general problems of the 2004 Toyota Highlander

The lenses of the daytime running lamps/high beams have developed white, oval-shaped bubbling/melting marks of approximately 0. 5 to 0. 75 inches in diameter, in the center of the lenses, directly in front of the lamps. I first noticed this in December 2010 just prior to changing the original lamps (therefore the replacement lamps did not cause this problem). I reported this to Toyota, case number 1012071480. Toyota told me to take this up with the service department of a dealer. At the dealership, I was initially quoted a price of $988 to replace the assemblies. After discussion with the service manager and his follow-up with Toyota, the price was lowered to $396 to pay only for labor, parts to be provided at no charge. I opted to not have this done for this price. Possible safety issues: 1) damaged/melting lenses could impact the effectiveness of the high beams and/or the daytime running lamps; 2) heat that is hot enough to damage/melt the lenses could be a fire hazard; 3) damaged/melting lenses could be an indication of an electrical problem. I have digital photos taken in December 2010 showing the damaged/melting lenses that I have provided to Toyota and would be pleased to provide to NHTSA. I have also retained the original lamps, and the car still has the damaged/melted lenses.

A 2004 Toyota Highlander signal light (safety item) is malfunctioning and when I took it to Toyota dealer (darcars), I was told I have to change the navigation system (luxury item) which currently is working. I have no idea why they had to integrate these two functions when one is a safety and the other one is luxury items. Besides, it costs $6000 + labor + tax to change the navigation system. After intensive search on the internet I found out that Toyota knows about the problem except they only cover the problem under the 36,000mile/3 year warranty. If this was a mileage related problem, I can understand even if two none related functions are interlocked, but this has nothing to do with mileage and we cannot drive without a signal light but we can without a navigation system. This problem started a month ago and I have tried to get a response from Toyota and they are not giving me any response regarding this mater.

2004 Toyota Highlander headlamp material cover failure. Consumer states that the mechanic said he had never seen anything like that. Consumer stated the mechanic did not offer a corrective action. The consumer stated the lens material had melted and a fog spot was present. When the lamp was removed from the vehicle, a bulge was on the side of the lamp in the up position.