2002 Toyota Prius: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 167 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (46% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving on the 91 freeway west exit ramp to merge into the 57 freeway in Orange County ca. when suddenly I lost all power steering on the car . We managed to get out the freeway on the first exit”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2023
“Driving up and down a slight incline, power steering suddenly goes out. Only happened twice so far but I don't know what would prevent it from happening again. Probably going about 15-20mph uphill and maybe 20-25mph downhill. Happened on a city street.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2020
“The headlight lenses covers repeatedly clouds over to the point I can hardly see the roadway at night. Dealer have cleanse the lenses how has last for about a month. The dealer now says these need to be replace at a cost to me for $750. I believe this is manufacture's defect and it is a serious safety issue for a recall. The dealer should develop a fix and replace these lenses without charging the vehicle owner.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“My steering wheel starts shaking violently when driving under 32 degrees outside and locks up the ability to steer which can be deadly on the highway which I don't drive much luckily and toyota has no open recalls even though I'm not the only one with this. I've has to hurt my hands wrestling with it to pull over which is dangerous on some roads!!!! Very dangerous fault in a car this is the 1 part I rely on to save me! Can't believe toyota won't fix it!!! Also this happens a few times every week though out the entire winter! It happens when driving on winding road at 10-35 mph and sometimes happens when turning right or left! I need advice!”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2019
“While driving on the freeway in stop and go traffic the steering wheel started to oscillate back and forth it subsided however a few min later as freeway speeds were approached the wheel tried turning hard left then vibrated center to left. If I had been unaware this would have resulted in hitting the center divider at freeway speeds. A brief research online shows this is not the first known issue.. This was very similar to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv-ul1pxj1u very disturbing situation to be in - at first the ps warning indicator came on then said problem solved only to happen again (less pull the 2nd time but still noticeable.)”Owner report · Steering · May 2019
“When making a turn at slow speeds there is violent back and forth uncontrollable movement in the steering wheel. You have to bring the vehicle to a stop. The problem is your in the middle of a turn or intersection.very dangerous,there are no warnings when this occurs.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2019
“While driving lost of steering momentarily for several months but thought it was belt slippage. Today (9/28/ 2018) total lost of steering. Was able to get vehicle to side of road and shutoff ignition switch. Started vehicle again and had normal steering control again. After reviewing recalls noticed that toyota had two voluntary recalls on same problem but have now removed them. What can be done for this problem. (xxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2018
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius. While driving 55 mph, the steering wheel vibrated uncontrollably and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 00v285000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius. The contact stated that the steering wheel shook in very cold weather, but operated normally once the vehicle warmed up. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Prius by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Toyota Prius reliable?
NHTSA has 167 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Toyota Prius. The most complained-about area is steering (46% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Prius problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 72,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:electric power assist system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.