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Horn Replacement

What is a horn?

The horn is the most popular device for inter-vehicle communication. They can be used to signal danger, get attention, or a common favorite, voice frustration in traffic.

How does the horn work?

Most passenger vehicle horns are electrically powered, and mounted near the inside of the front bumper. When the horn button is pressed, electricity is allowed to flow through the horn circuit, through the fuse and relay, and into the horn. Once there the electricity is converted to sound waves, and the horn sounds.

What are the symptoms related to a bad horn?

Failure of the horn will simply result in loss of horn functionality, or a weak horn sound being emitted.

Can I drive with a horn problem?

A failed or ailing horn should not affect any other components. However, horns are legally required safety features, and may cause the vehicle to fail a safety inspection if inoperable.

How often do horns need to be replaced?

Horns rarely fail on newer vehicles, as they have no moving parts. A frontal collision, or salt and water intrusion from inclement weather are more likely to cause the horn to fail than age.

Toyota Horn Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Horn Replacement is between $315 and $417 but can vary from car to car.

Toyota Prius Horn Replacement Cost by Year

The average cost for a Toyota Prius Horn Replacement is between $315 and $417 but can vary from car to car.

Disclaimer

Materials Included Under License from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. License Agreement TMS1008. All information contained in any materials obtained about Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication, is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and is intended for service providers and other interested parties in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifications and procedures are subject to change without notice. This information is provided expressly for the purpose of use by professional automobile technicians who have special techniques and certifications. Repair or service by non-specialized or uncertified technicians using only this information, or without proper equipment or tools, may cause severe injury to the individual or other individuals and could possibly cause damage to the vehicle. Certain procedures or content elements may make reference to Toyota Warranty policy or practice – these policies or practices are only applicable to Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealers.

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Horn Replacement

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What is a horn?

The horn is the most popular device for inter-vehicle communication. They can be used to signal danger, get attention, or a common favorite, voice frustration in traffic.

How does the horn work?

What are the symptoms related to a bad horn?

Failure of the horn will simply result in loss of horn functionality, or a weak horn sound being emitted.

Can I drive with a horn problem?

A failed or ailing horn should not affect any other components. However, horns are legally required safety features, and may cause the vehicle to fail a safety inspection if inoperable.

How often do horns need to be replaced?

Horns rarely fail on newer vehicles, as they have no moving parts. A frontal collision, or salt and water intrusion from inclement weather are more likely to cause the horn to fail than age.

Estimates last updated June 18, 2026

2023 Toyota Prius Horn Replacement Cost

The average cost for a 2023 Toyota Prius Horn Replacement is between $315 and $417.

Labor costs are estimated between $220 and $322 while parts are typically priced around $95.
This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below.

How are horn issues diagnosed?

When the horn stops working, most technicians will immediately grab their test light, or voltmeter, and see where voltage is not present in the circuit. The technician should check the fuse, identify that the horn switch in the steering wheel is sending power through the circuit, and ensure the horn is receiving power. If the technician gets to the horn, and finds proper voltage at the horn when the horn switch is pressed, the horn will be inspected. If the horn is receiving power, and the connection is not corroded or dirty, then the horn will be replaced. If needed, the connection can be cleaned, and retested.

How is a horn replaced?

In most cases replacing a horn will involve unbolting the horn, and disconnecting an electrical connector. However, there are many situations where the horn is installed in an obstructed location, and body panels may need to be removed to gain access.

Many vehicles have 2 horns, each a different musical note. When replacing a horn use the same note type so the horn will sound the same as it did prior to the failure.