2002 Toyota Prius steering problems

The 2002 Toyota Prius has 81 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 40% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Steering complaints

40%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Prius steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2002 Toyota Prius have?

NHTSA has 81 complaints about the 2002 Toyota Prius steering — 40% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Toyota Prius steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 11V304000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.