2002 Toyota Prius Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 7%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,240miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2002 Toyota Prius, 7% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,240 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10306160, filed 2010-02, 49,000 miles“My 2002 Prius has braking problems when it hits a rough patch of pavement or encounters small bumps. This has happened since it was purchased (new). If you are slowing down and hit a bump or a series of bumps, the braking power literally disappears for a moment or two. The braking power does return, but it adds considerably to your stopping distance. I never realized how serious it could be until I heard about the other Toyota recalls involving brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10307865, filed 2010-02, 15,000 miles“2002 new Toyota Prius delivered with bridgestone potenza tires. These tires have failed after 12,000 miles. Then changed tires (all 4) which failed at 10,000 miles. Toyota corporate says its not their concern. Dealer told me they are not safe tires. I have replaced tires every 10,000 miles. Toyota corporate recommends these tires and takes no responsibility for them.”
NHTSA complaint #10072650, filed 2004-05, 14,000 miles“I drive a used 2002 Toyota Prius, which now has about 86,000 miles on it. In november 2009 I was parking when the car spontaneously accelerated. My speed was less than 2mph, my foot was continuously on the brake while easing into the parking space, prior to the uncontrollable acceleration. Suddenly without warning I heard the engine race and the car bolted forward, unresponsive to my braking. I only stopped when my car collided head on with a parked car, which was moved about two feet by our collision. …”
NHTSA complaint #10307057, filed 2010-02, 86,000 miles“I believe Toyota has known of the braking problem all along. I purchased new, a 2002 Prius. In 2008 my anti-locking brake system went out. The service mgr. Told me it needed a new relay, and he could fix it for $1700. I have never in my life seen a relay costing $1700. My brakes still worked, just not properly so I didn't spend the $1700. As long as Toyota can get their customers to spend $1700. There is no need to have a recall. I have around 47000 miles on the vehicle and am on my third set of rotors and brake pads. My tires actually last longer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10307794, filed 2010-02, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10045140Jun 13, 2012Toyota: accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and installation, if lubrication or oil, is applied.
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 2 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2019 | 4 | 13% |
| 2018 | 4 | 11% |
| 2017 | 13 | 14% |
| 2016 | 14 | 9% |
| 2015 | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 | 14 | 7% |
| 2013 | 22 | 5% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 28 | 5% |
| 2010 | 287 | 10% |
| 2009 | 71 | 14% |
| 2008 | 156 | 10% |
| 2007 | 124 | 6% |
| 2006 | 84 | 6% |
| 2005 | 109 | 10% |
| 2004 | 52 | 9% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 12 | 7% |
| 2001 | 25 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Prius
80 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsTires
18 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 31, 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