2005 Toyota Prius Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 346about this part
- Share
- 33%of 1,051 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 346 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Toyota Prius, 33% of the 1,051 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My headlight intermittently goes off while driving & then back on. I paid a local mechanic to check it out; he couldn't find any loose connections, etc. But did advise me of a class action suit for this exact problem on the 06 - 09 model yrs. I've contacted both a local dealership & Toyota corp. Who both refuse to fix it at no cost to me (see attached response from Toyota corp.”
NHTSA complaint #10939804, filed 2017-01, 239,000 miles“While driving the passenger side headlight went out, I replaced the bulb and the problem continued. It turns off shortly after starting the vehicle wether it is driving or sitting, when I turn lights off and on again light will turn back on for a moment and turn off again, this happens while I am driving and I am afraid to drive it and be pulled over for not having working headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #10850620, filed 2016-03, 230,000 miles“One of my front headlight always goes out once I make a turn by using a turn signal. If I switch the headlight off and on again, the head light will come back. I read similar post from website, and found some people have the same problem with me. We all suspect this is a design problem by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10891871, filed 2016-07, 150,000 miles“Digital dashboard sometimes is completely blank for extended periods so that I can't see my speed, fuel levels, odometer, and other info. When I start up it happens and continues the whole time I am driving. It is causing other problems related to the hydrolic braking sometimes as well when this happens.”
NHTSA complaint #10820021, filed 2016-01, 211,000 miles“Headlights go off, one at a time, intermittently, while driving on any road. If I turn the lights all the way off and then back on again they will usually stay on for 15 minutes before going off again. I am not aware that they have both gone off at once, but I have not driven the car at night yet”
NHTSA complaint #10872295, filed 2016-06, 107,865 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10024891May 12, 2008Hid headlight system - diagnostic tips. *nj updated 6/17/08.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 33% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 4 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 14% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 12 | 3% |
| 2012 | 36 | 8% |
| 2011 | 48 | 9% |
| 2010 | 149 | 5% |
| 2009 | 111 | 22% |
| 2008 | 579 | 39% |
| 2007 | 1,060 | 53% |
| 2006 | 941 | 65% |
| 2005 | 346 | 33% |
| 2004 | 184 | 30% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2005 Toyota Prius
282 complaintsElectrical system
178 complaintsVehicle speed control
109 complaintsEngine cooling
64 complaintsOther or unknown
56 complaintsAir bags
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
41 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsElectronic stability control
20 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology