2003 Toyota Prius recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Prius; the most frequently affected component is steering — electric power assist system. Owners filed 111 complaints, most often about steering. Among the 26 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #20 for number of recalls.

Recalls1

Complaints111

Crashes reported3in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (1)

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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 39 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Steering22 · 56%

Service brakes6 · 15%

Electrical system5 · 13%

Power train3 · 8%

Engine and engine cooling2 · 5%

Unknown or other2 · 5%

Tires1 · 3%

Structure1 · 3%

When complaints were filed

20105

201111

20123

20134

20145

20152

20162

20172

20191

20203

20221

From owner complaints

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota prius hybrid. The contact stated that she had experienced several failures within the vehicle since purchasing three months ago. The transmission was replaced, the left front tire had a leak and the inverter was replaced because several lights on the instrumental panel remained…
Steering · Jul 2010 · NHTSA complaint record

Two years ago, my car began exhibiting steering issues. When turning, both in reverse and drive, the steering wheel would shudder violently. After a few seconds, the shuddering subsided and the car steered normally. The issue was especially bad when the car was cold and improved as the car warmed up. Over the past…
Steering · Jul 2012 · NHTSA complaint record

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…
Steering · Oct 2022 · NHTSA complaint record

Abs brake light came on then went off. I brought car to mechanic who checked brakes. There was no problem with the brakes. Then i heard a high pitched alarm sounding noise while the abs brake light warning was on, then both would turn off then on then off.....there is no rhyme or reason to what is causing this…
Service brakes · Oct 2013 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

201010

Full specifications All model years 2003 Toyota lineup

Source

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.

2002 Toyota Prius recalls and complaints Recalls
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