CarRecallDB

2003 Toyota Prius recalls and problems

1 recall and 99 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota Prius.

1
recalls
99
owner complaints
5
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2003 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.

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.

Oct 26, 2022 · Steering · 176,000 miles

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…

Aug 31, 2020 · Service brakes

OCCASIONALLY, WHEN BRAKING, THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO BRAKE, THEN LURCH FORWARD A LITTLE, AND THEN BRAKE AGAIN PROPERLY. IT'S DISCONCERTING AT BEST AND SCARY AND DANGEROUS AT WORST. I'VE HAD THIS BRAKE PROBLEM FOR YEARS BUT FINALLY REALIZED THAT IT'S A SIGNIFICANT TOYOTA FLAW WITH THE ABS, AND THAT NEWER PRIUSES AND…

Jul 10, 2020 · Service brakes · 151,000 miles

FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHEN DRIVING, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL ENGAGE, WITHOUT PRESSING THE E BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, INTERMITTENT ONCE CAR IS PARKED AND DOORS LOCKED, ALARM WILL JUST START GOING OFF FOR NONREASON.

Jan 26, 2020 · Steering · 136 miles

IT'S MOSTLY WHEN I'M TURNING RIGHT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WILL COME AND THERE WILL BE NO POWER STEERING. I HAVE SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SOMETIMES AS I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY OR JUST AS I'M STARTING TO DRIVE

May 29, 2019 · Steering · 130,000 miles

WE PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS IN JUNE OF 2018. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN THE WEATHER STARTED GETTING COLDER IN OCTOBER OF 2018, THE CAR EXHIBITED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM: CAR STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY FOR SEVERAL SECONDS WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY USUALLY AS WE ARE TURNING THE STEERING…

Prius model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0400
2001 3165133
2002 2167124
2003 19950
2004 6610382
2005 61,0511024
2006 61,439825

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

Questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Toyota Prius?
Owners have filed 99 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (39 complaints), followed by electrical system (13).
How many 2003 Toyota Prius complaints mention a crash or fire?
5 of 99 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 26, 2022.