headlight replacement

Ok, I just came back from the dealer where I had BOTH headlights replaced. When they told me that the cost would be $500+ to have them replaced, I calmly asked to speak with the service manager. My car (2007 Prius model IV) had ~38000 miles on it and I was not about to pay $500 to have headlights replaced. Turns out, if you ask, toyota will pay for ONE set of headlights to be replaced - but you have to ask. I am glad I asked and walked out of there not owing one penny.

I will say that the whole headlight issue is a deal breaker for me (are you reading this toyota?). I have never had a car that I couldn't replace the bulbs myself - the whole concept is just ridiculous to me. When I am ready in 4 or 5 years to buy another car, it probably won't be a prius.

Good Luck everyone!

 

Yes I would say this one issue has tainted Toyotas reputation in many eyes.

 

Thanks. I actually called the dealer today and they did say the same letter is en route to my mailbox from Toyota and should arrive within the next two weeks.

I was surprised that Toyota is only REDUCING their HID bulb costs to a price point that is simply in line with other HID bulbs from other auto manufacturers. But I still need to pay my dealer a whopping $200 in labor to replace one single bulb that clearly is defective.

I have a flickering bulb on my car with 39K miles and HID bulbs are SUPPOSED to last 90K miles or more. They are marketed and sold as "lifetime bulbs". At a $1,000+ upgrade, they sure as hell should last more than 39K miles. Boy, was I duped by Toyota.

Clearly, the bulbs are defective with some customers seeing bulb failure with as little as 30K miles. Yet Toyota simply "matches" bulb costs of other manufacturers? What about crediting back some or all of that $200 of labor it takes to simply replace one bulb? And maybe throwing in a bulb FREE OF CHARGE? Maybe someone at Toyota should read this article on HID lights -

HID Headlights | J.D. Power

"With an expected lifespan of 3,000 hours (about 90,000 miles for the average driver), many consider HID headlights a “lifetime” bulb that never needs to be replaced. Even if the bulb does burn out (and they can), the modular design allows bulb-only replacement, much like traditional headlight bulbs."

Ha. What a crock. The writer of that article should insert "with the exception of Toyota vehicles...".

After Toyota's "generosity" and great customer service, it will only cost me one full day without my car (with no loaner car) and $370 cash incl tax to replace one DEFECTIVE light bulb.

I hope this ends up being a huge black eye for Toyota. They had an opportunity to address the issue PROPERLY, but instead decided to stiff their customers.

Joke.

 

What dealership replaced your headlights free of charge? Mine will not do for free and is charging $370 for replacement of ONE light after the "discounted" bulbs are taken into consideration.

 

I just got off the phone with my "case manager" where I expressed my disappointment with her offer of a one time "good will gesture" to cover half the cost of the one HID headlight....nothing on the other that is now blinking ...when I asked if I could speak to someone else, she replied that she was the corporate contact and it was essentially take it or leave it offer...I declined...very disappointing "customer service" from Toyota on this issue......we have had toyotas for years, and was considering gen III to replace 2007 touring with 69,000 miles...but not unless they do better than this...lower the price to $150 on the bulb???!??!?,,, what is that???

 

Same problem - headlight is on and just goes off. I got the letter from Toyota indicating that this is a known problem now and they've "reduced" the price.

My question is - is this just a bulb/headlamp problem or something else in the car like an electrical problem? I was going to bring it in to have it checked out, but that of course costs more money too. If it's just a bulb issue, I'm bringing it somewhere else.

The dealership in queens just quoted me 2 prices for a headlight - $180 and $380. I don't know what the difference between the two are, but it seems outrageous for it to cost that much. My previous car - a Honda Accord that I had for 12 years - cost $10 for a bulb change. So much for a reduced price.

 

Re: headlight replacement /..

The Electrical converter is often the problem and at 1600.00 per side...plus the headlight...so hopefully when I get my income tax done....so will my car...I have heard from other people that it is not uncommon for the other side to go soon after...Toyota has had plenty of complaints...no resolve..Mine is an 05, pkg 6...133,00 mi

 

Mine was an '04 with about 89,000 miles when the left side headlight started going on and off. I had the headlight replaced at the Dealer for $483. Now that I've read this thread, I'll try the Regional office and the Feds.

 

Mine was a 2004 with 89,000 miles when the left headlight started going on and off. I had it replaced at the Dealer for $482.
Now that I've read this thread, I'll contact the Regional Office and the Feds.
Thanks.

 

Yes it is the truth....when the headlights go out often the converter for the headlights go also...however go to the Toyota webside and look for the recall/informational that was sent out to Toyota owners with 2006 thru 2009 Prius..on the DIM headlights,,,owners have to end of March for the replacement parts,,however all is not free...I have a 2005 and I am waiting for my tax return ...it will cost me 2 grand for headlight and converter. With great sadness I discovered they would not cover the 2005. My Prius has 136,000 mile and I LOVE IT>

 

The more expensive bulb is for the DIM headlight, thats what I have on the pkg 6 Prius....also not only is the headlight out but the converter for it has gone and was quoted 1400 and 1600two different dealers.

