2003 Toyota Prius steering problems

The 2003 Toyota Prius has 41 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 33% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Steering complaints

33%

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

“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

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2003 Toyota Prius have?

NHTSA has 41 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Prius steering — 33% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 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.