HID Headlight Manufacturer notice

It would help for a site member who's an attorney to weigh in, but my understanding is that, warranty aside, there is a general expectation that an item be fit for the purpose for which it is sold.


Wikipedia says it this way: "Breach of warranty-based product liability claims usually focus on one of three types: (1) breach of an express warranty, (2) breach of an implied warranty of merchantability, and (3) breach of an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose." ...
and
"The various implied warranties cover those expectations common to all products (e.g., that a tool is not unreasonably dangerous when used for its proper purpose), unless specifically disclaimed by the manufacturer or the seller."

In the case of HIDs, the expectation includes illumnination, brighter illumination than some alternative bulbs, and a reasonable lifetime (it is not generally expected that headlight bulbs need replacement after one or two years ... and perhaps more, unless the manufacturer warns of this unusual condition).

Toyota sets forth a list of the expected maintenance of its vehicles, including the Prius. Replace the oil and filter every xxxx. Replace the cabin air filter every yyyy. Service the aaaa every zzzz. etc. The maintenance schedule also specifies in some cases for a part to be evaluated to determine if it needs service or replacement.

If HID bulbs were expected to have limited lifetime and to pose a risk of failure (a safety issue) if not replaced every two years (or something like that), then I think that should be reflected in the maintenance schedule. Ask the owner, and check the HIDs, to see if the bulbs are working correctly.

Absent that, a buyer can reasonably expect bulb life to be at least equal to that of other non-HID bulbs -- it is an integral part of their being fit for the cause for which sold.