Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Toyota Prius?

Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (80 complaints), followed by electrical system (18).

How many 2002 Toyota Prius complaints mention a crash or fire?

12 of 167 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Toyota Prius recalls and problems

2 recalls and 167 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Prius.

recalls

167

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2002 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.

Most reported problems

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

Steering80
Electrical system18
Tires18
Service brakes, hydraulic14
Vehicle speed control12
Engine and engine cooling11
Power train9
Suspension8
Service brakes4
Air bags3

What owners report

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

Jul 2, 2023 · Steering
I was driving on the 91 freeway west exit ramp to merge into the 57 freeway in Orange County ca. when suddenly I lost all power steering on the car . We managed to get out the freeway on the first exit

Feb 17, 2022 · Service brakes
Anti-lock brake failure. Failing to pressurize.

Sep 22, 2020 · Service brakes · 65,395 miles · crash reported
DRIVING SPEED LESS THAN 25MPH ON FAMILIAR SURFACE STREET WITH NEED TO STOP FOR A CAR ABOUT 75 FEET (ESTIMATE) IN FRONT; SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN EASY STOP; APPLIED BRAKES BUT CAR ACCELERATED (I THINK ONLY ELECTRIC MOTOR); FURTHER BRAKE PRESSURE DID NOT STOP THE CAR, CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE (ESTIMATE 30 MPH); FENDER BENDER…

Sep 22, 2020 · Steering · 145,139 miles
DRIVING UP AND DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE, POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT. ONLY HAPPENED TWICE SO FAR BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. PROBABLY GOING ABOUT 15-20MPH UPHILL AND MAYBE 20-25MPH DOWNHILL. HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET.

Feb 2, 2020 · Steering · 251,929 miles
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND FELT A JERKING AT MY STEERING WHEEL A FEW MONTHS BACK, I THOUGHT OK MAYBE THE STEERING WHEEL LOOSE OR SOMETHING, I WAS GOING AROUND 65 MPH. FAST FORWARD TO TWO WEEKS AGO AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKS UP ON ME DRIVING TO A DR APPOINTMENT I HAD TO GO TO. I WAS GOING AROUND 30…

Prius model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	0	4	0	0
2001	3	165	13	3
2002	2	167	12	4
2003	1	99	5	0
2004	6	610	38	2
2005	6	1,051	102	4

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

Questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Toyota Prius?: Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (80 complaints), followed by electrical system (18).
How many 2002 Toyota Prius complaints mention a crash or fire?: 12 of 167 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 2, 2023.