2002 Toyota Prius Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 48%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,200miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Toyota Prius, 48% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving along the interstate I-75 returning from east ridge, tn, and the power steering light and warning lit-up on the screen panel. The steering wheel became very rigid while I was driving, and I had to clasp the steering wheel firmly to control the steering of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10559537, filed 2014-01, 143,769 miles“I have Toyota Prius 2002 I was driving yesterday the steering had been making like a rubber-squeak noise when turned to the right at low speeds.I was driving, and the wheel started to sort of pulse in my hands like it was gaining/losing power assist.about 10 minutes later, failed. Big ps button on display, with the red triangle by the odometer. This morning I was driving the car when almost hate someone because a lost the control of the car and the steering was shaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10909742, filed 2016-09, 5 miles“On cold days, when driving for the first time, the steering wheel will start shuddering back and forth violently and rapidly if I try to turn the vehicle. This occurs regardless of the road condition at speeds of less than 10 MPH. The shuddering stops only when I straighten out the wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10438105, filed 2011-12, 20,000 miles“I was turning left into a parking spot when the steering sounded and acted odd. The ps light came on. I brought it to a Toyota dealer and had to replace the power steering gear mechanism at a cost of over $2600.00. I was told the recall on this was v.I.n. Specific and did not apply to mine. My concern is if this is the same issue that is addressed in the recall, and my car had the issue, why is it not taken care of by the company.”
NHTSA complaint #10443150, filed 2012-01, 56,000 miles“I was exiting off (turning) the highway in exit 10 .270 md, when the steering wheel became really hard and a warning ps signal appeared, I had to pull over and after switching off the engine and back on. I continued driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10542178, filed 2013-09, 90,200 milesRelated recalls
- 11V304000Jun 1, 2011Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2003 prius passenger cars manufactured from january 28, 2000, through may 30, 2003. The steering linkage…Covers: Toyota Prius 2001–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10150008Sep 11, 2018Dealer Package: September 11, 2018 A watermark has been added to the Dealer Letter to indicate that ZTP expired on September 10, 2018. Toyota has received reports of customer…
- 10041274Jun 29, 2011Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Unusual steering vibration when the driver releases the steering wheel. 2001-2003 prius.
- 10041273Jun 23, 2011Toyota: unusual steering wheel vibration when the driver releases the steering wheel. Warranty extension.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 7 | 8% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2014 | 8 | 4% |
| 2013 | 8 | 2% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 30 | 1% |
| 2009 | 13 | 3% |
| 2008 | 18 | 1% |
| 2007 | 34 | 2% |
| 2006 | 22 | 2% |
| 2005 | 39 | 4% |
| 2004 | 10 | 2% |
| 2003 | 39 | 39% |
| 2002 | 80 | 48% |
| 2001 | 45 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Prius
20 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsTires
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology