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2003 Toyota Prius recalls and problems

The 2003 Toyota Prius has 1 safety recall and 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
99
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Toyota Prius vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 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.

2003 Toyota Prius problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering41
Electrical System14
Tires11
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Power Train6
Vehicle Speed Control5
Service Brakes5
Unknown or Other3
Service Brakes, Electric3
Fuel System, Other2
Suspension2

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 2
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 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 2003 Toyota Prius complaints

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

Steering · at 176,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate with an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. As the failure persisted, the message disappeared, and the contact was able to drive to her destination. Upon restart of the vehicle, the contact received a do not drive message on the instrument panel with the steering wheel vibrating. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective steering sensor. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 31, 2020
Occasionally, when braking, the car will begin to brake, then lurch forward a little, and then brake again properly. It's disconcerting at best and scary and dangerous at worst. I've had this brake problem for years but finally realized that it's a significant toyota flaw with the ABS, and that newer priuses and lexuses were recalled because of a similar problem. Toyota did not recall the 2001-03 priuses and refuse to accept that it's anything but the result of age (As per aug 2020). However, I've seen online that many owners have had this problem since they first bought the car! I bought it…
Service Brakes · at 151,000 miles · reported Jul 10, 2020
For no apparent reason when driving, the emergency brake will engage, without pressing the e brake pedal. Also, intermittent once car is parked and doors locked, alarm will just start going off for nonreason.
Steering · at 136 miles · reported Jan 26, 2020
It's mostly when I'm turning right the power steering warning light will come and there will be no power steering. I have see a lot of complaints with the same problem. Sometimes as I was driving in the city or just as I'm starting to drive
Steering · at 130,000 miles · reported May 29, 2019
We purchased a 2003 toyota prius in june of 2018. It has approximately 140,000 miles on it. When the weather started getting colder in october of 2018, the car exhibited the following problem: car steering wheel shakes violently for several seconds while exiting the driveway usually as we are turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was in motion when the shaking occurred and it was often after making a turn and/or straightening the steering wheel. In order to stop the shaking, the car has to be stopped. We have done some searches online and it appears that this problem is common for the 2003…

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Prius have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Prius: 11V-304 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Prius?

Owners report steering problems most often (41 reports), followed by electrical system (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 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.