2003 Toyota Prius problems
Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Toyota Prius. Steering is the most reported problem area, at 33% of complaints. After that come brakes (13%) and electrical system (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 123 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Steering 33% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 8 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 75,000 miles 100 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 15 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 9 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 11 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 16 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 13 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 17 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 7 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 6 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 5 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 100 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 75,000 miles. For steering specifically, the median reported mileage is about 84,000 miles (35 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 5 complaints mention a crash; 8 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 17th most-complained-about out of 23 model years of the Toyota Prius with enough data (51 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
2003 toyota prius was proceeding west on I-40 near knoxville, tn when the tread separated from the left rear tire and wrapped itself around the axle causing the driver to lose control. The car veered to the left then to the right, hit a guardrail and then hit a semi head-on. The vehicle was totaled, the driver survived with a concussion and a head wound.
Purchased car on ebay from a pa dealer, did not know, nor was I told that the car had no airbag. Whether it was removed or not replaced I don't know. My wife was driving and received a compound fracture of her right leg. I understand that it is a federal offense not to notify a buyer of missing airbags. My wife had to be airlifted for treatment, and still is unable to walk correctly. She has continuous pain.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota prius. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle and the seat belt failed to restrain her from hitting her head onto the steering wheel. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
2003 toyota prius gas engine stalled, warning lights came on all over the screen, and it would only drive on "battery power." after stopping, I turned the car off but it would not re-start immediately. After a few tries and then waiting, the gas engine started when I turned the key. During the time it was running on battery, air conditioner was blowing hot air. After gas engine re-started, air conditioner blew cold air.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota prius. While driving at a low speed four times, the vehicle accelerated over the speed limit. Twice the vehicle accelerated on an ice covered road. The vehicle also accelerated twice while driving over a pot hole. The vehicle was never taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. Routine maintenance was performed and up to date prior the vehicle accelerating. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 40,000.