Easy headlight replacement?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by semilak, Feb 3, 2026 at 9:59 AM.

  1. semilak

    semilak Junior Member

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    I need to replace the front headlight, and on YouTube I’ve seen a few tutorials that show you have to remove the front bumper etc.. isn’t there an easier way? thanks for tips!
     
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    In my 2017 prius we had to replace one headlight. The LED lights are hardwired in an assembly. The cost of a replacement assembly is $2700 [dealership price]. We had a local mechanic do it, he was able to find an aftermarket assembly for $2500.
     
  3. Dodge Propshaft

    Dodge Propshaft New Member

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    Removing the front bumper isn't very difficult - theres a plug under the drivers side to easily disconnect all of the wiring.
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I guess the aftermarket finally picked up the LED setup very cool . 2500 to light the road lawdy. On regular gen3 you undo screw in fender well like gen2 and ya tweak bumper cover out n forward n down allowing headlight to slide forward n out of car . I hope one is not doing this for bulbs.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Repair Manual concurs. For your info:
     

    Attached Files:

  6. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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  7. indel

    indel Member

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    Remind me to never buy a Prius gen 4 and onwards. $2700 for one head lamp? That's beyond ludicrous
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Gen 3 ain't much better. A pair of sealed-beams used to be $20. Now the price for a pair of those effing sculptures rivals what we paid for our first car. Yeah, appreciate there's been inflation, but still...
     
  9. indel

    indel Member

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    Is it that the entire housing is $2700 on gen 4 but you can just change the bulbs? Or it's all integrated and the entire unit must be replaced? The latter seems boneheaded and downright malicious.
     
  10. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    There are two different headlight assemblies on a gen3. Most have halogen low beans and halogen high beams. Both halogens can be replaced without removing the bumper cover.

    Trim 5 on gen3 use an integrated led low beam and s replaceable halogen high. If the trim 5 led goes out you have to replace the whole headlight assembly. However you can remove the bumper cover screw in each wheel well allowing you to pull the bumper cover partially off. This allows access to two of the headlight assembly screws.