Headlight harness recall

catch 22.

 

I called my Toyota dealer yesterday about getting an appointment for this headlamp enhanced warranty work. They had no idea what I was talking about! They looked up my record and there was nothing indicating this warranty. They said to call back in a week or so and they might know something...

 

For whatever it’s worth (perhaps not much), 2-3 years ago, I got a message from Toyota saying that they plan to reduce the price of the headlight bulbs for my 2009 (Gen-2). I don’t remember the details, but my off-the-cuff recollection is that they cut their price roughly in half.


iPad ? Pro

 

I called my dealer for an appointment for my 2010 which has had several bulbs go out. He asked me if I had Toyota bulbs in it @ $30 a shot. I said NO I have Sylvania ultra vision bulbs.$12 each. He said the warranty only applied to factory bulbs!
So, I said the rewire remedy only applies to failing factory bulbs. He said yes! Toyota will only reimburse if they have Toyota bulbs to turn in!

 

I'm sure there's some amount of overlap between all the owners who eagerly replace their stock headlight bulbs with the fancy extrabright (and vastly shorter-lived) ones, and the owners feeling dissatisfaction with bulb life, so in this case, it really may make some sense for Toyota to make sure the bulbs burning out so fast really are stock. I would rather have them count any "standard", non-extrabright, H11 bulb, whether or not it says Toyota, but I'm sure that could be harder to audit.

-Chap

 

I'd try calling a dealer different dealer even if it means going to a different city..... but I'd wait a few weeks. I went in last Tuesday and had the inspection done. My passenger side bulb that had been replaced (by my dad with whatever he got at Walmart) about 2 months ago had just burned out. The dealer here ordered the harness (didn't say a word about us not using Toyota bulbs), but didn't replace the bulb.... which made sense at the time, except now the harness is back ordered with no word on how long the wait will be. When I pointed out that it has already been over a week and I'm breaking the law by driving my car like this, they agreed to replace the bulb - IF I could leave the car with them for several hours. So - I picked up another $11 bulb from Walmart for us to install to get us through.

 

Since Feb 2, 2018, I have been calling my Toyota dealer every 2-3 weeks to ask if the backordered parts for the headlamp wiring harness enhanced warranty work have come in yet. Today (April 6) they said they are still nationally backordered. Wondering if everyone else is getting the same story...

 

So, . . .for you brave souls that had a dealer accomplish this "low beam headlight harness replacement", . . did you notice an improvement? Was it worth the effort? Thank you for your replies!

P.S. I've replaced three sets of low beam bulbs in the last 7 years with the bright, expensive versions. I'm pretty good at it now.

 

I got my headlamp bulb/headlamp wiring harness (both sides) replaced yesterday at my Toyota dealer under the Warranty Enhancement Program (Customer Support Program Notification ZHB) at no charge. The letter indicated that my car would be tested to see if this work is needed but the dealer said they were going to do it no matter what (so no testing). The harnesses came in a long narrow Toyota box. They replaced my bulbs with two new Toyota ones and gave me the old ones back (which I had requested). I asked the service guy to explain exactly what got done and he could not tell me (disturbing to say the least). I have not yet driven in the dark to see if there is any difference...

I have receipts from my bulb replacements and I am going to send them in, hoping to get reimbursed (they included the info on how to do it and it says nothing about the bulbs having to been Toyota brand). Will report if I see any $$$.

 

Is there any way to check a VIN to see if my vehicle is covered?

I bought my 2011 used, and after these letters seem to have been sent out.

 

I'm still in shock at seeing that posted $300 figure. As I recall, the Gen 2 used standard halogen bulbs, that cost about $10. Less when on sale. I can understand $300 for the whole lamp assembly, but for the bulb?!!

 

Put HIDs in my 2010 today. It was a royal pain to get to the passenger side bulb. Had to move the overflow reservoir

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Our Gen 3 has gone through countless bulbs as well, however we do not touch the headlight stalk, (unless for turning signals) they are always on and have been since we got it new. 9 years and 109000 miles later, we just dropped it off at the dealer and they’re replacing both bulbs and the harness under warranty free of charge. Hopefully Toyota corrected this with the new gen, as we just got a brand new one and choose to keep the lights on all the time as well, instead of in the auto position. Time will tell I guess. We also burn through license plate bulbs, and the front marker lights quite often too.

 

i'm sure they did, but not for your situation.

 

Quick question- when did everyone receive their extended warranty letter for the headlamps? Mine has been having the same issue for years, but Toyota is refusing to correct the issue. I did not receive any information regarding the class action suit and am wondering what course to take as I further discuss my headlamp issue with Toyota. Does anyone have any suggestions? If you were able to negotiate outside of the extension, how were you able to convince them to fix the issue? How many miles were on your vehicle? Thanks for all of your help!!!

 

Joe,

When did you receive this letter? I'm having the same issue, but Toyota is refusing to acknowledge this letter went out and keep referring to a 2008 letter.

 

On 5/5/2018, I mailed my two low beam headlamp replacement receipts in to Toyota, following their directions exactly. On May 14, I received an email from them giving me my case number. On 7/6/2018, I received a check for the full amount I had requested ($27.63). One bulb I bought at Walmart, one I bought at NAPA - neither were Toyota bulbs. I am a satisfied customer. I have two new bulbs and the used ones are available if needed. Case closed.

 

Link to the letter I received for my low beam issue:
2010-2011 Toyota Prius Coverage for Halogen Low Beam Headlamp Bulbs CSP ZHB | TOYO Headquarters