Cars with the most headlights and lights problems

Ranking of the cars we have analysed by the severity and frequency of their documented headlights and lights faults. Each fault links to its page: symptoms, cost, how to check it and sources.

Of the 522 cars we have analysed, 56 have documented headlights and lights faults. The one with the most accumulated risk is the Peugeot 307, because of “exterior light failure without warning (2006-2009 production)”; it is followed by the Citroën C-Crosser and the Hyundai Tucson I. For 466 we have found no documented headlights and lights faults.

Reviewed on 30 October 2026How we work

Rank 1
Peugeot 307
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
7.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: CommonHeadlights and lightsExterior light failure without warning (2006-2009 production)On cars built between 2006 and 2009, the exterior lights can go out or fail without warning; Peugeot issued two recalls for this reason, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de independently documents a lighting problem on models from those years.
Rank 2
Citroën C-Crosser
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
7.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsBrake light switch with contacts contaminated by silicone greaseYes: in 2014 a campaign was registered because the brake light switch on the C-Crosser, built between April 2007 and June 2009, could have its contacts contaminated with silicone grease from the factory, and the brake lights might not come on when the pedal is pressed. The switch is replaced and its wiring harness cleaned.
Rank 3
Hyundai Tucson I
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
7.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsBrake light switch failure from burnt contacts (2007 to 2009 Tucson)Yes: a 2013 campaign affects Tucsons built between May 2007 and February 2009. The brake light switch can fail and leave the lights either not working or stuck on, and the same signal can knock out the cruise control, the ESP and the shift lock that holds the automatic gearbox selector in P.
Rank 4
Kia Carens III
MPV · 1 headlights and lights fault
7.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsFaulty brake light switch: the lights may not come on when brakingA 2013 alert notified by Germany covers 2006 to 2011 Carens over a brake light switch fault, which can stop the lights coming on when the pedal is pressed or leave them on, and which can also affect stability control (ESC), cruise control and the automatic gear lever.
Rank 5
Kia Optima III
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
7.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsIntermittent brake light failure caused by a carbonised switchYes: in 2013 the British DVSA logged a recall of several Kia models, including some Optimas built between August 2010 and April 2011, because the contacts of the brake light switch could become carbonised. The switch is replaced.
Rank 6
Kia Sportage II
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
7.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsBrake light switch failureYes: the British DVSA registered two campaigns to replace the Sportage's brake light switch: one in 2009 for a defective switch (units built between September and October 2006) and another in 2013 for carbonised contacts that caused intermittent failures and could affect the ESC and cruise control.
Rank 7
DS DS 7 Crossback
Compact SUV · 2 headlights and lights faults
8.0 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsWater ingress into the rear lights due to inadequate sealingSeveral DS7 Crossback owners, with different engines, document water getting into the rear lights because of inadequate sealing, with visible condensation and a risk of the light unit failing.
- High severityFrequency: RareHeadlights and lightsSoftware error in the adaptive headlight that can dazzle (built January 2022-March 2023)DS recalled DS7 Crossback cars built between January 2022 and March 2023 because a software error can set the adaptive headlight beam too high, dazzling other drivers.
Rank 8
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsTailgate wiring breakage from use (third brake light and number plate light)According to a German used-car guide, repeatedly opening and closing the Giulietta's tailgate fairly often breaks a wire in its harness, which can leave the third brake light or the number plate light not working.
Rank 9
Audi A6 C6
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsLoss of brightness of the xenon headlights over the yearsgebrauchtwagenberater.de notes that the A6 C6's xenon headlights lose brightness over the years, wear that German technical inspections (TÜV) go so far as to flag; fiches-auto.fr documents specific replacements between 75,000 and 198,000 km.Appears at around 75,000 km
Rank 10
Audi Q3 I
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsFlickering rear lights caused by a tailgate sensorSeveral owners report that the rear lights (brake and tail lights) flicker or fail to light when the brake is pressed, with the cause traced to a poorly closed or faulty tailgate sensor, not the bulbs.
Rank 11
BMW Serie 6 E63/E64
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsWater in the headlightsHeadlights with water inside have been reported on the E63/E64; one 650i owner quotes around €3,000 for replacing the headlights.
