VehicleVerdict

2003 Toyota Prius problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Toyota Prius sits mid-pack among Prius years: 123 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 208, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (33% of the total).

123

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Prius years?

Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Toyota Prius problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4133%
Brakes1613%
Electrical System1613%
Engine119%
Tires & Wheels119%
Other76%
Transmission65%
Speed Control54%
Fuel System43%
Suspension22%
Seat Belts11%
Lighting11%
Airbags11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2003 Toyota Prius have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING EAST AT 50 MPH ON CALIFORNIA HWY 68 AT 0800. IT WAS RAINING BUT THERE WAS NO STANDING WATER. I WAS DRIVING A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. AS I CROSSED THE INTERSECTION WITH SAN BENANCIO ROAD THE CAR SLOWLY SWERVED TO THE LEFT ACROSS THE ROAD, ENTERING THE OPPOSITE SHOULDER SLIDING BROADSIDE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 10, 2007 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING AFTER THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER A PATCH OF ICE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 15, 2010

“A NUMBER OF TIMES WHEN I BRAKE ON UNEVEN ROADS, THE BRAKES ON MY 2003 PRIUS FEEL AS IF THEY AREN'T WORKING. THEY HAVE ALWAYS CAUGHT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, SO THAT I HAVEN'T THOUGHT OF REPORTING THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE RECENT REPORTS ON THE NEWEST PRIUS MODEL. INCIDENT DATE IS THE MOST RECENT, EVEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 2, 2010

“2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS PROCEEDING WEST ON I-40 NEAR KNOXVILLE, TN WHEN THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE LEFT REAR TIRE AND WRAPPED ITSELF AROUND THE AXLE CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL. THE CAR VEERED TO THE LEFT THEN TO THE RIGHT, HIT A GUARDRAIL AND THEN HIT A SEMI HEAD-ON. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 26, 2008 · crash

“2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH ENGINE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRIANGLE AND ENGINE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL IN THE AIR INTAKE AND ON THE SENSORS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED TWICE WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, WHICH LEFT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 23, 2006

2003 Toyota Prius — common questions

Is the 2003 Toyota Prius reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 123 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Prius year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2003 Prius problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (41 complaints), brakes (16 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints).

Does the 2003 Toyota Prius have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 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.