CarRecallDB

2001 Toyota Prius recalls and problems

3 recalls and 165 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Toyota Prius.

3
recalls
165
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Toyota Prius recalls

Steering: electric power assist system

NHTSA campaign 11V304000 · reported June 1, 2011 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 52,377 vehicles potentially affected

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

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 06V266000 · reported July 19, 2006 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 34,771 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)

NHTSA campaign 00V285000 · reported September 21, 2000 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,772 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The fix
Dealers will repair the electric steering gear box.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 12, 2019 · Steering · 165,000 miles · crash reported

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…

Sep 10, 2019 · Steering

STEERING RECALL I CALLED TOYOTA THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO IT AND IT SAYS ONLINE IT'S GOOD FOR 10 YEARS AFTER RECALL DATE.

Jan 5, 2019 · Vehicle speed control · crash reported

THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGH SPEED ON IT'S OWN IN A PARKING LOT AND RAMMED ITSELF INTO THE WALL DEPLOYING AIRBAGS. MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING AND WAS SENT TO THE E.R. SHE WAS SLOWLY BACKING UP WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED FIRST IN REVERSE HITTING A WALL AND THEN SWITCHED IN DRIVE ON IT'S OWN WITH HIGH…

Sep 11, 2018 · Electrical system · 189,000 miles

MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING WHAT IS KNOWN ONLLINE AS "THE BIG HAND SYNDROM". WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHANGES RESISTANCE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE GRABS THE CAR AND IT DRAMATICALLY SLOWS. YOU THEN HAVE TO PRESS HARDER ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MAINTAIN SPEED. WELL ONE DAY, THE CAR STOPPED WORKING, NO MATTER…

Sep 18, 2017 · Service brakes · crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER AND BRAKING ABILITY WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER THE MEDIAN AAND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL…

Prius model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0400
2001 3165133
2002 2167124
2003 19950
2004 6610382

Across all years, the 2010 Prius has the most complaints (2,823). All Toyota Prius years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Prius, the most recent reported on June 1, 2011 (Steering: electric power assist system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota Prius?
Owners have filed 165 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (45 complaints), followed by electrical system (27).
How many 2001 Toyota Prius complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 165 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 12, 2019.