The 2004 Toyota Prius has 185 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 25% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
185
Lighting complaints
25%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH AN IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. A SILICON OXIDE BUILD-UP OCCURS ON THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, WHICH CAN MAKE IT INOPERABLE.
Consequence
IF THE SWITCH IS INOPERABLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE AND CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING DECEMBER 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
“I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A NARROW COUNTRY ROAD, LINED WITH TREES, AT 55 MPH. SUDDENLY , BOTH HEAD LAMPS SHUT OFF. IT IS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T WRECK, I COULD NOT SEE A THING, AND BRAKED BLINDLY. AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP I TURNED THE LIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. BEFORE I…”
NHTSA has 185 complaints about the 2004 Toyota Prius lighting — 25% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the lighting: 04V558000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.