Toyota Facing Lawsuit, Potential Recall Over Prius HID Headlights

Toyota may have one of the best reputations for quality around, but the Japanese automaker has found itself at the center of a firestorm involving potentially defective Prius headlights. Hundreds of previous-generation Prius owners have filed complaints with the U.S. Transportation Department, claiming the hybrid’s headlights prematurely expire, leaving owners with enormous repair costs.

The complaints involve previous-generation Prius models equipped with option high-intensity discharge headlights. The U.S. Transportation Department officially opened a case to investigate the complaints last April and a class action lawsuit was filed against Toyota last month. In all, the U.S. Transportation Department has received 338 complaints, according to Automotive News.

Disgruntled owners are upset that Toyota’s warranty doesn’t cover the HID bulbs. Including labor, the HID systems typically cost between $300 and $1,800 to replace.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into the situation but has yet to announce an official recall.



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Joe_Limon - 7/1/2009 11:14:26 AM

+4 Boost

Another Toyota recall? Talk about a fast and slippery slope. Between the recall's and the biggest loss ever seen by an automotive manufacturer in 3 months I wonder how long before Toyota isn't a top 3 competitor anymore.

Joe_Limon - 7/1/2009 12:50:32 PM

+2 Boost

"Including labor, the HID systems typically cost between $300 and $1,800 to replace."

inspirion7 - 7/1/2009 1:40:28 PM

+2 Boost

Well obviously it is serious enough that the Department of Transportation is involved. Do you want to have to pay extra for an item you purchase as an option? Stop making light just because it not your money.

theoptimisticpessimist - 7/1/2009 4:22:42 PM

+2 Boost

"Name one car company that covers 'bulbs' in their warranties"

BMW

agent507 - 7/2/2009 9:27:39 AM

+1 Boost

@ theoptimisticpessimist:

+1. BMW does it, Audi does it (but I think they have a time gap of up until 6 Month after registration).

rxh8me9000 - 7/1/2009 3:08:43 PM

+1 Boost

Word.It doesnt really matter if its a bulb,the wiring etc,you buy a new car with a warrenty so that things like this can be fixed. Like previously said,its a 15 min job,why cant the stealership fix it?

theoptimisticpessimist - 7/1/2009 4:21:21 PM

+1 Boost

WHAT A BUNCH OF "PEETHEBED" WHINERS

This lawsuit is proff that people refuse to take responsibility for them selves. Gee your'e HID last longer and give more distance in illumantion and are great safety benifit. If they were responsible enough to take 10 seconds and google HID they would of found out all the details before they check the option box.

Just another case of "I'm to stupid to be an adult so let's get a lawyer.

lexworld - 7/1/2009 8:56:27 PM

0 Boost

Man you guys are losers. Especially! Especially! Inspirion7 who is a known and confessed Toyota hater at best.

Joe_Limon - 7/1/2009 10:00:50 PM

+2 Boost

lol sorry, I was just quoting the article. Because apparently I can read. And if UAW is right it isn't the bulb.