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TSX69 · 06-30-2009, 04:52 PM

Toyota Faces 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.

The class action lawsuit, filed in New York, claims “Toyota is concealing the problems from owners” and that the Japanese automaker has “long been aware of Prius’ HID headlight problem.” Although Toyota says it’s “looking into” the complaints, the lawsuit couldn’t be coming at a worse time. Toyota just released its third-generation Prius and could face a potential back lash in sales.

06-30-2009, 04:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
TSX69 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 My Ride: 04 Acura TSX; 92 Acura NSX Posts: 1,106 iTrader: (0)	Prius Recall or Lawsuit Toyota Faces 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. The class action lawsuit, filed in New York, claims “Toyota is concealing the problems from owners” and that the Japanese automaker has “long been aware of Prius’ HID headlight problem.” Although Toyota says it’s “looking into” the complaints, the lawsuit couldn’t be coming at a worse time. Toyota just released its third-generation Prius and could face a potential back lash in sales.