2004 Toyota Highlander: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Airbags, Visibility · 160,000 miles · AZ

The passenger airbag indicator warning light came on while nobody was even in the passenger seat, while traveling on a california highway. A check of the toyota owner's manual stated that the entire airbag system would not function if this light came on and stayed on for no reason at all. Since we live no where near a dealer, nearest dealer is 100 miles away, I let it stay that way for awhile. There was also a safety problem with defective headlights on this model, where the always on daylamps melt the front headlights and leave a visible melted bubble, that the dealer refuses to fix because they didn't manufacture the headlights and the vehicle year and mileage is out of warranty- but, we still have the vehicle- they should stand behind their product. Then, most recently, a shuffling sound from behind the instrument panel/ bezel cluster occurred and makes the weird sound for 3 or so minutes sometimes when the car is turned on. It doesn't happen every time, about every 2 times now. The sound used to make a clicking sound for only 1 minute- so, it's getting louder, and longer. We were also told by a mechanic that the suspension/rods/shocks are bad and will need replaced- that is an expensive fix.

Filed Jul 14, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 139,664 miles · VA

I noticed that my original equipment/manufacturer passenger-side low-beam headlight lens had a burnt spot on the inside of the lens (clearly melted lens material). I checked the headlight bulb, which is a factory-installed kaito model hb3 low-beam bulb. The bulb was discolored black and smoky looking with an obvious bulge of melted glass in one side of the bulb. The low-beam headlights still work, but the bulb seemingly has overheated, melting both the bulb glass and the inside of the lens assembly.

Filed May 6, 2013 · Lights · 100,000 miles · VT · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. The contact noticed condensation and moisture in both the driver and passenger side headlight lenses. In addition, the driver's side headlight lenses had melted and exhibited a bubble. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Oct 29, 2012 · Lights, Visibility · 150,000 miles · CA

Late last year we noticed that the dayrunning portion of the headlamp cover had melted on the inside, next to the tip of the bulbs on each side. There is no way to turn the dayrunning feature on or off, it is always on. Not only does this wear down the battery, which we've already replaced in one year, but the headlight cover cannot handle the heat generated from constantly being "on". We would like this issue resolved and a discount given on a new set, since it isn't our fault, as it couldn't be turned off. Headlights are expensive, and at night it is a safety issue, since our visibility is drastically reduced- where we live, there are deer and winding hilly roads. If toyota won't do anything, we will be forced to do this expensive repair ourselves, but will be very, very disappointed. Toyota should stand behind their product, this is a design flaw and a huge safety issue.

Filed Apr 13, 2011 · Lights · 83,000 miles · PA

The lenses of the daytime running lamps/high beams have developed white, oval-shaped bubbling/melting marks of approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches in diameter, in the center of the lenses, directly in front of the lamps. I first noticed this in december 2010 just prior to changing the original lamps (therefore the replacement lamps did not cause this problem). I reported this to toyota, case number 1012071480. Toyota told me to take this up with the service department of a dealer. At the dealership, I was initially quoted a price of $988 to replace the assemblies. After discussion with the service manager and his follow-up with toyota, the price was lowered to $396 to pay only for labor, parts to be provided at no charge. I opted to not have this done for this price. Possible safety issues: 1) damaged/melting lenses could impact the effectiveness of the high beams and/or the daytime running lamps; 2) heat that is hot enough to damage/melt the lenses could be a fire hazard; 3) damaged/melting lenses could be an indication of an electrical problem. I have digital photos taken in december 2010 showing the damaged/melting lenses that I have provided to toyota and would be pleased to provide to the federal safety agency. I have also retained the original lamps, and the car still has the damaged/melted lenses.

Filed Nov 12, 2010 · Lights · 73,000 miles · IN

Recently discovered two white melted bumps in the exact center of the headlamp casing where the daytime running lamp beams pass through the plastic. Have only had the vehicle since july 2010 and the incident occured during a 19 hour drive, most of which took place during daylight hours. Headlights were not turned on until sunset. Concerned that factory lights are hot enough to melt the plastic that is factory installed. Obvious defect, could cause fire. Impaired vision at night also a result as plastic is now permanently damaged. Also concerned that issue could worsen and hole could appear, causing rain and elements to come in direct contact with lighting system. Another obvious danger. Disengaging daytime lights is not an option, no control over overheating other to turn on headlights 100% of time. Also concerned with this solution, as defect could potentially be similar in these as well. Attempted to have dealer look at problem, however warrantly period has expired. After researching online, found several similar instances on models ranging from 2004-2007. Feel strongly that issue should be investigated as passenger saftey is at risk.

Filed May 25, 2010 · Lights · 44,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the headlights would intermittently overheat and melt without warning. The dealer advised the failure was due to the bulb becoming extremely hot and melting the head light lens. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 44,000 and the current mileage was 51,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2010 · Acceleration · 35,000 miles · IA · crash

On august 18th 2007 I sent a letter to toyota motor sales writing concerning a problem with my toyota highlander which had surged in a parallel parking situation hitting the car behind and damaging it and my vehicle. . Her headlight and bumper were damaged. . The repair on the other car came to $1800.00. And more. I reported it to the toyota dealer in spirit lake, ia. And also to the toyota motor sales in toledo , ohio 43699-0024. The spirit lake dealer told me it must have been caused by bad gas.

Filed Oct 7, 2009 · Lights · 40,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota highlander. The plastic on the headlights have peeled, subsequently causing the lights to appear very dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician concluded that buffing would remedy the failure. The failure mileage was 40000. The current mileage was 51400, updated 10/19/09 *cn updated 10/19/09

Filed Apr 9, 2008 · Lights · MA

I have a 2004 toyota highland and believe there is a design defect or manufacturing flaw with regard to the lens covers to the headlights and fog light covers. Both have significant melting from the light bulbs. I am concerned that the vehicle will catch on fire. All products involved are original toyota parts. The lens covers each have a large (bigger than a quarter) circular spot where the melting took place from the inside out and there is a bubble on each. The same has happened with the fog lights and they are now cracked from the heat. I have contacted toyota and they will not fix, replace, repair the lens covers and say that there is no recall. I would imagine that anything melting on a vehicle has the potential to catch fire. This has been progressively getting worse over several years so the incident date is not exact. It is evident that eventually there will be holes in these covers from the heat/melting as the daylights run constantly and cannot be turned off.

Filed Mar 12, 2008 · Lights · SC

I was leaving my home going to work today and noticed that my wife's toyota 2004 highlander headlight lenses had started to melt where the day time running lamps are.

Filed Dec 6, 2007 · Lights · MD

2004 toyota highlander headlamp material cover failure. Consumer states that the mechanic said he had never seen anything like that. Consumer stated the mechanic did not offer a corrective action. *kb the consumer stated the lens material had melted and a fog spot was present. When the lamp was removed from the vehicle, a bulge was on the side of the lamp in the up position.