Toyota Prius Steering Problems
Owners have filed 379 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Toyota Prius across 19 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (80). The words owners use most often: “steering rack” (7% of reports).
- 379steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 38mention a crash
- 15mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $3,100typical repair cost reported by owners
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering rack: mentioned in 27 of 379 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Toyota Prius at $3,100, and half of them between $1,450 and $4,450.
Based on 35 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2003–2021), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 310 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 379 complaints, 38 mention a crash, 15 an injury.
Toyota Prius steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Prius | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2017 Prius | 7 | 8% | 22,007 |
| 2016 Prius | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2015 Prius | 3 | 2% | 852 |
| 2014 Prius | 8 | 4% | 14,000 |
| 2013 Prius | 8 | 2% | 24,250 |
| 2012 Prius | 13 | 3% | 40,000 |
| 2011 Prius | 7 | 1% | 117,000 |
| 2010 Prius | 30 | 1% | 26,117 |
| 2009 Prius | 13 | 3% | 68,440 |
| 2008 Prius | 18 | 1% | 53,475 |
| 2007 Prius | 33 | 2% | 51,490 |
| 2006 Prius | 22 | 2% | 81,689 |
| 2005 Prius | 39 | 4% | 87,500 |
| 2004 Prius | 10 | 2% | 127,633 |
| 2003 Prius | 39 | 39% | 84,500 |
| 2002 Prius | 80 | 48% | 90,200 |
| 2001 Prius | 45 | 27% | 67,520 |
| 2000 Prius | 1 | 25% | 57,800 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Steering; steering:gear box:shaft sector
Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Risk: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003
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.
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006
Problem: The intermediate shaft and sliding yoke in the electric power steering system can crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate or the sleeve may fracture.
Risk: This could result in a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
Fix: Toyota will replace the steering intermediate shaft and inspect the sliding yoke and replace it if necessary. The recall began on june 9, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Model years: 2001
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.
Fix: Dealers will repair the electric steering gear box.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Have multiple warning lamps that light up on and off and the brakes in my car get spongy making the braking unsafe. The lights that turn on are the steering/ traction , brake, and abs light. There are multiple complaints online on YouTube from similar issues ongoing and no recall made. My mechanic…
My car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road with message "Hybrid system stopped steering power low". Safety concern to this happen on the middle of road during rain or cold.
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel erroneously steered to the left direction on its own. The contact used force to maneuver the vehicle however the steering wheel independently veered again to the left, right, left…
- Steering column components are loose. They make the steering unpredictable. The vehicle moves dangerously from side to side when driving over 65 mph. "U-joint" inside the cabin is the component with play. - Previous recall "12V537000" could be related. My vehicle was not called during that…
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that after several days of torrential rainfall, the contact noticed there was water in the tire and 12-volt battery compartment. After having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic, while the contact was driving, the vehicle lost…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota Priuss have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 379 owner complaints about steering for the Toyota Prius. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Toyota Prius steering?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Toyota Prius?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,100 (half paid between $1,450 and $4,450), from 35 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Toyota Prius?
The most frequent phrase is “steering rack”, in 27 of 379 complaints.
Other Toyota Prius problems
- Exterior Lighting problems (3,505)
- Service Brakes problems (2,039)
- Electrical System problems (1,595)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (1,594)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,050)
- Service Brakes, Electric problems (817)
- Engine problems (479)
- Structure problems (428)
See all Toyota Prius problems.