A Toyota owner claims he was told a faulty LED tail light would require the entire assembly to be replaced for more than $300. He took it apart instead and claims the problem lay with a single replaceable bulb.
TikTok user @desertwrenchers, an Arizona-based mobile mechanic, walked viewers through repairing his own Toyota after saying he was told the LED bulb itself couldn’t be replaced.
Instead of replacing the entire unit, he removed the tail light to see what was inside. @desertwrenchers says there’s a trim next to each light that you can “pull straight out,” revealing “two 10-millimeter bolts.” He unscrewed both with a drill and moved the tail light away from the car.
Once disconnected, it showed a small circular piece held in place by a T20 safety bit. @desertwrenchers says he eventually found the identical replacement part from Toyota, despite initial difficulties obtaining the part number, and shared that number with viewers.
He replaced the new part, reconnected the assembly and tested the light.
“That’s how we should have a working taillight,” he says.
The light came back on.
“Toyota wanted $300 and up,” said @desertwrenchers. “It was just a light bulb. »
He advised other owners who are told they need a complete set of tail lights to first check their vehicle’s parts drawings, which can show the individual component and its part number.
As of this writing, @desertwrenchers’ video has over 480,300 views.
Why would Toyota recommend a complete replacement?
On newer Toyota models, many exterior lights come as integrated LED assemblies rather than traditional, individually replaceable bulbs. In the 2025 Tacoma owner’s manual, for example, Toyota directs owners to a dealer if the taillights or brake lights burn out.
The same pattern appears on other recent Toyotas. The 2024 RAV4 Hybrid’s manual also lists taillights and brake lights among the components a Toyota dealer should replace, while its owner-serviceable rear lighting is limited to certain turn signal and backup bulbs. A manual for the 2021 Highlander Hybrid also treats its taillights and brake lights as LED assemblies rather than regular owner-replaceable bulbs.
This is different from older Toyota models, where the company explicitly provided instructions for removing and replacing individual brake, tail and turn signal bulbs.
Toyota still sells individual replacement bulbs for certain rear lighting applications, including combination taillights, but fitment depends on the specific model and lighting configuration.
Additionally, Toyota’s parts catalog lists several genuine replacement tail light bulbs and asks owners to confirm that the part fits their vehicle.
This distinction is important for those who wish to follow in the footsteps of @desertwrenchers. Although his repair may work for the specific Toyota and component he showed, it does not mean that each Toyota LED tail light has a separately serviceable bulb.
Like any auto manufacturer, Toyota manuals vary by model and year, so owners should check their exact vehicle’s manual and parts diagram before attempting the same repair.
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Source: Toyota
Viewers question cost of Toyota repairs
Many viewers focused on the price Toyota reportedly wanted to charge for what @desertwrenchers described as a replaceable bulb.
“And how much did that bulb cost?” » asked one commenter.
“$290,” another viewer joked.
Others were more skeptical of the repair process.
“I bet some dealers replace the bulb and charge for the entire assembly,” one commenter wrote.
Another viewer said they had a similar problem with a newer Toyota.
“Same problem with a 2023 Toyota Corolla: the dealer wants me to pay $1,200 for the headlight,” they wrote.
One person said they searched for the part number shared by @desertwrenchers and found a much cheaper option online.
“I just put 81536-42230 in Amazon Prime search and through Amazon this part costs $28.75. I learned of this from a parts department when I needed a new LED tail light for my Chevrolet Silverado,” the commenter wrote. “Dealer wanted $799.00, was told to enter OEM number in Amazon search and got a complete plug and play tail light for $98.99. Just make sure the one you order says OEM replacement as many variations appear with different circuitry models.”
For one viewer, the video was enough to make him reconsider buying another Toyota.
“Well…I guess I won’t be buying newer Toyotas. Too bad. I wanted a RAV4 as my next car. Guess I’m going to Subaru,” they wrote.
But another person argued that the problem goes beyond Toyota.
“All new cars are like this,” the commenter wrote.
Engine1 contacted @desertwrenchers via TikTok direct message. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds.
Gn bussni