Rank 12
Cupra Ateca
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsSoftware fault in the headlight control unit (incorrect aim and dazzle, 2018)Yes: Auto Express cites for the Cupra Ateca a November 2018 recall for incorrect headlight aim, resolved with a software update; Germany's KBA records in 2018 a software fault in the headlight control unit of the Seat Ateca that caused dazzle.
Rank 13
Ford Kuga III
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsAutomatic high-beam system fault (recall 16753R)A fault in the driver-assistance control unit can make the automatic high beams switch on or off without the driver deciding it, dazzling other road users; Ford issued a recall in 2026 for several models, including the Kuga.
Rank 14
Ford Mondeo V
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsSoftware fault in the LED cornering lights (headlights may switch off)A software fault related to the LED cornering lights can cause the headlights to switch off on Mondeo V vehicles built between May 2014 and December 2015; Ford corrected it with a software update of the lighting control module.
Rank 15
Ford Tourneo Custom
Van and combi · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsFront camera module fault controlling the automatic high beamsAccording to Gebrauchtwagenberater, Ford recalled models such as the Tourneo Custom built between February and April 2026 because the control unit of the front camera module can switch the automatic high beams on or off for no reason and dazzle other drivers. It is fixed with software.
Rank 16
Honda CR-V II
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsDipped headlight failure from wear on the light switch wiring harnessHonda issued a recall in 2012 (United Kingdom) for CR-Vs built between November 2001 and September 2004, because the dipped headlight terminal in the switch harness can wear through movement and eventually leave the dipped headlights inoperative.
Rank 17
Honda CR-V III
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsDipped headlight fault (wiring clamp)According to gebrauchtwagenberater.de, the KBA has a recall for a clamp between the wiring harness and the dipped-beam bulb, which can leave the dipped headlight not working on CR-Vs built in 2007.
Rank 18
Mazda CX-5 I
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsLED daytime running light failure due to corrosionYes: first-generation CX-5s built between December 2014 and December 2015 were recalled because corrosion can make the LED daytime running lights fail, so that they no longer come on.
Rank 19
Mercedes-Benz EQC N293
Mid-size SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsHeadlight levelling out of specification: risk of dazzleIn 2023 Mercedes recalled 1,102 EQCs built in 2022 because the headlight levelling does not meet the specification. It can dazzle oncoming drivers or reduce the driver's visibility. The workshop checks the aim and corrects it if necessary.
Rank 20
Nissan Navara D23
Mid-size SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsThird brake light (upper brake light) on the aftermarket hardtop fails on start-upOn Navara NP300 (D23) models fitted with an aftermarket hardtop and built between 1 October 2015 and 16 June 2016, the hardtop's upper brake light may not come on just as the engine starts. Nissan corrects the wiring and power supply to that light under a recall.
Rank 21
Peugeot 2008 II
Small SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsWater condensation in the headlights and rear lightsSeveral Peugeot 2008 II owners have documented persistent condensation, or even visible water, inside the headlights and LED rear lights after rain; according to the accounts, Peugeot has gone as far as replying that it is "normal".
Rank 22
Porsche Cayenne II
Mid-size SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsHeadlight locking module that can come loose and detach the headlight (recall)In February 2012 Porsche recalled around 100,000 Cayennes built in 2011 and 2012 because the module that fixes the front headlight could come loose. According to Autopista, the repair takes about 45 minutes and is free of charge; the DVSA adds that, in rare cases, the headlight could detach from the wing.
Rank 23
Subaru Forester III
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsFaulty brake light switch (2019 campaign)Subaru recalled Foresters built between April 2007 and March 2017 because the brake light switch can be faulty and leave the lights not working, with a risk of rear-end collision. The European alert (RAPEX 22/2019) was notified by Germany.
Rank 24
Subaru Forester IV
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.6 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsFaulty brake light switch (2019 recall)Subaru recalled Forester models built between April 2007 and March 2017 because the brake light switch may be faulty and leave the brake lights inoperative, creating a risk of rear-end collisions. The European alert (RAPEX 22/2019) was notified by Germany.
