Prius Recall or Lawsuit

[TSX69]

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.

[Luwin1026]

I'd like to file a lawsuit against Toyota for the car being so hideously ugly.

[MemphisRheins]

The TSX HID bulbs are the same price... Hell the BMW's are more expensive... Prius owners just seem more likely to get together and whine then everyone else.

[zhieson]

338 complaints is not a lot.

A totally burnt out HID system is one thing, but if any of those complains are bulbs dying, those should be nulled (IMO).

[tekneek]

Kind of hard to say who is at fault here. I agree with you though zhieson, 338 isn't that many. I guess if just the bulbs go out, its not a big deal but if the entire HID system needs to be replaced, I would not be a happy camper.

you can't expect the HID bulbs to last forever.

[pdpgps]

I agree. 338 compared to the millions of other prius's sold out there with HID kits isn't that great. Toyota should have some sort of guarantee though, like replace your bulbs in first 20,000 miles or something. If the HID unit burnt out, that should def be covered, versus the bulb.

[TSX69]

338 does not seem like a large # but remember that HIDs were an option so that limits how many are out there. Also, those are just the people that complained, I wonder how many thought that it was normal wear & tear & just paid for new ones.

I was under the assumption that HIDs lasted a long time ... mine are going on 5 years.

[silver08tsx]

Wow i feel bad they save on gas but spend mad loot on bulbs. Doesn't acura cover the bulbs? ( just asking)

[EuroRspec]

Originally Posted by tsx69

338 does not seem like a large # but remember that hids were an option so that limits how many are out there. Also, those are just the people that complained, i wonder how many thought that it was normal wear & tear & just paid for new ones.

I was under the assumption that hids lasted a long time ... Mine are going on 5 years.

+1.

[ians]

Originally Posted by zhieson

338 complaints is not a lot.

A totally burnt out HID system is one thing, but if any of those complains are bulbs dying, those should be nulled (IMO).

I am sure there are more than 338 fuel pump broken down on a 335i everyday! Toyota owner should learn from BMW owner that accept no matter what issue the car has, it is user error. And I think both Acura & BMW only give 1 yr warranty on the xenon bulb.

[2K6TSX]

^ I believe on 06+ acuras they lengthened the warranty to like 2 years or 40k or something for lighting..I know because when my sunroof bulb got burnt I was just outside the warranty limit.