2010 Toyota Prius Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 149about this part
- Share
- 5%of 2,823 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 149 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2010 Toyota Prius, 5% of the 2,823 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11327579, filed 2020-06, 185,000 miles“Both of my low beam headlights went out suddenly. I didn't realize it until I was driving onto the freeway and had to turn on my high beams so I wouldn't crash while on the dark onramp of the freeway. The housing of the left low beam is blown out. I brought in my Prius to the dealership and they would not cover this even though I have the platinum warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10853418, filed 2016-04, 94,000 miles“I replaced both headlamps after having the passenger side low beam go out about two weeks ago. This morning on my way to work, in the dark, I had that same lamp go out again. I turned around to head back home when the driver side lamp went out as well. I was only a few blocks from home at least but this is could have been incredibly dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10810845, filed 2015-12, 38,000 miles“Headlight would burn out a year after replacement. Manufacturer issued a variant of a recall intending to provide a fix for high rate of burnout. I took my car in to a dealership to receive the fix and the dealership caused a problem with the front windshield wiper apparatus. Wipers would now work if the headlights were off, but would no longer work once the headlights were turned on. This would occur whether stationary or moving.”
NHTSA complaint #11172648, filed 2019-01, 93,000 miles“I keep replacing the low beams. They do not last longer than 3 months before they burn out again. I'm buying high end replacement bulbs that should be lasting years. I've noticed that they burn out following my car pausing when I apply the gas from a stop but it only will go15-20 miles an hour then the car will surges forward and drives normal. Help there is something not designed correctly! Please have Toyota fix this.”
NHTSA complaint #10948358, filed 2017-01, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10169423Nov 8, 2019Dealer Package: Customer Support Program ZHB Expired October 31, 2019. Toyota has received a number of reports regarding the halogen head lamps on certain 2010 ? 2011 model year…
- 10161519May 8, 2019Dealer Package: May 8, 2019 The interim repair Op Codes have been removed as Toyota now has sufficient inventory of repair kit part number 04007-52147. Toyota has received a…
- 10161518May 6, 2019Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which their vehicle?s halogen low beam headlamp bulbs lifetime is shorter than expected.
- 10142900Jun 20, 2018Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which their vehicle's halogen low beam headlamp bulbs lifetime is shorter than expected.
- 10129997Feb 21, 2018TSB: REVISION NOTICE February 21, 2018 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2012 model year Prius vehicles. ? The Required Tools & Equipment section has been…
- 10131755Feb 6, 2018Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which their vehicle?s halogen low beam headlamp bulbs lifetime is shorter than expected.
- 10129973Feb 6, 2018Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which their vehicle?s halogen low beam headlamp bulbs lifetime is shorter than expected.
- 10129217Jan 25, 2018Dealer Daily Message: **UPDATED Dealer Letter Available on TIS** Customer Support Program ZHB Certain 2010- 2011 Model Year Prius Coverage for Halogen Low Beam Headlamp Bulbs…
- 10129216Jan 25, 2018Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns in which their vehicle?s halogen low beam headlamp bulbs lifetime is shorter than expected.
- 10129215Jan 25, 2018Dealer Package: The attached Dealer Letter has been updated. Refer to the details below. January 25, 2018 The claim filing details have been updated to clarify remedy OP Codes…
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 2010 Toyota Prius
1,945 complaintsVehicle speed control
287 complaintsElectrical system
192 complaintsOther or unknown
148 complaintsEngine
140 complaintsAir bags
84 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
79 complaintsFuel system
71 complaintsElectronic stability control
58 complaintsBody and structure
35 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
30 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 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