2005 Toyota Highlander: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · NC

All at once the windows, moon roof, blinkers, reverse lights, running lights and brake lights stopped working - also the automatic headlight function stopped working and we must turn on and off the headlights or risk draining the battery. It's interesting to note that the flashers work, but the blinkers do not. The wipers, radio, cruise control, etc. are all fine. It appears all fuses associated with these items are intact - I don't know how to check the viability of the relays, but have been told it could be a relay and or a ground wire. I've purchased a new multifunction blinker headlight replacement switch AND a master window replacement switch to see if this will resolve the issue - but the fact that it happened all at the same time concerns me that it could be electrical or wiring. All the wires under the dash are intact.

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Lights · 20 miles · FL

When driving on the country side, we used the high beam lights and noticed when we stop smoke from the head lamps. It was so hot that melted the lens covers. This represent a hazard and liability. It can cause a severe burn skin damage to a person and probably if left more time a fire. Toyota has a service technical bulletin t-sb-0036-08 (the federal safety agency id number: 10024893) that address a "discoloration on the lens". My VIN number is included on the list. Toyota knows there is a problem with the material used, it absorbs to much heat. This is a potential for fire and for a severe burn. Toyota should replace them. Pictures attached as well as service technical bulletin t-sb-0036-08. Even though it was not a fire, the presence of the smoke indicate a potential for fire if we had use it longer.

Filed Nov 19, 2014 · Visibility · 82,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota highlander. The contact stated that the front headlight lenses were deteriorating. There was a presence of a spot that was spreading across the plastic, which may be intermittently melting. The contact indicated that the spot was increasing on the front headlight lense and could impact the contact's visibility upon the use of the low or high beams. The vehicle was taken to the authorized dealer who diagnosed that both headlight lenses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was to be repaired by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2010 · Lights · 43,000 miles · GA

I am approaching 50,000 miles on the car. I just recently noticed that the headlight lens on both headlights has an opaque spot about one inch in diameter directly in front of the highbeam light bulb. Toyota has recognized this problem since april 15, 2008 as evidenced by toyota technical service bulletin #t-sb-0036-08 dated april 15, 2008. When you google the bulletin it will become apparent that this problem exists for some 2004 to 2007 models, a span of three years. The bulletin will also show that toyota will replace both headlights if complained about during the 36,000 / 3 year warranty period. I am outside of the warranty period and in fear that it will cost me several hundred dollars to repair a design defect that toyota has been aware of for several years. From what I read from other posters toyota's attitude appears to be it is not our problem.

Filed Aug 3, 2010 · Lights · 77,254 miles · MA

2005 toyota highlander would not pass 2010 massachusetts state inspection due to faulty headlight assembly. There is fog in the lens and night time light is impaired???? Toyota will not cover the $900 expense to replace both headlights. The extended warranty does not cover this expense as well.

Filed Feb 21, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 52,991 miles · CA

2005 toyota highlander hybrid. Driving to work in a blizzard on 12/11/09 all dash board lights went on. Dealership found that the sunroof housing failed causing $3,977.16 worth of damage. Being out of warranty the dealer agreed to pay 2,000.00. Toyota customer service another 1,500 and we paid 477.16. We picked up the car on 12/24/09. On 2/2/10 we returned it after noticing a burn spot on each of the plastic head light covers. The dealer found both highbeam bulbs melted,and suggested I had overused them causing the intense heat that did the damage. I am concerned it could be a result of delayed water damage showing up. Our concerns with this car(which we purchased new in nov. Of 2005)goes back to 9/7/06 when the cruise control did not slow the car going down hills. On 2/28/07 we had brake and wiper blade issues. On 4/20/07 the blades locked during a downpour on the 5 freeway. I had to pull over in a panic. On 7/12/07 the cargo clip had to be replaced. On 9/10/07 that parking brake did not hold properly and there was a rattle from the right rear. On 11/6/07 we complained of squeaky brakes. Dealer tightened loose nuts and bolts on 4x4 assembly. On 4/1/08 the brakes were replaced @ 29,080 miles.on 10/22/08 the sound system failed and was replaced under warranty. Next week we are having the 5th set of tires put on this vehicle which has only 53,000 miles on it. The set to be replaced has only about 15,000 miles on them. They have a 60,000 mile warranty.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Lights · MD · fire

My driver side high beam headlight flashed burned my light ensemble on my 2005 toyota highlander. Showed tech at toyota and claimed despite never seen a fire caused by headlamp that it did indeed burn plastic housing from flash burn out not covered by warranty.

Filed Aug 10, 2007 · Lights · 25,063 miles · NY

Defective headlight lenses in july 2006, a 1-inch diameter opaque "discoloration " appeared in left front headlamp lens, directly in front of area closest to halogen bulb. Besides impairing light output, I was fearful that defective area would eventually break or crack, allowing water to contact halogen bulb - causing it to explode when hot. (2005 toyota highlander was 18-months old at that time, with 25,263 miles.) toyota replaced same under warranty. Now same lens defect / discoloration is occurring to right front headlamp plastic lens at 45,000 miles, and again fearful that lens failure will result in exploding halogen bulb. Unsure it toyota will cover this second repair. Headlamps and bulbs are original factory equipment.