Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
1,132 NHTSA complaints about exterior lighting:tail lights issues across 42 makes and 335 models.
The exterior lighting:tail lights is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 1,132 filings from 42 manufacturers and 335 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 16 crashes, 35 fires, 16 injuries, and 1 fatality. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the CHEVROLET MALIBU with 45 filings, followed by SATURN LS and CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. 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 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 45 |
| 2 | SATURN LS | 35 |
| 3 | CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER | 32 |
| 4 | MERCURY VILLAGER | 27 |
| 5 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 24 |
| 6 | TOYOTA CAMRY | 21 |
| 7 | HYUNDAI SONATA | 19 |
| 8 | FORD TAURUS | 18 |
| 9 | CHEVROLET VENTURE | 17 |
| 10 | FORD CONTOUR | 16 |
| 11 | DODGE DURANGO | 16 |
| 12 | PONTIAC GRAND PRIX | 13 |
| 13 | MERCURY SABLE | 13 |
| 14 | MERCURY MYSTIQUE | 13 |
| 15 | FORD EXPLORER | 13 |
| 16 | CHEVROLET BLAZER | 13 |
| 17 | FORD FOCUS | 12 |
| 18 | DODGE NEON | 12 |
| 19 | DODGE CARAVAN | 12 |
| 20 | PONTIAC GRAND AM | 11 |
| 21 | MERCEDES-BENZ SLK230 | 11 |
| 22 | HONDA CIVIC | 11 |
| 23 | GMC YUKON | 11 |
| 24 | FORD F-150 | 11 |
| 25 | CHEVROLET CAVALIER | 11 |
| 26 | CADILLAC DEVILLE | 11 |
| 27 | NISSAN FRONTIER | 10 |
| 28 | NISSAN D21 | 10 |
| 29 | JEEP CHEROKEE | 10 |
| 30 | FORD THUNDERBIRD | 10 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact stated that an ambient warning light appeared on the instrument cluster, indicating that the rear passengerâs side taillight unit wa
The contact owns a 2007 Mercury Montego. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towe
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that water had accumulated in the tail lights, causing the lights to become inoperable. The contact stated that he had noticed an abnormal water
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the driver's and passenger's side taillight housings were filled with water. Th
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was pulled over by a Police Officer, and was informed that both taillights were inoper
Rear lights located both on the tailgate and body of the vehicle. The lights covers failed to remain adhered to the lights themselves and fell off and are partially adhered as a result of what appears
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the rear taillights were inoperative, and the taillight housings were full of water. No
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Acadia. The contact stated there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehic
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the contact pulled over by the local Police because the taillights were inoperable. The
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 owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of condensation inside the rear taillight assembly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or r
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the rear windshield exploded without impact. The contact stated that the rear fogger had been activated independentl
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the driverâs and passengerâs side taillights failed to illuminate as designed. The contact called the d
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact was notified by another driver that the rear taillights were inoperable. No warning light was illumi
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the taillight detached from the taillight housing. The contact stated that the taillights were set a qu
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was informed that parts for the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitche
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear taillights failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independen
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contactâs husband observed condensation in the rear gate light bar. The vehicle was taken to a dealer whe
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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.