2005 Toyota Prius lights problems

Filed Nov 10, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · 143,500 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the left turn signal was activated, however, the left turn signal failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the four-way flashers failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a computer failure. The contact was informed that an unknown part needed to be replaced, or an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.

Filed Nov 10, 2025 · Lights · 143,500 miles · DE

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while replacing the instrument cluster, the contact discovered that the turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.

Filed Dec 25, 2020 · Lights · CA

Head light are intermittent; same problem as 2006 and later recall

Filed Dec 18, 2019 · Lights · 164,000 miles · CA

The headlights on my 2005 prius continue to go out. We replace the bulbs but even with brand new bulbs will be driving and after about 60 seconds of headlights being on the light will turn off. Sometimes only one turns off but often bolt turn off and we're in complete darkness driving on the road. We have to toggle the headlight control off and on several times before they turn on again, which leaves us driving in complete darkness and it's a big safety hazard! Again, brand new bulbs have this issue, too. Getting the whole headlight and computer behind it replaced is very expensive. This is a big safety issue and it has been happening and getting worse for over a year.

Filed Nov 11, 2019 · Lights · 10 miles · TX

The passenger side front headlight started going off automatically after a while of turning on. If I turn it off and on again, it lights up and then first dims and then turns off on its own. The lights have been replaced and it did not solve the problem. This is very dangerous for night time driving as the drivers will never know when the headlights will go out. This is not a random incident; it is one of the most common problems of gen 2 prius (04-09) that I found online. I am attaching a document that lists some online forums where other prius owners have reported similar problems. Toyota settled a lawsuit for 06-09 prius, yet there is no recall for the headlight issue of gen 2 prius.

Filed Jan 23, 2019 · Lights · 210,000 miles · OR

While driving driver side headlight will go out, followed by passenger headlight. Both will return on when the headlights are turned off then on again, only to occur again within 10 minutes. Both headlights have been replaced within the last 10 days.

Filed Dec 19, 2018 · Lights · 204,000 miles · VA

Headlamps randomly turn off while driving, but usually only one at a time. Last night (12/18/18), both lights went out at the same time and I was unable to see the road as it was poorly lit. When lamps do turn off while driving, turning them off and on a few times will usually get the it to come back on. This is definitely a hazard and a recall is absolutely required.

Filed Dec 11, 2018 · Acceleration, Electrical · 225,000 miles · CA

Combination meter intermittently not functioning. When turning the car on, sometimes the dash meter works, sometimes it's just black and continues the entire time the car is running. Then when trying to turn the car off, it will not turn off, which is a major safety concern. When this occurs, there are no dash lights at all to indicate fuel amount, odometer reading, door open signal, check engine, maintenance required and so on. The speed being driven is not showing either which is another major safety issue. Cruise control also does not function, the center touchscreen does not display hybrid motor information or mpg. The beeping when backing up does not function. Also the rear hatch will not open while car is running which is also a major safety issue in addition to all of the other functions not available. The odometer is not recording mileage during these times which makes it difficult to do proper maintenance that goes by mileage, such as oil changes.

Filed Sep 28, 2018 · Lights · 215,000 miles · PA

Headlight failure.....while driving. I start out with my lights on, and randomly driving down the road one headlight, or the other, will go out, or both will go out. I replaced the bulbs, have had mechanics go over the car......before I joined a prius chat and learned this is a "known issue".....but still no recall? I've been pulled over by various law enforcement 4 times in the last 4 months! ..........below it asks for a date on the incident...it happens frequently. It's been happening for at least a year.

Filed Jul 3, 2018 · Lights · 170,121 miles · NC

Headlights go out while driving, it takes turning them on and off a few times to turn them back on. It is random, sometimes passenger side, sometimes drivers side, sometimes both. Toyota settled a class action lawsuit with 2006 - 2009 prius, mine is 2005, but this is a safety issue and is extremely dangerous. When both headlights go out, it may take several tries to get them to come back on, leaving me without headlights as I'm driving my kids to school early in the morning in the dark, going 65mph down the highway. Currently saving to get fixed(car was a gift). I called toyota for an estimate on this known problem and they said they I would have to bring it in and they would charge me $85 for them to diagnosis the problem. Toyota is not taking any responsibility for this problem, which clearly they are aware of and somehow skirted out of a recall or any liability for all models.