2002 Toyota Prius recalls and problems

The 2002 Toyota Prius has 2 safety recalls and 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
167
Crashes / fires
12 / 4
Injuries / deaths
11 / 5

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Toyota Prius vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Toyota Prius recalls

Recall 11V-304: Steering

Reported Jun 1, 2011 · 52,377 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Risk: Loss of power steering, particularly when an operator is actively intending to steer the vehicle, may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-266: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jul 19, 2006 · 34,771 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Engine oil inside the sensor wiring connector could cause expansion due to the heat of the engine and could deform the sensor wiring connector. The connector may become disconnected, which could cause the engine to stall while driving and not be able to be restarted increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2002 Toyota Prius problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering81
Electrical System20
Tires18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15
Vehicle Speed Control12
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Power Train9
Suspension8
Service Brakes4
Unknown or Other3
Exterior Lighting3
Air Bags3

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 8
  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 8
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 3
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 3
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,400 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Toyota Prius complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Jul 2, 2023
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
Service Brakes · at 65,395 miles · reported Sep 22, 2020
Driving speed less than 25mph on familiar surface street with need to stop for a car about 75 feet (Estimate) in front; should have been an easy stop; applied brakes but car accelerated (I think only electric motor); further brake pressure did not stop the car, continued to accelerate (Estimate 30 MPH); fender bender crash of driver side front fender into passenger rear fender and side bumper. Very familiar with car (19 years driving it) and very familiar street near my home; confusion was not a factor; no airbags on either car activated; I was able to stop when I was beyond the struck…
Steering · at 145,139 miles · reported Sep 22, 2020
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.
Steering · at 251,929 miles · reported Feb 2, 2020
I was driving on the highway and felt a jerking at my steering wheel a few months back, I thought ok maybe the steering wheel loose or something, I was going around 65 MPH. Fast forward to two weeks ago and the steering wheel completely locks up on me driving to a dr appointment I had to go to. I was going around 30 MPH in traffic the steering locked up and the triangle illuminated on my navigation screen and the dreaded trouble sign appeared. Once this appeared on my screen the steering wheel felt like it had no power steering. At first I thought, I need to check the power steering fluid, I…
Exterior Lighting · at 104,000 miles · reported Jan 25, 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.

Other Toyota Prius years

Compare all Toyota Prius years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Prius: 11V-304 (steering), 06V-266 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Toyota Prius?

Owners report steering problems most often (81 reports), followed by electrical system (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,400 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.