◄ IMPORTANT UPDATE ►
The attached Dealer Letter has been updated. Refer to the details below.
DATE
June 1, 2022

TOPIC
This Customer Support Program has expired as of June 1st, 2022

Please review this notification with your staff to assure that all relevant personnel have been briefed regarding this subject.
Thank you for your cooperation.

© 2020 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

All Toyota Dealer Principals,
Service Managers, Parts Managers

Subject:

HID Headlight Customer Support Program on Certain 2006 through 2009 Model Year Prius
Vehicles

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In our continuing efforts to assure the best in customer satisfaction, on January 10, 2011, Toyota
determined that it would extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty for the High-Intensity-Discharge
(HID) option on certain 2006 – 2009 model year Prius vehicles, and provide limited cash
reimbursements for HID bulb and ECU repairs.

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Background

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In order to further enhance customer satisfaction and to curtail further distraction created by a class
action litigation related to HID bulbs, Toyota agreed to a settlement, without any finding of a defect
or admission of liability, that extends its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover repairs and
replacements of HID bulbs up to the sooner of 5 years or 50,000 miles.
Under the settlement, Toyota also agrees to provide cash reimbursements to Toyota customers
who spent money having an ECU erroneously replaced or had HID headlights replaced within 5
years and 50,000 miles.
Please note that the following are excluded from this class:
o All employees of Toyota entities;
o Individuals who purchased a Prius for purpose of resale;
o All owners or lessees of a Prius not manufactured for export specifically into the United
States.

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HID headlights, like any traditional headlight, have a finite life. Customers expressed concern with the cost
of replacing the headlights and confusion when the HID bulbs reached end of life because unlike traditional
headlights that simply fail without warning, HID bulbs work intermittently when reaching end of life. To
address these concerns, Toyota initiated a Customer Support Program in December 2009.

Extension of New Vehicle Limited Warranty

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Beginning on March 1, 2011, Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended for:
• All 2006-2009 model year Toyota Prius vehicles to cover original, factory-installed HID headlights.
• Repairs or replacements to the vehicles’ HID bulbs will be covered under warranty if the vehicle is
within: (1) 5 years; or (2) 50,000 miles of the original purchase or lease date of the vehicle.
• The rights and procedures generally available under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will apply to
HID headlight system repairs during this extended warranty period. The extended warranty is
subject to the same terms and conditions of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, as set forth in the
Vehicle Owner’s Warranty Information Booklet. The extension of the New Vehicle Warranty under
the settlement applies only to HID bulbs.
• Dealerships associates are requested to refer to Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) T-SB-0374-09 for
diagnostic and repair instructions.
• Any purchasers and/or lessees who reside outside the U.S. and any Toyota Prius vehicles that were not
manufactured for export specifically into the U.S. are not covered under this New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.

CSP ZTN – D – Page 2
If the customer’s vehicle is outside the 5 year or 50,000 mile warranty period, but the customer can provide
proof that the headlight problem began within 5 years or 50,000 miles, the customer will be entitled to
warranty repairs. One example of proof would be to present a repair estimate done within the 5 year and
50,000 mile period.

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Cash Reimbursement

The settlement will also provide reimbursement to owners for payments on repairs made for the following:

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1. HID Electronic Control Units (ECUs). Customers who spent money repairing or replacing an HID
electronic control unit (ECU) before March 1, 2011, will be entitled to full reimbursement (both parts
and labor), provided they have not already received a full reimbursement. Customers who received
past partial reimbursements are entitled to the difference between what they previously spent on
HID-related repairs or replacements and any past reimbursements the customer received.

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2. HID Bulbs repaired or replaced within 5 years and 50,000 miles. Customers who spent money
repairing or replacing HID bulb(s) will be entitled to full reimbursement (both parts and labor),
provided they have not already received a full reimbursement. Customers who received past partial
reimbursements are entitled to the difference between what they previously spent on HID-related
repairs or replacements and any past reimbursements the customer received. Customers who can
show proof that their HID headlights first started having problems within 5 years and 50,000 miles
are also entitled to full reimbursement even if they repaired/replaced their HID bulbs after 5 years
or 50,000 miles.

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3. HID Bulbs repaired or replaced after 5 years or 50,000 miles. Customers who spent money
repairing or replacing the HID bulb(s) after either 5 years or 50,000 miles elapsed from the original
purchase or lease date, will not be automatically entitled to reimbursement, but may still submit a
claim for full or partial reimbursement if they believe there are extenuating circumstances justifying
reimbursement.

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Please note that cash reimbursements will be processed by the HID Settlement Claims Administrator, and
not by any dealers and distributors.

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If a customer contacts you for a copy of a repair invoice and proof of payment, you are encouraged to
provide such copies to the extent such records are reasonably available, and so long as the customer
provides some form of identification establishing that they are the same person indicated on the receipt or
proof of payment.

