Hiace Tail Light Not Working? Causes, Fixes and Replacement Options
Tail light or brake light out on your Hiace? Check the bulb, fuse and wiring first, learn when to replace the lens, and how to pick LED or standard.
Short answer: when a Toyota Hiace tail light stops working, the cause is usually a blown bulb, a fuse, a corroded socket or water inside a cracked lens. Check those in that order. Replace the whole tail light only if the lens is cracked, the housing is wet inside or the socket is damaged. Buy the generation and side (LH or RH) that matches your van.
Why has my Hiace tail light stopped working?
Work from the cheapest cause to the most expensive:
- Blown bulb. The most common cause. Check the filament, and replace the bulb with the same type.
- Fuse. If both tail lights or both brake lights are out, check the fuse first. One failed light is rarely a fuse.
- Corroded or loose bulb socket. Green or white deposits, or a melted socket, stop the light working even with a good bulb.
- Water in the lens. A cracked lens or perished seal lets moisture in, which corrodes the contacts and causes flickering.
- Wiring or earth fault. If a new bulb and clean socket still do nothing, have the wiring checked.
Tail light, brake light or number plate light: which one is it?
They are separate lights, so be sure which is out:
| Light | What it does | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Tail light | Shows your position at night | Rear cluster |
| Brake light | Lights when you press the brake | Rear cluster, and a high-mount lamp if fitted |
| Number plate light | Lights the plate | Above the plate |
Ask someone to stand behind the van while you press the brake. That tells you in seconds which lights are out. Number plate lights are sold separately; see Toyota Hiace number plate lights and Toyota Hiace brake lights.
Will a tail light fail a WoF?
A tail light or brake light that does not work, or a lens that is cracked or letting in water, can fail a warrant of fitness. The inspector decides on the day. Fix lights before you book, and see our guide to what fails a WoF on lights. Our WoF failure parts page lists common fixes.
LED or standard Hiace tail lights?
We stock both standard and LED Toyota Hiace tail lights.
- Standard tail lights match the original look and are the straightforward like-for-like replacement.
- LED tail lights use LED light sources and give a different appearance. They are a styling upgrade as much as a repair.
Whichever you choose, check that the listing shows your generation, year range and side. Do not mix an LED unit on one side with a standard unit on the other if you want matching lights.
How do I know which tail light fits my Hiace?
- Generation. Tail lights are specific to the H100, H200 or H300. If unsure, read Which Toyota Hiace do you have?.
- Side. In NZ, LH is the passenger side (left as you sit in the driver's seat) and RH is the driver's side.
- Year range. Rear styling can change at a facelift, so check the years on the listing.
Not sure? Send your plate or VIN through a parts inquiry and we will confirm fitment before you buy. If we confirm a part in writing and it does not fit, our Fitment Guarantee covers the correct part or a refund, plus approved return freight.
Where to buy Hiace tail lights in NZ
Shop Toyota Hiace tail lights, or browse tail lights for every vehicle. New aftermarket parts carry a 3-month warranty and used parts 30 days, with details in the warranty policy. We also hold used genuine parts that are not all listed online yet. Collect from Glendene, Auckland (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm) or get delivery anywhere in NZ. If you are replacing headlights at the same time, see Toyota Hiace headlights.
Can't see your tail light listed?
We hold more used genuine parts than we have listed online so far, and we also source parts we don't hold. If your generation, side or style (standard or LED) isn't showing, ask us before you look elsewhere. Send a parts inquiry with your plate or VIN, email support@carpartsmarket.co.nz, or call 09 243 1350 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm). You can also contact us any other way you prefer.
FAQs
How do I check a tail light bulb on a Hiace?
Open the rear access panel or remove the lens fixings, twist out the bulb holder, and inspect the bulb and the socket. Replace the bulb with the same type if the filament is broken. Access differs between generations.
Why is only one tail light out?
Usually a blown bulb or a corroded socket on that side. A fuse normally affects both sides.
Can I drive with a broken brake light?
It is risky, because drivers behind you cannot see you slow down, and it can fail a WoF. Fix it as soon as you can.
Why do my tail lights keep fogging up?
Moisture is getting in through a cracked lens or a worn seal. Replace the unit if the lens is damaged.
Do you ship Hiace tail lights to Australia?
Yes. We deliver anywhere in New Zealand and also ship to Australia.
Related guides: Broken Hiace wing mirror: what to do and what to buy, Hiace window won't go up or down: regulator, motor or switch, Why a Hiace overheats: radiator fan and cooling checks.