An owner of a 2022 Toyota Corolla went viral on TikTok after sharing the difficulty and high cost of replacing a burnt-out headlight on his car.
Unlike older models, where simply changing the bulb was enough, the latest Corolla has a headlight with a sealed unit, forcing the owner to replace the entire optical assembly. This requires removing the vehicle’s bumper, turning a simple repair into a lengthy and expensive process.
While trying to fix the problem, Derek discovered that the bulb is not sold separately and that the new assembly costs between US$1,000 and US$1,100. Even finding a cheaper version online for about US$120, he would have to wait several days for delivery and spend an entire afternoon installing it. He complained that there is enough space in the engine compartment to allow a simple bulb change, making this design choice even more frustrating.
The case generated significant attention on social media, with criticism of planned obsolescence and the waste caused by this type of construction. Users pointed out that headlights should last longer and suggested makeshift solutions to avoid high costs. Many agreed that these practices discourage buying new cars, which are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain on one’s own.
Source: Motor1.com | Photo: TikTok @wrenchin_derek | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
@wrenchin_derekNew car problems. Have to buy an entire headlight assembly just to replace a $20 bulb. 😡♬ original sound – wrenchin_derek