Class Notification Mailing Date

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The following vital information is provided to inform you and your staff of the class notification schedule and
your degree of involvement.

Customers in the settlement class will start receiving notice of the settlement in late-February/early
March 2011, approximately one week after the dealer notification is distributed. We have attached
a copy of the class notification letter for your reference.

CSP ZTN – D – Page 3
2.

Number of Vehicles Covered

Prius*
*Must be equipped with
original, factory installed
HID Headlights

Warranty Processor Instructions for Extension of New Vehicle Limited Warranty
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Please refer to the Warranty Policy Bulletin (Bulletin No. POL11-01) for reimbursement claim
processing instructions.
If repairs or replacements to the vehicles’ HID bulbs and HID ECUs are covered by the
Extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, please refer to the repair manual and TSB TSB-0374-09.

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Approximate UIO
38,000
66,000
77,000
35,000
216,000

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Model Year
2006
2007
2008
2009
TOTAL

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Model

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There are approximately 216,000 Prius (2006 through 2009 model year) vehicles that are covered
by this specific New Vehicle Limited Warranty extension and settlement program.
Again, any purchasers and/or lessees who resides outside the U.S. and any vehicles that were not
manufactured for export specifically into the U.S. are not covered under this specific New Vehicle
Limited Warranty extension and settlement program.

Customer Inquiries and Application for Cash Reimbursement

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A customer who has questions about the settlement and obtaining reimbursement should be
referred to their class notice letter for further details, directed to the Toyota Customer Experience
Center for further information, or encouraged to contact the HID Settlement Claims Administrator for
more information or for additional copies of the claim form. The relevant contact information is:
• Call Number: 1 (800) 746-3614
• Visit WWW.HIDSETTLEMENT.COM
• Visit WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/PRIUS.ASP
Media Contacts

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If you are a dealership associate and have any questions, please contact your District Service/Parts
Manager.

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In the event you are contacted by the News media, it is imperative that all media contacts (local and
national) receive a consistent message. Please direct all media contacts to Brian Lyons (310) 468-2552,
in Toyota Corporate Communications. (Please do not provide these numbers to customers or call if you
are a dealer associate. Please provide these contacts to only media representatives.)

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Please review this entire package with your Service and Parts staff to familiarize them with the proper stepby-step procedures required to implement this New Vehicle Limited Warranty extension and settlement
program.
As part of our dedication to continuous improvement, changes have been incorporated in the production
process to ensure the highest quality products are provided to our customers.
Thank you for your cooperation.
TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

2006 through 2009 Model Year Prius
HID Headlight New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension and Settlement Program
What is Toyota going to do?
In order to further enhance customer satisfaction and to curtail further distraction created by a class action
litigation related to HID bulbs, Toyota has agreed to a two-part settlement, without any finding of a defect or
admission of liability. First, under the settlement, Toyota has extended its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover
repairs and replacements of HID bulbs and HID ECUs up to the sooner of 5 years and 50,000 miles. Second,
Toyota has also agreed to provide cash reimbursements to Toyota customers who spent money having an ECU
erroneously replaced or had HID bulbs replaced within both 5 years and 50,000 miles.

Q2:
A2:

What is the condition?
HID headlights, like any traditional headlight, have a finite life. Customers expressed concern with the cost of
replacing the headlights and confusion when the HID bulbs reached end of life because unlike traditional
headlights that simply fail without warning, HID bulbs work intermittently when reaching end of life.

Q3:
A3:

What was the cause of the condition of HID headlight control ECU replacement?
During the diagnostic process for this condition, in addition to replacing the HID bulb, the HID headlight control
ECU may also have been replaced to ensure that the intermittent operation was corrected. Upon further review of
this condition, Toyota determined that replacement of the HID bulbs is sufficient to curtail the intermittent
operation

Q4:
A4:

When were these vehicles produced, and how many vehicles are covered by this program?
Only certain 2006 through 2009 model year Prius vehicles equipped with original factory installed HID headlights,
produced between early August 2005 and late March 2009 are covered. Approximately 216,000 vehicles may be
covered nationwide. However, any purchasers and/or lessees who resides outside the U.S. and vehicles that
were not manufactured for export specifically into the U.S. are not covered.
Model
Prius

Approx. 2006
MY UIO
38,000

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Q1:
A1:

Approx. 2007
MY UIO
66,000

Approx. 2008
MY UIO
77,000

Approx. 2009
MY UIO
35,000

Total
216,000

Are there any other Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles covered by this program?
No, this specific condition only relates to certain 2006 through 2009 model year Prius vehicles equipped with
original factory installed HID headlights.

Q6:

What should an owner do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their
vehicle?
If an owner has any immediate concerns they are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for appropriate
diagnosis and if applicable, repair.

