"I can't believe it will cost over $1000 to replace a burned-out headlight bulb in my 2022 Toyota Corolla. "So, this is why I dislike new cars."
Derek (@wrenchin_derek) was shocked when he made his TikTok video about a simple headlight bulb replacement. It shouldn't be that hard for a DIY handyman, but his burned-out headlight turned out to be a nightmare. Here is what all Toyota Corolla owners need to know.
Derek says, "I have to buy an entire headlight assembly just to replace a $20 headlight bulb on my 2022 Toyota Corolla. The assembly alone is $1,100. "So, this is why I dislike new cars."
"Last night, I passed my parents, and they called me and told me I have a headlight out in my car. You should replace it before you get pulled over."
Ok, That's No Big Deal
"The next morning, I came out to replace my burned-out headlight in my 2022 Toyota Corolla, and I found out that it's not that simple; it's a sealed unit. I can't just replace the burned-out bulb; I have to replace the whole headlight assembly to fix it."
"After looking at it, I found out the bumper has to come off."
"So, then, I called the parts store because I want to get it fixed before I have to leave for work. I don't want to get pulled over and receive a ticket for having a defective headlight. Besides that, it's not safe driving on these rural roads at night with a headlight out."
"I asked if they had a bulb for my Corolla. They say, 'You can't buy a bulb for that. You have to buy the whole headlight assembly.' So, I said, ok, how much is that? They say, 'You don't want to know.'
"Is it that bad, I asked." 'Oh, it's bad,' he tells me."
'You are looking at anywhere between $1,000 and $1,100 for the driver's side headlight assembly.' "I said, no, for one, I'm not doing that. And hung up."
"Next, I went online and found the cheapest one on Amazon for $120 for my 2022 Toyota Corolla XSE. So, now I have to wait for them to ship it to me, and it won't be here for a few days, and I will be driving without a headlight."
"And then, after it arrives, I will have to spend an afternoon removing the bumper to replace my headlight. It's all because I can't just replace a bulb; I have to replace the whole headlight assembly."
Derek turns to his Chevrolet Silverado pickup.
"I can buy two of the best headlight bulbs for my 2000 Chevy Silverado shop truck for $60 and change it out in 20 minutes."
He turns back to his Toyota Corolla, "Not on this piece of (expletive)."
How Much Would It Cost Derek to Buy a Headlight If He Went To the Toyota Dealer?
The cost of replacing a headlight assembly on a 2022 Toyota Corolla at the dealership can vary but generally ranges from around $600 to over $1,000 for the part itself.
The Toyota Parts Center states that the right-hand headlamp assembly for a 2022 Toyota Corolla XSE, which includes the entire headlight unit and not just the bulb, costs $1,145.38 for the part.
Some sources list the price of a specific 2022 Toyota Corolla headlight assembly (part number 81110-02Q70) at a discounted rate of $594.26, down from the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $874.75.
Other listings show the MSRP of 2022 Toyota Corolla headlight assemblies, such as part number 81110-02S50 (passenger side), at $1,145.38, with a discounted price of $778.11.
One source mentions a 2020 Toyota Corolla headlight module costing $900.
How Much Would It Cost For the Toyota Dealer To Replace the Headlight?
Keep in mind that these are just the cost of the parts. The total price will also include labor charges for the replacement. Labor costs for replacing a headlight assembly at a Toyota dealer can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, but typically range from $100 to $400 or more.
Therefore, the total cost, including parts and labor, could be as high as $1,500 without any discounts.
It is important to note:
The prices may vary depending on the specific location and the individual Toyota dealership.
Some models of the 2022 Corolla may feature different headlight assemblies (e.g., those with or without adaptive lamps), which can impact the price.
It's always recommended to contact your local Toyota dealership directly for the most accurate and up-to-date quote for your specific vehicle.
How Much Does the Headlight Assembly Cost on Amazon?
I don't know what part Derek found for $120, but the cheapest I could find on Amazon was $508.76 for the 2022 Corolla XSE driver's side headlight assembly.
Conclusion:
So, Derek is correct; to replace a burned-out headlight bulb on a 2022 Toyota Corolla XSE is expensive. If you order the part yourself, it will cost at least $500. Then, you will need to partially remove the front bumper to access the headlight assembly.
You will have at least two hours of your time invested. To have a Toyota dealer install the headlight assembly, the cost will range from $800 to $1,500, depending on your location and the best deal you can find.
Derek concludes, "Now, I have to wait a few days for the headlight to get here, and it will take me a few hours to replace it. And they wonder why people don't want to buy a new car. It's because they make them so unserviceable and so pricey. Why wouldn't you want to?"
How About You?
Have you had to replace a headlight on a Toyota Corolla? What was your experience, and how much did it cost? If so, we want to hear from you. Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your story with us.
Check out my 2024 Toyota Corolla story: I Just Received 3 Recalls For My 2024 Toyota Corolla, I Have 2 Questions, Is Toyota Doing Ok, and Is My Corolla Even Going To Make It To Repair?
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Derek