Rank 25
BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer F45
MPV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: RareHeadlights and lightsInner rear light clusters that can come loose (early-year units)On early-year F45 units, the inner rear light clusters could come loose because of defective mounts; gebrauchtwagenberater.de says BMW fixed it voluntarily ('kulant') on the affected units, without it being recorded as a mandatory campaign with a reference number.
Rank 26
BMW X1 F48
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- High severityFrequency: RareHeadlights and lightsRear lights that may come off (production from October 2018 to January 2019)Yes: BMW recalled X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i cars built between October 2018 and January 2019 because a contaminated material in the rear light mounts can crack and let the light come loose or even fall off.
Rank 27
Hyundai i30 II
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: CommonHeadlights and lightsMisaligned dipped beams and indicator faults at the technical inspectionThe same German technical inspection analysis describes misaligned dipped beams as a frequent problem of this generation, along with indicator faults that also appear in the following generation.
Rank 28
Renault Clio II
Small family car · 1 headlights and lights fault
8.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: CommonHeadlights and lightsClouding and yellowing of the headlightsThe polycarbonate plastic of the Clio II's headlights becomes cloudy and yellow over the years, reduces light spread and can end up causing problems at the MOT.
Rank 29
Dacia Duster II
Small SUV · 2 headlights and lights faults
8.9 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsSide indicator failure caused by poorly protected wiringThe side indicator light can stop working because of a badly positioned connecting wire that rubs against the bodywork and wears or breaks; the replacement-part manufacturer Hella documents the fault on Dusters built between 2010 and 2018, which includes the early Duster II cars.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsLighting and indicator faults in the Duster II inspectionAt the German TÜV the Duster II fails for lighting more often than average, specifically the indicators and the lighting system in general. It is a minor and cheap defect, distinct from the side indicator wiring problem seen on early units.
Rank 30
Abarth 500
City car · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsTailgate wiring breakage: failure of the third brake light and number plate lightGebrauchtwagenberater.de identifies as the most common weak point of the Fiat 500 a cable that breaks in the tailgate from repeated opening and closing, causing the third brake light or number plate light to fail; fiches-auto.fr also describes the tailgate harness as fragile. Neither separates out the Abarth version.
Rank 31
BMW Serie 6 F12/F13
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsCondensation in headlights and rear lightsThe headlights and rear lights of the 6 Series can build up condensation; the moisture corrodes contacts and can switch off some lighting function.
Rank 32
BMW X3 F25
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsLED rear lights that stop working due to a faulty circuit boardAccording to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, the X3 F25's LED rear lights often fail, mainly due to a faulty electronic circuit board.
Rank 33
Dacia Logan I
Small family car · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: RareHeadlights and lightsRecall for the brake light switchCarWiki.de lists a 2009 recall of the Logan I for a fault in the brake light switch, which stops the brake lights from coming on. We have been unable to corroborate it with another source.
Rank 34
Ford Kuga I
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsBulbs that blow frequentlyThe first-generation Kuga blows front and rear bulbs more often than normal; CarWiki attributes this to voltage spikes that are corrected with a software update, and Gebrauchtwagenberater cites the TÜV for xenon bulbs and rear lights.
Rank 35
Ford Mondeo IV
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: RareHeadlights and lightsSoftware recall over headlights and indicators (2010 cars)According to the KBA, a software error in one of the vehicle's modules can cause a variety of faults in the on-board electronics of Mondeo IV cars built in 2010: the headlights or indicators can switch on for no reason, or the headlights can switch themselves off.
Rank 36
Hyundai i10 II
City car · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsThird brake light and lighting that fail or cause problems at the MOTOn the i10 II the third brake light appears broken or blown in several French testimonies, and the German TÜV reports problems with headlights and rear lights. These are faults with no mechanical risk, although they can cause a fail at the inspection.
Rank 37
Hyundai i20 II
Small family car · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsDipped headlights, rear lights and indicators failing inspectionAccording to the TÜV report cited by Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, on the i20 II inspectors most often flag the dipped headlights, rear lights and indicators. It is a low-cost issue with no mechanical risk.
Rank 38
Kia Ceed II
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsLight faults: dipped beam, front and rear lights and indicatorsThe TÜV report in Auto Bild shows that, from the third inspection onwards, second-generation Ceeds fail more than usual on dipped beam, front and rear lights and indicators.
