NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Prius; the most frequently affected component is steering — electric power assist system. Owners filed 174 complaints, most often about steering. Among the 26 model years of this model in the database, 2001 ranks #13 for number of recalls.
Steering — Electric power assist systemCampaign 11V304000 · 01 Jun 2011
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.
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.
Engine and engine coolingCampaign 06V266000 · 19 Jul 2006
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.
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.
Steering — Gear box (other than rack and pinion)Campaign 00V285000 · 21 Sep 2000
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Insufficient electrical contact can occur in the torque sensor that controls the power assist operation of the electric power steering gear box. The torque sensor could send improper electrical signals.
Risk: If this occurs, the power steering warning icon will be displayed on the center panel, and the driver could experience higher than normal steering effort depending upon vehicle speed.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the electric steering gear box.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Steering19 · 48%
Service brakes9 · 22%
Vehicle speed control7 · 18%
Electrical system5 · 12%
Hydraulic3 · 8%
Engine2 · 5%
Suspension2 · 5%
Fuel/propulsion system2 · 5%
When complaints were filed
201018
20116
20121
20132
20143
20153
20161
20172
20181
20193
From owner complaints
If the prius engine does not start immediately when the computer tells it to, the computer stops trying to start it and leaves you with only the battery power...very dangerous when this happens in fast traffic or on an on-ramp. It can be restarted if one pulls off the road and shuts off the car and restarts it. After…
I was getting off the freeway and driving 40 mph on the off ramp, when the 2001 toyota prius did a unwanted left turn of the steering wheel, i tried to turn the steering wheel back to correct the car angle, but he steering force was too strong for me to correct back to straight ahead, the left front car the concrete…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota prius. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, an unknown warning light illuminated and the steering wheel immediately became stiff and hard to control. The failure would occur intermittently and when doing so, the steering wheel would also shake abnormally. The contact would shut…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota prius. The contact stated that the steering wheel became stiff while making a left turn and the power steering light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 11v304000…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.