Headlight Theft Becoming More Popular

April 3, 2006 — -- Owners of 2002 and 2003 Nissan Maximas beware -- those models are being targeted by headlight thieves.

It's a popular crime, considering Xenon headlights can go for several hundred dollars on the black market.

Nissan has successfully defended itself in lawsuits claiming the company made it too easy for thieves to pop out the pricey headlights in a matter of minutes. Even still, the company issued a free kit in 2003 to secure the lights.

Owners like Henry Washington, a three-time victim of headlight theft, are looking for recourse.

"Right after they put [the security kit] in, two weeks later, they hit it a third time," he said.

Owners of 2002 and 2003 Maximas say they're still paying a much higher price for their vehicles than they ever anticipated.

Julia Dostoleva, a 10-time victim, and Jeff Howard, whose car was hit twice over the summer, fear it will happen again.

"Four times the lights were actually stolen," said Dostoleva, who eventually received some money from Nissan for the damage. "For thieves who are interested in headlights like this, this is just free cash."

Lately, the repair shop where Howard brought his car has been regularly replacing headlights on the damaged vehicles.

"In the past couple of years I'd say at least 20 to 25 [replacements]," said shop owner Nancy Zolezzi.

Zolezzi said it cost about $800 for each headlight's replacement, which includes the body work to fix any damage the thieves might have caused.

Nissan said the headlight thefts were "a law enforcement issue, and is not a defect in the vehicle itself. As a result of our efforts and cooperation with law enforcement, the thefts were indeed reduced. [The issue] is for the most part behind us."

Mercedes, BMW and Lexus also use Xenon headlights. Mercedes said it was not aware of any widespread problem, and Lexus said it provided a free security device for owners of one of its SUV models. BMW declined to comment.

For victims like Dostoleva, all they can do is hope they won't be hit again.

"It's devastating," she said. "I would never want to go through that again."