Rank 39
Kia Picanto II
City car · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsMisted headlights and faulty dipped beamsGebrauchtwagenberater reports that the Picanto II's headlights mist up 'fairly often' and that dipped beams feature among the recurring defects in TÜV inspections.
Rank 40
Kia Picanto III
City car · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsDipped beam misaligned at the second technical inspectionThe 2026 TÜV report, covered by Auto Bild and T-Online, says the Kia Picanto III too often reaches its second technical inspection (the TÜV) with the dipped beam badly aimed.
Rank 41
Lotus Elise S2
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsHeadlights with water or deteriorated lacquerThe seals of the Elise's headlights and foglights deteriorate and let in water, and the headlight lacquer can degrade; replacing them costs at least around £300 in the UK, according to evo.
Rank 42
Mazda 3 II
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsDefects in the front headlights of the Mazda 3 (BL) flagged in German technical inspectionsAuto Zeitung rates the headlights as the most-cited problem on the Mazda 3 BL, and Auto Bild, summarising the German TÜV, reports front lighting defect rates above average; neither specifies the cause.
Rank 43
Mercedes-Benz Clase C W204
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsMoisture in the headlights and xenon headlight levelling faultsAutoblog reports moisture in the reflectors, especially on cars before the facelift, and Gebrauchtwagenberater cites the height adjustment of xenon headlights as a common source of problems.
Rank 44
MINI Countryman R60
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsCondensation inside the Mini Countryman R60 rear lightsGebrauchtwagenberater.de notes that the Countryman R60's rear lights often mist up on the inside, and the fiches-auto.fr entry warns that light seals that are not watertight allow moisture in.
Rank 45
Nissan Note I
MPV · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsCracked, cloudy or misaligned headlightsThree sources from three countries agree that the Note I's headlights deteriorate: cracked housings (Polish owners), yellowing lenses (fiches-auto.fr) and damaged or misaligned headlights, a common fail point at Germany's TÜV (CarWiki.de).
Rank 46
Opel Astra J
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: RareHeadlights and lightsIndicators that may not work properly on 2011 carsAccording to Germany's KBA, cited by gebrauchtwagenberater.de, Opel Astra J cars of the 2011 model year may have a fault that stops the indicators working properly.
Rank 47
Seat León III
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsWater leaks in the headlights and tailgateMotorMundial documents sealing problems in the Leon III's headlights and tailgate, that is, water getting in through inadequate sealing, along with poor quality windscreen wiper blades.
Rank 48
Škoda Octavia III
Compact · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsCondensation inside the headlightsA specialist garage documents condensation inside the Octavia III's headlights caused by deterioration of the perimeter seal, which lets moisture in; depending on the case, it is fixed by resealing the headlight unit or replacing it completely.
Rank 49
Škoda Superb II
Saloon · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Medium severityFrequency: RareHeadlights and lightsBlown front light warning could fail to alert the driver (2013 to 2015 cars)fiches-auto.fr documents a December 2019 campaign on Superb cars built between 2013 and 2015: the device that warns of a blown front light could fail and not alert the driver. We have not found a second source confirming the detail of this campaign.
Rank 50
Suzuki Grand Vitara II
Compact SUV · 1 headlights and lights fault
9.3 out of 10headlights and lights score
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalHeadlights and lightsLighting defects (dipped beam and indicators)The AUTO BILD 2026 TÜV report puts the lighting of the Grand Vitara JT above average, especially the dipped beam and the indicators.
Rank 51Toyota Verso · 1 headlights and lights fault9.3 out of 10
Rank 52Toyota Yaris IV · 1 headlights and lights fault9.3 out of 10
Rank 53Audi A5 II · 1 headlights and lights fault9.6 out of 10
Rank 54Hyundai i40 · 1 headlights and lights fault9.6 out of 10
Rank 55Lancia Musa · 1 headlights and lights fault9.6 out of 10
Rank 56Volvo V40 II · 1 headlights and lights fault9.6 out of 10

No documented headlights and lights faults

We have found no reliable sources reporting headlights and lights faults on these cars. That does not mean they never fail: maintenance and use count as much as design.