2010 Toyota Prius lights problems

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Lights · WI

The low-beam headlight bulbs on my 2010 Toyota Prius keep burning out, about every [6 months or less]. Since I have owned the vehicle I have replaced them too many times to count, on both sides, but twice as often on the drivers side. The most recent failure was on XXX, my driver low beam failed while I was driving at night on a county highway in heavy rain. Visibility was already poor, and I was stopped by law enforcement because of the burned-out headlight. I was given a warning to get it fxed. Warnings from the police has happened twice in the last couple years. This is a known problem on 2010-2011 Prius models. Toyota acknowledged it in a technical service bulletin and addressed it under Customer Support Program ZHB, a warranty enhancement that replaced the headlamp bulbs and wiring harness. That program has expired, but the problem continues on my vehicle. I have been using factory-type / standard replacement bulbs, so I do not believe the bulbs themselves are the cause. The repeated failures point to a voltage or wiring problem in the headlamp circuit. The safety concern is that a low-beam bulb can fail without warning while driving at night. In winter in [XXX], with early darkness, snow, and temperatures below zero, losing a headlight reduces visibility and makes it harder for other drivers to see the vehicle. I am also physically small (5'1") and have limited hand strength, so replacing these bulbs repeatedly is difficult, particularly in frigid [XXX] weather. I plan to ask Toyota to perform the harness and bulb repair as a goodwill gesture and want to reference this report. I am filing this report so the problem is documented. There have been no crashes or injuries. Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Prius, approximately 170000 miles. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 1, 2022 · Lights · NY

There is a long-standing problem with the instrument panel being very difficult to see when operating the vehicle on a very sunny day. It is very dim even when the "instrument panel light control" is adjusted, especially when wearing sunglasses. No response by dealer.

Filed May 3, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · WA

Hazard lights flashing, flashes faster at higher speeds. Hazard button useless. Mechanic not sure what is the problem; reset codes. Problem went away for a few days and then came back.

Filed Sep 8, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

The dash lights on my 2010 Prius went all dark, lost all information on my dash. No lights on dash, no fuel gauge, no speedometer, nothing. This is very dangerous to suddenly have happened and I don't see a recall from Toyota to address this problem.

Filed Jul 7, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · LA

The headlights on my car would get very dim and would burnout within 4 to 6 months. As time has past the time between bulb replacement would get shorter and shorter. At this point when I plug replacement bulbs into my car the burnout instantly. Without low beam headlights I am required to drive with my high beams on at all times. The dealer and the manufacture know about the problem and there was a notification regarding this issue with the headlights, but I was not sent this notice. Had I been sent the notice from Toyota I would have brought my car into the dealership for them to inspect the light problem. From what I have learned from Toyota is that there was never a recall on this issue. Headlights on a car I would think would be considered a major safety feature and should not have an expiration date on such a repair issue. The program to fix the issue was called Customer Support Program ZHB which allowed the dealers to correct the problem. How would anyone know that there was a problem unless they get a notification.

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Airbags, Brakes · 113,864 miles · GA

I inherited a 2010 toyota prius 3rd generation when my mother passed a few years ago. I've since had several unnecessary and costly problems with the car as well as dealership's outlook, treatment, and indifference to the danger that their customers face--as many already have. The following are situations that I'm experiencing now. First, I was recently leaving the pharmacy when all of my warning lights (ABS, brake, traction ) suddenly came on and my brakes failed as I was heading home. I'm a single mother of a special needs child and I had to get home to her. I was approximately 1 mile from my home and I was nearly in 3 accidents that could've been catastrophic. Thankfully the road was dry, clear, and with little traffic. We have been homebound for weeks, without transportation for doctors, food, etc. Our vehicle is our only means of transportation, and we must get to doctor appointments, etc. Second, the car has inexplicably stalled twice. Third, I'm constantly having to replace lights, and have been pulled over by the police for lights not working. Finally, an airbag has been recalled and once I can afford it I'll get that fixed as well. I spoke with my local toyota dealerships, and after explaining the problems, I was informed (several times as I was repeatedly transferred) that I had to pay an inspection fee that also changed with each person. Finally, I was told I had to leave my car there for days and that I was going to pay thousands of dollars to fix the car. I'm unable to pay that much money--and the amount kept changing as well. I have researched these problems and now understand the methodology and intimidation used on poor people such as myself. Toyota should be ashamed. Fix these problems that will endanger and possibly kill your customers for nothing more than their own incompetence and greed.

Filed Jan 5, 2021 · Lights · 100,000 miles · MD

Headlight bulbs keep going blowing consistently.vehicle stationary

Filed Nov 23, 2020 · Brakes, Lights · VA

Was going 25 MPH yesterday november 22, 2020 evening when 4 (brake, ABS, traction & caution) lights came on dashboard. Pulled over the shoulder & turned ignition off. Restarted later & 4 lights still on. Following day, went to dealership & was told brake booster assembly need to be replaced due to internal fluid leak.

Filed Jun 6, 2020 · Lights · 185,000 miles · VA

Low beam started getting dim, but were brand new. They both suddenly failed on the highway almost causing a crash. I replaced bulbs and they were dim again. I went to buy the top line headlights thinking that was the issue, but I discovered the passenger side headlight assembly was corroded and melted. Once I turned the car on it began smoking. I can't install any lights now.

Filed Mar 22, 2020 · Brakes, Lights · 10 miles · VA

Abs system fails, rear passenger seat belt issue, headlight bulbs burned too much