2005-2008 Toyota Prius with faulty HID headlights
The hits just keep on coming for Toyota. First they lose $7.7 billion in 2008. Then they cause controversy back in Japan by planning an “environmentally-friendly” R & D center on top of centuries-old rice fields. And now, just as the launch of its new third-generation Prius draws near, numerous owners of 2005-2008 Toyota Prius hybrids with the optional HID headlights are banding together on online forums, message boards and in possible class-action lawsuits against the automaker due to failing headlamps.
According to Advertising Age, these HID headlight bulbs and their associated electronics can sometimes cost well over $1,000 to replace after they have gone faulty, and Toyota is unwilling to fix them for free. At least one lawsuit was filed last month by Girard Gibbs in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on behalf of a Putnam County, New York Prius owner. The suit contends that the problem is a “dangerous but undisclosed safety defect” and alleges that “Toyota is concealing the problems from owners” despite having been “long been aware of Prius’ HID headlight problem.” It’s possible that the suit will get class-action status.
The NHTSA has reportedly filed a preliminary investigation into the issue and contacted Toyota on May 13 regarding the 338 complaints it has received so far from Prius owners regarding the HID headlamps. Spokesmen from Toyota have said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA in its investigation, which could lead to an official recall.
Posted: June 30th, 2009
at 10:40pm by The Editor
Tagged with recall, toyota prius
Categories: Asian Cars, Green Cars
Comments: 1 comment
One Response to '2005-2008 Toyota Prius with faulty HID headlights'
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2008 Prius with HID headlights which have very inadequate illumination at low and high beam level. High beams never illicit oncomung car flashing, nor do they provide light beyond 30 feet on road surface!! A true driving danger and hazard. Toyota Customer Service call center was totally unhelpful other than referring me to dealer service manager!!!
Edward Hartnett
18 Aug 09 at 9:58 pm