2006 Toyota Prius Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 941about this part
- Share
- 65%of 1,440 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 941 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2006 Toyota Prius, 65% of the 1,440 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles. 5 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.
“Sometimes as I drive the vehicle, after a while, either one of the headlights turns off randomly. I don't always notice when it happens, other than when pulling up behind another vehicle at a stop light and notice that there is only 1 headlight reflection coming from my vehicle. They both work normally if I turn them off and on again.”
NHTSA complaint #11099340, filed 2018-06, 80,000 miles“The drivers side intermittent headlight has long been a problem with this vehicle. This was a reported safety issue that was widely ignored which violates california law. I finally took it myself to get replaced after not getting any help with my reporting. I would like to receive a refund for the problem that is a recall issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11098914, filed 2018-05, 203,650 miles“The headlamps on my Prius go out intermittently while driving. Sometimes one goes out and sometimes both. It is very dangerous when they both go out while driving at night. I can usually turn the switch off and on to get it back on, but that is uncomfortable when driving down a dark road and have to get the lights back on. This is an ongoing problem and happens regularly.”
NHTSA complaint #11052873, filed 2017-12, 50,000 miles“The hid headlights are both out, after being on maybe 5 minutes. From everything I have read online and from my mechanic, this is a known issue with my model of car, that has been going on for years. The ballast is faulty, and would need to be tested prior to replacing a hid light. This has been happening for months, and I simply do not drive at night as a result. With the time change, this is to difficult.”
NHTSA complaint #11278349, filed 2019-11, 168,000 miles“My 2006 Toyota Prius drivers side headlight goes out completely. It turns on when first engaging the light switch and turns off when in transit. It will relight after I turn the lights off and then back on again. My dealership has stated there is no issue with my headlights and provided me an inspection sticker for the vehicle. I need this issue to be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10914215, filed 2016-10, 209,239 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10150010Sep 11, 2018Dealer Package: September 11, 2018 A watermark has been added to the Dealer Letter to indicate that ZTJ expired on September 10, 2018. Unlike halogen light bulbs which simply…
- 10038968Mar 4, 2011Toyota: 2006-2009 prius. Warranty information for headlights.
- 10032448Dec 16, 2009Toyota: hid headlight customer support program. Unlike halogen light bulbs which simply stop working at the end of their useful life, as the hid bulb nears the end of life it may…
- 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 2006 Toyota Prius
210 complaintsElectrical system
153 complaintsVehicle speed control
84 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsEquipment
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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