Lighting Problems
16,811 owner complaints · 107 model lines · median failure at 65,000 miles
Among 16,811 owner complaints for lighting problems across 107 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2007 Toyota Prius (957 complaints, typically failing near 49,519 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 65,000 miles and the typical repair estimate is $250.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 16,811 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 107 from 28 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 65,000 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $250 |
| Severity mix | 78 severe · 209 moderate · 0 minor (of 287 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 301 alleged fires, 128 alleged injuries, 282 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for lighting problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Toyota Prius | 957 | 49,519 mi | $250 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 866 | 48,300 mi | $250 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 494 | 55,000 mi | $250 |
| 2013 Nissan Altima | 422 | 85,000 mi | $250 |
| 2015 Acura RDX | 342 | 79,990 mi | $250 |
| 2005 Toyota Prius | 303 | 100,000 mi | $250 |
| 2015 Cadillac SRX | 288 | 52,000 mi | $250 |
| 2014 Nissan Altima | 281 | 81,000 mi | $250 |
| 2015 Nissan Altima | 263 | 71,000 mi | $250 |
| 2014 Cadillac SRX | 252 | 59,280 mi | $250 |
| 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | 243 | 79,000 mi | $250 |
| 2015 GMC Yukon | 229 | 57,000 mi | $250 |
| 2012 Cadillac SRX | 221 | 76,000 mi | $250 |
| 2014 Dodge Durango | 217 | 60,000 mi | $250 |
| 2013 Cadillac SRX | 209 | 65,000 mi | $250 |
People also ask
What is the most common lighting problem?
Based on 16,811 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2007 Toyota Prius. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do lighting problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 65,000 miles, but the range is wide — the 25th to 75th percentile on individual model lines can span tens of thousands of miles. Individual vehicles fail earlier or later depending on use.
How much does it cost to fix?
The typical repair estimate in this category is $250, with significant spread between model lines — complex components on luxury vehicles can cost several times more than the same repair on a mainstream car.
Are these complaints verified defects?
No. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified first-person reports. A high complaint count signals a pattern worth checking (open recalls, TSBs, investigations) — not a confirmed defect.
Other component categories
electrical · engine · powertrain / transmission · steering · airbags & restraints · brakes · body & exterior · cruise control · visibility / wipers · fuel system · suspension · tires · wheels · seat belts · equipment / accessories
Checking a specific car? Decode its VIN to see the exact build, open safety recalls and crash-test ratings — free, no registration.
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint and recall data. Owner complaints are unverified; volume reflects reporting, not per-vehicle defect rates. See Data Sources & Methodology.