hyundai Sonata | |
| 10 | Volkswagen Golf | |
| 11 | Ford Windstar | |
| 12 | Ford Explorer | |
| 13 | Hyundai Santa FE | |
| 14 | Hyundai Elantra | |
| 15 | Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| 16 | GMC Canyon | |
| 17 | Mercury Cougar | |
| 18 | GMC Jimmy | |
| 19 | Ford F-150 | |
| 20 | Toyota Camry | |
| 21 | Chevrolet Lumina | |
| 22 | Chevrolet Astro | |
| 23 | Pontiac G6 | |
| 24 | Ford Escort | |
| 25 | Honda Civic | |
| 26 | Chevrolet Suburban | |
| 27 | Volkswagen GTI | |
| 28 | Lincoln Town CAR | |
| 29 | Chevrolet Malibu | |
| 30 | Volkswagen NEW Beetle |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact’s daughter attempted to turn off the vehicle, and the brake lights remained illumina
The contact owned a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 35-45 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and rattling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle wa
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the contact was informed by another driver that while coming to a stop the brake lights were inoperable. The contac
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, it was later discovered that the rear brake lights had remained illuminated. Upon inspection, t
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the word "Malfunction" was d
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact st
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his partner was driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake lights failed to activate or respond
MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE STUCK AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME TO DRIVE. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO GET THIS REPAIR COMPLETED. IT STATES I HAVE NO ACTIVE RECALLS, HOWEVER, THE PA
My break light switch pad is broken and is causing the car to not maintain speed and sluggish acceleration. I have seen other drivers report the same failure with their cars.
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to actuate as needed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift ou
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the brake light switch failed to operate as designed. The brake light would remain illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The c
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake light was illuminated, and the brake pedal stopper pad detached. The dealer was made aware o
Break lights stay on when truck is moving. It confuses drivers following the truck.other motorists would not know whether the truck is slowing down
Traveling on highway using cruise control at posted speed limit. Approached slowdown due to accident and applied brakes. Accelerated to limit (manually) after passing accident. I was in middle lane. V
Brake pedal stopper deterioration. The brake pedal stopper pad deteriorates, allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. If the brake light switch plun
Brake light switch pad broke , So the car thinks the brakes are on so it goes into "limp mode" and it starts turning off assist modes.
The issue is the Brake Light switch stop pad on the brake pedal which is a rubber type of plug. At 70,000 miles the brake light switch stop pad cracked and fell into floor board (see pictures). When t
Brake pedal pad failed, causing car to suddenly brake even though brakes were not being applied. Ford Dealership recommended replacing brake light switch assembly. Brake lights stayed on even after th
While driving on Interstate 10 just past SR129 in Florida my cruise control disengaged and my throttle pedal began working intermittently.Since there was no exit for about 12 miles I proceeded at the
Related Vehicle Components
Verify with NHTSA · consumer-reported counts are not verified defect findings.