Lights — Vehicle Component Safety Report

Lights failure reports: 1038 total complaints across 100 vehicles from 15 makes. See which models are most affected.

1038Total Complaints
100Affected Vehicles
15Makes Affected

Lights Decision Cockpit

This component hub groups real NHTSA complaint signals by make, model year, and vehicle page. Use it as a spoke from individual vehicle reports into the broader lights safety pattern.

Top Makes for Lights Complaints

Nissan — 302 Subaru — 195 Mazda — 185 Toyota — 180 Volkswagen — 45 Mitsubishi — 25 Mercedes-Benz — 25 Porsche — 25

Top Years for Lights Complaints

2015 — 267 2016 — 258 2018 — 104 2019 — 96 2017 — 88 2021 — 54 2023 — 50 2024 — 49

A high complaint count does not automatically prove a defect, but it is a strong inspection signal when the same component appears repeatedly across related vehicles, years, recalls, or crash narratives.

Common Lights Issues

The lights component is one of the most commonly reported areas of failure in NHTSA consumer complaints. Issues range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards including potential crashes and fires. Below are the vehicles most affected by lights problems.

Most Affected Vehicles

VehicleComplaintsRecalls
2015 Nissan Altima 236 0
2016 Mazda Cx-5 152 0
2019 Subaru Impreza 60 0
2018 Subaru Impreza 58 0
2021 Volkswagen Atlas 36 0
2016 Nissan Altima 31 0
2017 Subaru Impreza 30 0
2016 Toyota Rav4 24 0
2017 Toyota Rav4 23 0
2018 Toyota Rav4 17 0
2019 Nissan Sentra 17 0
2024 Tesla Model 3 16 0
2022 Mazda Cx-5 15 0
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross 14 0
2021 Toyota Venza 13 0
2024 Subaru Crosstrek 11 0
2016 Toyota Tundra 9 0
2018 Nissan Sentra 9 0
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 9 0
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 9 0
2023 Toyota Corolla 8 0
2022 Subaru Forester 8 0
2017 Mercedes-Benz Gle-Class 8 0
2023 Mazda Cx-5 7 0
2015 Toyota Prius 6 0
2015 Toyota Prius V 6 0
2015 Toyota Prius C 6 0
2016 Toyota Highlander 6 0
2024 Tesla Cybertruck 6 0
2023 Subaru Outback 6 0

Frequently Asked Questions About Lights Safety

What are the most common lights problems in cars?

Based on 1038 NHTSA complaints across 100 vehicles, lights issues range from minor malfunctions to serious safety hazards. The most affected vehicles are listed in the table below — click any vehicle to see its specific lights complaint details.

Which vehicles have the most lights recalls?

The Nissan Altima is among the most affected. See the ranked table below for the full list of 100 vehicles with lights complaints filed with NHTSA.

How dangerous are lights failures?

Lights failures can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. Some lights complaints involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Always have lights issues inspected promptly by a qualified mechanic, especially if your vehicle is subject to a related recall.

How do I check if my car has a lights recall?

Search for your vehicle using our search tool or enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a lights recall exists for your vehicle, the repair is free at authorized dealerships.