The driver’s side low beam on my 2021 burnt out at 64k miles. My mechanic says the whole unit needs replacing and quoted $1500 for parts alone. He also said the replacement has to be done by Toyota, so he won’t touch it. I thought LED lights were supposed to last a long time, so I’m wondering if this is normal or if something is defective. Any advice before I call Toyota?
I bought OEM LED headlights for my 2018 Tacoma, and both headlights cost me $1300 total, so I’m not sure how one could cost $1500.
Edit: I bought mine from Sparks Parts.
Bennet said:
I bought OEM LED headlights for my 2018 Tacoma, and both headlights cost me $1300 total, so I’m not sure how one could cost $1500.
Edit: I bought mine from Sparks Parts.
Maybe he misquoted me for both instead of just one. Did you install them yourself, or did Toyota have to do it?
@Van
I installed them myself. Check out Chloe Kuo’s YouTube video for instructions. You’ll need some new clips, but it’s pretty straightforward.
@Van
The hardest part is removing the bumper. There’s a clip block under the bumper that’s attached to the headlight. Use a trim tool to pop it off, and you’ll be good to go.
Sarah said:
@Van
The hardest part is removing the bumper. There’s a clip block under the bumper that’s attached to the headlight. Use a trim tool to pop it off, and you’ll be good to go.
I hate how everything is held on by clips. It looks better than bolts, but those clips break so easily.
@Nadine
I feel you. I’ve got a sagging bumper right now because I messed up removing the clips.
Bennet said:
I bought OEM LED headlights for my 2018 Tacoma, and both headlights cost me $1300 total, so I’m not sure how one could cost $1500.
Edit: I bought mine from Sparks Parts.
Was the upgrade worth it? Did you need an adapter harness?
@Koa
Definitely worth it. Yes, I used the adapter harness from Chloe’s video. The light output and spread are fantastic.
That price sounds like it’s for both headlights. You can buy just one side, and check eBay for OEM takeoffs—they’re cheaper, just make sure they’re not knockoffs.
It sounds like your mechanic quoted you for both headlights. A pair from the dealership costs around that much, maybe less. If your truck’s still under warranty, have the dealership check it out. LEDs should last longer, but sometimes they fail prematurely.
Call Toyota and get an estimate directly from them. LEDs are supposed to last longer, but nothing’s immune to malfunction.
You need a new mechanic if they won’t replace a simple headlight. You can get aftermarket ones or OEM ones from Sparks Parts for less. It’s an easy DIY job if you have basic tools and patience.
Forget that price. You can buy aftermarket sequential headlights for $700 and install them yourself. It’s super easy. I’ve talked my mom through a headlight replacement over the phone.
I was told the entire front end needed to come off and that Toyota had to recalibrate all the sensors.
Van said:
I was told the entire front end needed to come off and that Toyota had to recalibrate all the sensors.
Your mechanic’s exaggerating. You just need to take the grille off and maybe part of the fender, no sensors involved. You plug the headlight in and you’re good to go.
@MaryJane
Actually, if there are sensors on the bumper, the manual says to recalibrate them after removing and replacing the bumper. But in practice, if you’re using the same bumper, you don’t need to recalibrate.
Van said:
I was told the entire front end needed to come off and that Toyota had to recalibrate all the sensors.
The recalibration is usually a liability thing. As long as the vehicle is off during reassembly, you should be fine.
Van said:
I was told the entire front end needed to come off and that Toyota had to recalibrate all the sensors.
I had the same issue, and yes, the front end has to come off, but recalibrating the sensors is a stretch. It probably depends on the features of your truck.
Van said:
I was told the entire front end needed to come off and that Toyota had to recalibrate all the sensors.
You just need to remove the grille, which takes like 5 minutes. The bumper stays on, and no sensors need recalibration. I installed mine in 1.5 hours, and I’m far from mechanically inclined. I even did it at night… because I’m dumb. 