Vehicle Data Hub

Recall 12V-537

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing recalled the 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius: Steering (gear box, shaft sector); Steering.

At a glance

Campaign number
12V-537
Reported
November 14, 2012
Vehicles affected
669,705 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

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.

The risk

Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

The 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-[removed].

Notes from the manufacturer

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-[removed] (TTY 1-[removed]), or go to [link removed]

Affected vehicles