2003 Avensis T3-s Headlamp Unit Leaking?

[Realistbear]

I recently purchased a '53 plate Avensis T3-S and noticed that one of the headlights fogs up when the weather is wet. I asked the Toyota dealer about the problem and they said it was not a factory defect and would not be covered by any sort of 2nd hand car warranty either. They claimed that condensation on the inside of the lamp unit will not cause the lights to malfunction. This sounds unacceptable for a Toyota and reminds me of the old days of British Leyland where all kinds of defects came as standard equipment.

Anyone else had this problem and if so, did Toyota remedy it free of charge? I am told a replacement unit is over 200 pounds as they have to remove the bumper to get to the lamp (sounds a bit Leylandish?).

Thanks

RB

[jed50]

I recently purchased a '53 plate Avensis T3-S and noticed that one of the headlights fogs up when the weather is wet. I asked the Toyota dealer about the problem and they said it was not a factory defect and would not be covered by any sort of 2nd hand car warranty either. They claimed that condensation on the inside of the lamp unit will not cause the lights to malfunction. This sounds unacceptable for a Toyota and reminds me of the old days of British Leyland where all kinds of defects came as standard equipment.

Anyone else had this problem and if so, did Toyota remedy it free of charge? I am told a replacement unit is over 200 pounds as they have to remove the bumper to get to the lamp (sounds a bit Leylandish?).

Thanks

RB

Lots of threads on this one mate. Look back to all headlamp related posts and you'll find your answer!! If you cant be bothered to look just go back to dealer and tell them you want both lamps checked out and replaced. This is a known fault and toyota have extended warranty to 5 years on this model. I have a 03 plate T4 and dealer in York replaced my n/side lamp with no questions asked! Takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Good luck, Jed.

[Chris Dance]

Definitely covered by warranty. My son and I have had headlamps and bulb holders replaced on our Avensis cars under warranty due to fogging.

Your dealer is fobbing you off.

[Chris Be]

Hi RB,

well if I were you I would firstly tell your dealer how dissapointed you are with the service relating to the headlights bearing in mind that Toyota GB have clearly stated that the warranty on these has been extended to 5 years/100,000 miles and if that doesn't resolve your problem tell them that you will be writing to Toyota GB asking why your dealer will not replace them under warranty.

Keep us posted.

Chris.

[adventure boy]

Ive got the same problem with My 04 Avensis T4 Estate and reading this I will visit the local dealer tomorrow and see what they say ill post there responce tomorrow night and let you guys know what they say

[adventure boy]

Went to Toyota (Lookers in Gallows corner Romford) this morning spoke to a div on the service desk and told him that i had spoken to Toyota UK customer service and they told me that there was a problem with water getting into the headlights on Avensis's and that they told me to visit my local dealer and they would replace it free of charge, the div refered me to the aftercare manager who had a 5 second look at the headlight and said "ok sir when would you like it done" how about Tuesday I said "no problem can you be here for 9:30 we'll do it while you wait, they'll be no charge" off I trotted whistling dixy out of my Backside.

What a result thanks to you guys and this forum, I searched headlights to see if anyone kney where to get a cheap one

[Chris Be]

Went to Toyota (Lookers in Gallows corner Romford) this morning spoke to a div on the service desk and told him that i had spoken to Toyota UK customer service and they told me that there was a problem with water getting into the headlights on Avensis's and that they told me to visit my local dealer and they would replace it free of charge, the div refered me to the aftercare manager who had a 5 second look at the headlight and said "ok sir when would you like it done" how about Tuesday I said "no problem can you be here for 9:30 we'll do it while you wait, they'll be no charge" off I trotted whistling dixy out of my Backside.

What a result thanks to you guys and this forum, I searched headlights to see if anyone kney where to get a cheap one

Result

[Chris Dance]

There you go done and dusted. Well done your dealer and Toyota. Proves if you go about these things in the correct way you usually get a result with Toyota.

Not with all manufacturers though!!!

[adventure boy]

Headlight done today no fuss no messing and best of all no charge, they even washed the car for me, Well done Toyota

[tczwoju]

Headlight done today no fuss no messing and best of all no charge, they even washed the car for me, Well done Toyota

Hi guys,

I did call today to Toyota about condensation in headlights and they told me that they will change whole units for free(my car does not have warranty any more).They told me also that this problem is well known for toyota.

I did ask them also about bulb replacement(very poor light) and they could not recommend any.

I have a appointment for 6 of october.I will let you now after it.

Any advice what bulbs will give me more lights (my car:Avensis 2003,T4,2.00 litre VVTi)

Cheers

Woj