 

I had the same problem with my headlights...replaced the left one early 2009 and then the right one went out in November. I was told then that the ECU unit is bad. I asked since they knew about it will it be repaired for free? Of course not. Then I got a letter from Toyota that they knew about the problem and they would pay for the bulbs, the ECU, but not the labor. So I have paid $1300 for 2 bulbs and an ECU (why didn't they say that the first time?!?!). My invoices are going to Toyota. I didn't see how far back they would cover. My car is a 2007 with 40,000 miles on it at the first non-repair repair. Good luck. But I love my car....My 4 Runner gets 17 MPG, so it is in the garage when I'm not pulling a trailer.

 

Do yourself a favor and buy two bulbs for 69.00 "for both" and put them in..... my bet is thats the only problem.
The Ballasts don't go out just because the bulb went out, and there is one ballast for each bulb.
I"m assuming your dealing with HID bulbs.... if not, there is no "converter" to worry about.

You need to either get a second opinion or just fix it yourself by replacing the bulbs.... you have nothing to lose... no matter what, you need new bulbs anyway after that long so why not try?

To my knowledge there are no [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_converter"]converters[/ame] for headlights... only straight 12Volts for Halogen and Ballasts for HID.

If a mechanic can't even get his terms right, I also doubt he's right on what needs to be fixed.

 

Mechanics know the ECU is the only warranty covered part.. so they say thats bad when its often only the bulbs.

I'm sorry if it sounds like they are crooks, but I've followed these threads a very long time.

If you notice they "never" replace the bulbs and say "well that didn't fix it.. it must be the ECU... they just fix the whole package and stick it to Toyota and try to get as much as they can from you too.

Am I skeptical?... yes Sir!.. it will pay you to be so too!

Start with simple... replace the bulbs and go from there.
I have 3 Prius's, two of which had headlight problem via HID.
It was only bulbs.

I fixed it for a few bucks... not thousands.

 

Well, so much for the $150 bulb here at my Servco Toyota dealership in Honolulu HI.

I was quoted verbally in the service/parts department AND on the phone $300 to change one lightbulb. I turned my car in today to leave it in the shop (with no loaners being available, may I add). 45 minutes after leaving my Prius at the service shop and getting a ride home from a friend, a service rep called me and told me the cost would be the following:

$639.71 to change ONE bulb (bulb cost $460.88 + $150 labor)
$1,200.89 to change TWO bulbs (bulb cost $460.88 x 2 + $225 labor)

This includes 4.72% state tax.

Keep in mind that this is replacing the BULBS ONLY. No ECU, just the bulbs.

So understandably, I was livid... because I was quoted $300 (and signed the estimated contract stating the $300 price before I walked out the door leaving my car for service). While still on the phone with the service rep, I emailed him the letter from Toyota that was posted on this forum but they said that only covers 2006-2009 model years - I have a 2005 Prius... therefore I am screwed.

And to add insult to injury, they said I should replace BOTH bulbs because the color is different on the new bulb and the car will look strange with off-colored headlights. Yes, it sure would look awfully strange, wouldn't it!? I would think for $640 I should get a bulb that matches my existing... but NOPE. So I told them to just forget it because I don't want a car with bi-colored headlights and I'm not paying $1,200 to fix that. I told them I will come to pick up the car... BUT WAIT. I have to pay for the labor - $150 - which accomplished NOTHING. Keep in mind that I was quoted $300 IN WRITING when I walked out the door. So I am now left with a one-eyed willy Prius and $150 less in my pocket.

This is all a ridiculously huge slap to the face and I can tell you with absolute certainty, I will NOT be buying another Toyota in the future. This whole customer service experience (more accurately lack thereof) is more appalling and disgusting than anything I have ever witnessed in my life.

 

Nice thread! Has anyone tried to convert the HID to a standard light set up?

Also, it would be nice if everyone could repost the sites where they can get the HIDs at a decent price.

many thanks all!

BTW//are the bulbs covered under any new car warranty and how long?

 

Its understandable to not want to warranty a car from 2005, now that its 4-5 years later...

It is sad however they want so much to fix it.

Just bypass them and order from ebay the Chinese HID bulbs yourself.

Its nice to not be under the thumb of "the Man" just over a couple of bulbs.

 

Here's my reply in another thread:

 

You should have your garage post their name and address!

I am looking at $582. It would be worth it for me to drive from Cleveland to NY, get it fixed, stay in a decent hotel and return the next day. And maybe have a steak dinner too!

Have a great one!

Triv

Oh yeah, and I might be happy enough to tip him an extra $50!