7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$40
Average Mileage:
68,800 miles
Total Complaints:
21 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (8 reports)
  2. replace headlights (8 reports)
  3. install new bulb (4 reports)
  4. replace bulb (1 reports)
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problem #21

Sep 012020

Prius 5DR HB Four

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

I had passenger side headlight bulb replaced 2-3 times, worked for while although not as illuminated as the driver side headlight but it eventually stopped working. Toyota dealership says the entire headlight assembly needs changing for both sides to equal at least $1,000 for parts. Says the headlight sensor burned out so no amount of changing bulbs will help, will just keep burning out.

- Sheila W., Jonesboro, US

problem #20

Nov 092018

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 163,000 miles

I have repeatedly had to replace headlight bulbs on this car, now the driver's side low beam will not work. I replaced the bulb, checked the fuses and all appear to be fine, but the headlight still will not work. I placed the functioning passenger side bulb into the drivers side socket, and it still did not light. I am sick of this. It is a safety problem that should require a recall from Toyota.

- Teresa S., Madelia, US

problem #19

Jan 042019

(reported on)

Prius Hybrid 1.4L

  • CVT transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Not a big problem as the high beams were working, so could drive home.

- Karen H., Seminole, AL, US

problem #18

Dec 212018

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I have had 10 Front Lights replaced on my 2012 Toyota Prius. I have contacted Toyota twice and obviously get serviced by a local Toyota Dealer; Toyota refuses to own this problem. So far, they have replaced the lights, checked my wiring, and BS'ed me pretty much; it's a Fail, Replace, Repeat Loop.. I have just filed a Vehicle Safety Complaint with NHTSA; hope there is enough of us out there to make enough noise.

- Wangari M., New Castle, DE, US

problem #17

Nov 152017

Prius Three 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

low beam head light bulbs, both left and right, fail in about 6 months. This is well documented on the internet that this is an ongoing problem. Dealer wants to do an electronic scan of the system for $170. This is a safety problem and Toyota will not pay for any fixes. I guess they are going to wait until someone is killed due to headlight failure.

- Bill and Sue W., Roseville, CA, US

problem #16

Sep 012017

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

The low beam head lights has been a problem with 2012 Toyota Prius its been burning bulbs quite frequently. I took it to dealership and they charged $141+ for diagnosis and told be that they need 6.5 hours estimate to fix this issue and with total estimated cost of $950 + tax to fix this issue. Looks to me that they have to change headlight wire hose something like that to my understanding. By reading it online this seems to be a very coming problem to most of the 2012 Prius customers.

It's definitely a safety issues and Toyota needs to fix this issue.

- Dileep L., Bothell, US

problem #15

May 242017

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

Low beam headlamps continually fail, and are very dim even after installing new bulbs. I've had to replace bulbs no less that 4 times since 2012! Not only is this an expense, but more importantly, poses a significant hazard. There is no warning or specific mileage. I've never had to replace headlight bulbs in any other car I've owned. Something must be wrong with the system for this to continually be happening.

- szzentz, West Orange, US

problem #14

Jan 052017

Prius 3

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I HAVE REPLACED HEADLIGHTS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSSEGERS SIDE SO MANY TIMES I HAVE LOST COUNT. OVERALL COST OF APPROXMATLY 500.00$ SINCE MAY OF 2012 UNTIL NOW IN JANUARY 2017

- daniel g, Reading, PA, US

problem #13

Dec 012016

Prius 2

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

The headlight keeps going out. I just go to Walmart. Buy new ones and exchange them with the new warranty just keep your receipts. Pain in the ass and I'm trading the car in.

- cali87, Toledo, OH, US

problem #12

Jan 102017

Prius 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 136,702 miles

The low beam lights fail every 6 months. I have changed at least 6 bulbs maybe more. This is not normal and is a common complaint from other Prius owners. It may be car power spikes related to the hybrid electrical systems are causing the bulbs to fail.

- Allan J., Montreal, QC, Canada

problem #11

Dec 272015

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,363 miles

Third time replacing this month. Tonight on my way into work both headlight went out!!

- Stephanie M., Kewaskum, WI, US

problem #10

Nov 202015

Prius III

  • CVT transmission
  • 41,000 miles

Just bought this car used, everything checked out. Then my first night driving it both low beam headlights went out suddenly at the exact same time. Apparently this is a reoccurring problem with Prius, even the 2010 onward models.

- cockatriceking, San Francisco, CA, US

problem #9

Aug 192015

Prius Two 4dr Hatchback 2 Li I4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,456 miles

When I got into the car to leave work both of my headlights were out and I had to drive home with my parking lights and bright lights when possible. The drive home was not fun. I spoke service man at dealer where I purchased the car and mention that I had saw that they had this issue on the Prius II. He said that my car did not have high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. They replaced the bulbs and charged me $76. My goal today is just to put the word out and see if anyone else is having this problem.

- Otis M., Battleboro, NC, US

problem #8

Mar 282015

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

I keep having to replace headlights every 10 months or so and dealer said there is nothing wrong with the electrical system.

- Sriram C., los Altos, ca, US

problem #7

Feb 092015

Prius ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Drivers side headlight has gone out again. This is really frustrating and confusing as to why a recall hasn't been done to fix this issue.

- Bonita D., McKinney, TX, US

problem #6

Oct 152014

Prius ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Driver headlight has gone out again.

This is a problem.

- Bonita D., McKinney, TX, US

problem #5

Oct 012012

Prius ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

Driver head lamp went out during the first year of ownership. To replace bulb was approx. $20.00. Bulb was replaced without using gloves.

- Bonita D., McKinney, TX, US

problem #4

Oct 202012

Prius ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,500 miles

Passenger side headlight went out within two weeks of the driver side, which went out within first year of owning vehicle.

Defect issue??

- Bonita D., McKinney, TX, US

problem #3

Apr 012013

Prius ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles

Passenger side headlamp went out again. Second time within two months. Replaced bulb.

Must be a defect.

- Bonita D., McKinney, TX, US

problem #2

Feb 172015

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,982 miles

See the following exchange where Toyota defends the excessive cost for changing a new headlight:

Recently you contacted Toyota. Below is a summary of your contact message and our response.

Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

Subject repair cost

Discussion Thread Response Via Email (Jay Spencer) 02/21/2015 01:02 PM Mr. S,

Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We apologize for the higher than expected repair cost to replace one of the headlights on your 2012 Prius.

The reason for the additional cost is the need to remove the fender liners, and front bumper cover. The Prius as a hybrid vehicle needs to be as aerodynamic as possible. Having the bumper cover overlap the headlight lens assists in that process.

We appreciate your feedback, as genuine consumer insight serves as a resource regarding our product quality and customer expectations. We can't guarantee that a design change would be made, but your honest feedback may help us to evaluate different alternatives.

Your comments have been documented at our National Headquarters under file #1502210902, where they remain available for review from the appropriate departments. If we can be of further assistance, please utilize the following link to find a variety of avenues to contact our offices, http://www.toyota.com/support/contact.html.

Sincerely,

Jay Spencer Toyota Customer Experience

Customer By Web Form (Phil S) 02/18/2015 08:50 AM Yesterday, my wife brought our 2012 Prius to the dealer for service. The labor cost to replace the headlight was $61 (the part cost $26). $61 just to change a bulb seems very excessive to me. What is the company's position, if any? Thanks, Phil S

- Phil S., Ronkonkoma, NY, US

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