VehicleVerdict

2002 Toyota Prius problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Toyota Prius sits mid-pack among Prius years: 201 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 209, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 40% of all reports (81 of 201), far ahead of electrical system at 23.

201

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

13

Injuries

5

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Prius years?

Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted3,482 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 215 complaints2002: 201 complaints2003: 123 complaints2004: 737 complaints2005: 1,298 complaints2006: 1,690 complaints2007: 2,451 complaints2008: 1,894 complaints2009: 644 complaints2010: 3,482 complaints2011: 662 complaints2012: 537 complaints2013: 533 complaints2014: 273 complaints2015: 210 complaints2016: 215 complaints2017: 127 complaints2018: 45 complaints2019: 51 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 28 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 28 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Toyota Prius problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering8140%
Electrical System2311%
Brakes2211%
Tires & Wheels189%
Speed Control126%
Engine115%
Transmission94%
Suspension84%
Fuel System52%
Other31%
Lighting31%
Airbags31%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seat Belts10%
Body & Structure10%

Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V304000SteeringJune 1, 2011 · 52,377 units

Defect

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2003 PRIUS PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 28, 2000, THROUGH MAY 30, 2003. THE STEERING LINKAGE MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN REDUCED ELECTRIC STEERING ASSISTANCE WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN.

Consequence

LOSS OF POWER STEERING, PARTICULARLY WHEN AN OPERATOR IS ACTIVELY INTENDING TO STEER THE VEHICLE, MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NUTS IN THE STEERING LINKAGE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

06V266000EngineJuly 19, 2006 · 34,771 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR.

Consequence

ENGINE OIL INSIDE THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE EXPANSION DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE AND COULD DEFORM THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE CONNECTOR MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON DEC 18, 2015, DRIVING AT ABOUT 20 MPH ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET WHICH CURVED LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2002 PRIUS BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND STRUCK A LARGE LANDSCAPING ROCK. THE CAR HAD $2233 IN DAMAGES TO THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER, FENDER, WHEEL AND TIE ROD. THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 18, 2015 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE TRUNK WHERE THE BATTERY WAS LOCATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 20, 2005 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA PRIUS. SHE STATED WHILE PULLING OUT FROM A DRIVEWAY AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE ENTIRE FRONT STRUCTURE AND WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 4, 2010 · crash

“TIRE THREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 60-70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING VEHICLE TO WEAVE NEARLY OUT OF CONTROL. A COLLISION WAS AVOIDED BY THE DRIVER. DAMAGE TO THE FENDER, BUMPER AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. TIRE BRAND WAS BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA 175/65R14 DOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 14, 2009

“2002 PRIUS SUDDENLY SPEEDED UP JUST BEFORE I GOT TO WAIST HIGH BACK DECK OF OUR HOUSE. I HIT THE CLIP ON SUNVISOR. HAD 25 STITCHES IN SCALP. HAVE NOT SEEN THIS MODEL IN RECALL. CAR WAS TOTALED. DID NOT HAVE ON SEATBELT AS I WAS ONLY GETTING THE PAPER AT THE END OF LONG DRIVEWAY EARLY IN THE AM.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 29, 2009 · crash

2002 Toyota Prius — common questions

Is the 2002 Toyota Prius reliable?

It is close to typical for the Prius: 201 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 Prius problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (81 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints), brakes (22 complaints).

Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Toyota Prius under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Prius years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius years to avoid are 2010, 2007, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2011, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Prius years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.