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I have experienced the HID bulb replacement XX times with XXXXX miles on it, is there any problem with
the HID bulb in the involved vehicles?
No. All vehicles comply with Toyota’s rigorous durability and quality standards. The warranty extension for HID
bulbs and ECUs reflects Toyota’s desire to assure our customers that Toyota stands behind its products.

To help extend the life of HID bulbs, we would like to provide some helpful tips:
• As with traditional halogen bulbs, HID bulbs have a lifespan; the life of an HID bulb is affected by the number
of hours it is in use. You can extend the life of HID bulbs by turning on headlights only when required based
on driving conditions and the motor vehicle laws applicable to the area in which you are driving.
• Your vehicle has a feature to automatically turn off your headlights when you turn off your vehicle and open
the driver’s door. This function prevents inadvertent battery drainage in the event the headlights are left in the
ON position. You can extend the life of the HID bulb by always turning the headlight switch to the OFF
position when not in use.
• The greatest strain on HID bulbs occurs when the HID bulb is turned back ON while it is still hot.
Consequently, you should minimize the number of times the HID headlamps are turned ON and OFF.

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Q5:
A5:

We hope these tips are useful to you. If you have any further questions, please see your Owner’s Manual or
contact any Toyota dealer for further information.

A8:

How does a customer receive warranty service for HID bulb and/or ECU repairs under the extended New
Vehicle Limited Warranty?
If a customer experiences problems related to their HID bulb and/or ECU, please direct them to contact any
Toyota dealer for further information.

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Q8:

How does a customer participate in the settlement?
For more information about the settlement, including any settlement benefits, customers should contact the
Claims Administrator using any of the following means:
• Toll-free Call Number: 1 (800) 746-3614
• Visit WWW.HIDSETTLEMENT.COM
• Visit WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/PRIUS.ASP

Q10:
A10:

How does a customer know if she is eligible to participate in the settlement?
The settlement is limited to owners and lessees of 2006-2009 model year Toyota Prius vehicles with original,
factory-installed HID headlights. The following are excluded from this class:
• All employees of Toyota entities;
• Individuals who purchased a Prius for purpose of resale;
• All owners or lessees of a Prius not manufactured for export specifically into the United States.

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For more information about the settlement, including eligibility, customers should contact the Claims Administrator
using any of the following means:
• Toll-free Call Number:1 (800) 746-3614
• Visit WWW.HIDSETTLEMENT.COM
• Visit WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/PRIUS.ASP
When can customers begin participating in the settlement?
Class notice will be mailed to all current owners and lessees of 2006-2009 model year Toyota Prius vehicles with
original, factory-installed HID headlights beginning in late February/early March. For more information about
timing and deadlines related to the settlement, customers should contact the Claims Administrator using any of
the following means:
• Toll-free Call Number: 1 (800) 746-3614
• Visit WWW.HIDSETTLEMENT.COM
• Visit WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/PRIUS.ASP

Q12:

Can customers participate in the warranty extension program if their vehicle is outside the 5 year/50,000
mile period?
Yes, however customers must provide proof that the problem first occurred within both 5 years and 50,000 miles
of the original purchase or lease date of the vehicle. One example of proof would be to present a repair estimate
done within the 5 year and 50,000 mile period.

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What happens if customers request copies of their repair and payment documents?
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. will not provide copies of any such documents provided by customers pursuant to the
December 2009 Prius HID Headlight Customer Support Program. If a customer contacts a dealer for a copy of a
repair invoice and proof of payment, dealers have been encouraged to provide such copies to the extent such
records are reasonably available, so long as the customer provides some form of identification establishing that
they are same person indicated on the receipt or proof of payment.

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Q11:
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Q14:
A14:

When will reimbursement be made to customers?
Reimbursement timing information will be available from the Claims Administrator. For more information about
timing and deadlines related to the settlement, customers should contact the Claims Administrator using any of
the following means:
• Toll-free Call Number: 1 (800) 746-3614
• Visit WWW.HIDSETTLEMENT.COM
• Visit WWW.GIRARDGIBBS.COM/PRIUS.ASP

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

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If you now or used to own or lease a 2006-2009 Toyota Prius with high intensity
discharge (“HID”) headlights, you may be entitled to a free warranty extension
and cash reimbursement.
A federal court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

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ƒ This class action lawsuit claimed the HID headlights on 2006-2009 Prius vehicles can shut off unexpectedly
while the vehicles are being driven. Read question #2 below for more information on the condition.

ƒ Under the settlement, Toyota has agreed to extend its New Vehicle Limited Warranty to cover HID
headlight repairs through the earlier of 5 years or 50,000 miles from the original date of purchase or lease.
Class Members may also be eligible to receive cash reimbursements for past HID headlight repairs. Read
question numbers 8 and 9 below for more information on claiming a cash reimbursement.

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ƒ Your legal rights are affected whether you act or don’t act. Read this notice carefully.

The only way to get cash reimbursement. You do not need to submit a Claim Form
to take advantage of the extended warranty.

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