Melting headlamps

I took my 2011 Tacoma in for maintenance and the service advisor called to tell me the headlamps were inspected and are melting. Of course, I said "What?!" I've only had the truck 2 1/2 years and 40000 miles. He said it would cost $1300 total to replace them. Ridiculous! How can that be? He gave me the number to customer svc at Gulf States Toyota to see what they can do. Anyone experience this? I've had vehicles way longer than this and never had this happen.

 

Get some retrofitted ones from Asian ant for like 700 they are sick looking and good quality hit him up.

 

Very common with the DRL. Toyota would only replace if you were under the 3yr/36k warranty. I believe the updated replacement headlights cost like $300-400+ each. I don't see the labor being $500.

updated replacement below

 

I would question why they melted. Toyota was replacing some with turn signal lenses melting never heard about head lamps.

 

Most likely not the headlamp themselves but the DRL's.

 

Noticed on the '12+ headlamps, that the turn signal/DRL bulb is set much further back in the lense...creating a lot of space to breath.

 

I would try my best fighting with toyota.

As the dealer said you will have to take it up with Toyota directly since the dealer cannot get paid if it is declined by toyota due to being out of warranty.

You can but DEPO brand headlights for a 2011 which are the bright chrome or the blacked out version they alot of guys like to upgrade to.

They are a quality piece and run about $150 on ebay for a pair

 

A headlight costs $268, I believe. I recently went in and asked for a quote. The labor would be $99 per light. The price that they gave you is absurd.

 

Yes they are the DRL's that are "melting". How can I disable them?

 

Go with LED - they work good and stay cool .

Here is a link to read http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...se-who-have-dtrl-its-melting-your-lights.html

 

Has Toyota fixed this 'melting' issue on newer models? I have a 2014...

 

They changed the headlights 2012 and up so you should have no issues.

 

I think there's a DIY on how to disable just the DRL's as our trucks also use these as turn signals. Since you're mileage is over the 36K but still pretty close, I suggest you call Toyota HQ and file a complaint as it isn't really a cosmetic issue but a possible fire hazard and should not have been melting and cracking to begin with.

 

The earlier gen 2s had the same headlights (driving lights). They did NOT come on automatically. The later models, like my 2009 come on when the ignition is switched on and they stay on. All day. Every day. There was no redesign. They simply weren't engineered or designed to withstand constantly being on. There are some on Ebay that look great and they're inexpensive, too. Bumper removal and a pile of other crap is needed to change the whole assembly. So far, I've resisted...............

 

Here is a thread I started that may have some useful information for you: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-complaint-nhtsa-force-toyota-recall-fix.html

I pushed back HARD even posting Toyota's lack of response on their Facebook page. Anything you can do to put this in public domain may help. My dealer finally replaced our headlights with the new units.

Good luck,

Ray

 

San Diego... Don't tell me it was Mossy Toyota, they suck. Probably worst dealership I've ever been to.

 

Well I called Toyota Corporate. They started a file with all of my info. Went to the district mgr. After a few weeks they agreed to replace the entire headlight assembly through what they called a goodwill warranty. While I am happy that they were replaced at no cost to me I'm still disappointed that it takes this to get it done rather than Toyota taking care of it period.

 

I have a 2011 with the smoked head lights from factory. Has anyone had the issue with melting with the smoked head lights?

 

Yes. 2011 is the last year for these headlight design. If you have DRL, most likely you will encouter the melting/cracking lens.

 

Yup, mine are melted and cracked on my 2011 with DRL. Dealership says there is nothing they can do.