Report: Toyota Faces Possible Prius Headlamp Recall; Will it Hurt Sales?

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Toyota may have an issue on its hands if some previous generation Prius hybrid owners have their way. According to a growing number of owners, the optional high intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlights on their cars are failing prematurely, and, as luck would have it, are on the expensive side to replace.

Over the past few years, owners have lambasted the automaker for the lights on multiple Web forums and have only lately gained much traction thanks to an investigation opened by the U.S. Department of Transportation last April. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration is looking into the matter as well, and will ultimately be the primary force behind a Toyota recall and repair.

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According to some owners, repairs of the HID bulbs and associated lighting system can range anywhere from $300 to $1800, depending on the parts and labor involved.

A San Francisco law firm is currently seeking a class action suit pitting current Prius owners against Toyota.

Toyota recently put its third generation 2010 Prius on sale nationwide and is keen on keeping its sales number at the head of the game. Just last month, it was the sales leads in its native Japan. Will such a headlamp woe affect Prius sales in the U.S.?

Source: AdAge