HID headlight recall,,,sort of

As you will see in this thread (check post #3), as well as other threads, replacing the computer and ballasts along with the bulbs was the "buckshot" approach in place for awhile. Toyota eventually (the subject of this thread) admitted that the problem was only the bulbs. In most cases neither the ballasts nor the ECUs needed to be replaced. Toyota was refunding money that customers paid for these things (at authorized dealers, of course) and also refunding anything over $150 paid per bulb. Many customers had paid $300/bulb.

Intermittent operation is typical for these bulbs near end of life.

 

There is no 'fix'. I had the bulbs replace on my 2006--twice--my dealer paid the freight for both times. Now, two years later, I noticed the passenger light going out intermittently. It may have been happening earlier, but it is hard to tell, and the commute is now drifting into the dark hours. I am saving up for the next round.

 

This is like saying your table lamp is broken because the 2 year old light bulb burnt out...

Bulbs burn out, or in this case the salt deteriorates to the point where it doesnt always ignite.

If the problem persists with a new bulb then the ballasts may be the culprit. If that does not solve the problem, then it is probably a wire connection causing the problem.

 

Ok, this is my first post and I know about forums so I don't want to beat a dead horse but....

I bought my 06' about 10 months ago. Drivers headlight goes out intermitantly. This thing has 150k+ miles.

Does anyone get deals on these headlights?

 

I don't know about "deals", but http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Xenon-Headlight-Bulb-Pack/dp/B00480J4J6 has them for $50.96/each. I bought this and they were made in Germany, just like the failing German made Philips D4R bulb that my car was originally equipped with.

 

Hey Guys,
I just had my 2007 Prius HID headlights replaced because they were defective (although Toyota won't admit it). I'm wondering if there is anyone else in the Kansas City area that has had this issue, or especially if you are still having this issue (where the headlights go off while driving).

Thank you,

Tom

 

It's not "an issue". That is the failure mode of the bulb. Your bulb is dead, you did the right thing by replacing it.

These aren't your grandpa's halogens that just stop working when they are dead. Read up on one of the numerous threads that explain this exact situation.

 

HID Guru,
Thank you for that, but what about the 600+ complaints to NHTSA and the class action lawsuit? And how would you explain Toyota "taking a loss" on the bulbs, according to a Toyota rep., by lowering the price from $300 to $150?

 

One of the things about the NHTSA is that you are allowed to complain no matter how incompetent, ignorant, or uninformed you are. You can go on there and file a formal complaint that your cup holder does not toast your eggos properly. It will be filed and available for all to view.

"Taking a loss on the bulbs" is BS. If your dealer told you that, I would change dealers. They do cost about $100USD to $150USD (end user cost). Subtract a minimum of 20% for dealer markup and another large percentage for Toyota's volume buy discount. I would speculate that actual cost to a Toyota dealership is in the $80USD to $100USD range. Actual cost to Toyota manufacturing is probably closer to $20USD to $40USD.

 

You mean that Toyota was forced to charge a more reasonable price by the class action settlement (and refund the excess charge to those victims who were aware of the settlement).

 

I've got a 2007 Prius with 85k miles. The passenger side light went out about 10k miles ago. I got the letter back when it came out, but I was already out of the 50k mile range.

Any thoughts on getting toyota to cover this issue? The car was taken in around 35k when the headlight was intermittent, but the notes on the toyota owners website says that the tech could not repeat the issue. Case closed.

I'd like to say, the issue was present then... and now it's totally repeatable. Thoughts?

Thanks

 

You are way past 50K miles. No cars I'm aware of have lifetime warranties on headlight bulbs nor do I know of any that warrant them to 85K miles.

I would just bite the bullet, buy genuine Philips D4R replacements and change them yourself.

 

+1

The headlights' only issue is that they have burned out many years later. When a bulb burns out, replace it. In this case, replace in pairs.

 

I have the very same issues with my HID headlights on a 2007 Prius. It's not always the same headlight either. When I pull up behind someone and notice that one of the headlights is off, I turn the switch off and right back on and the headlamp relights. I'm hesitant to replace the bulbs, thinking it could be something else causing the problem. Toyota has no solution but to replace the bulbs. I don't think they even have a clue and quite frankly don't care. My wife has the same vehicle (we bought them a week apart) and has no issues with hers. This is getting quite frustrating to say the least.

 

Exactly my problem too, 2007 Prius, light goes out (sometime driver side, sometimes passenger side, sometimes both). They ALWAYS come back on when I cycle them on and off. This has been going on for 3 years now! I the problem was the bulbs, I would think they would've burned out by now. Its gotta be a connection or some kind of electrical problem. Maybe I'll write to Toyota and send them a link to this thread, you think they'd budge then?!

 

Your bulb is dead, that simple.

Read this: Not all HID Bulbs are created equal | PriusChat

3 years of constant use going on and off? First I would replace the bulbs with quality bulbs. It is more than likely the situation. If it was a ballast it would generally only be one of the two not both. But it is a possibility.

 

I have a 2004 Prius, I have replaced the HID bulbs & ballasts about 6 times. This should be a recall & a free retrofit to the Halogen headlights. I also have a 2004 & a 2005 Prius both that have Halogen headlights, I replace them about every 4-5 months, but still way cheaper.

 

It is the ballast & per my local Toyota parts dept, the ballast alone is $318.78

 

Someone is taking you for a ride then. Ballasts should last a couple decades. Bulbs depend on usage and installation. Go to a different dealer, they are just emptying your wallet for fun.