2003 Toyota Prius steering problems
Owners reported steering problems in 41 complaints for the 2003 Toyota Prius, 33% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 41 33% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 84,000 miles 35 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 5 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 8 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 6 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 7 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 35 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 84,000 miles, and 23% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash.
What owners wrote
I was driving east at 50 MPH on california hwy 68 at 0800. It was raining but there was no standing water. I was driving a 2003 toyota prius. As I crossed the intersection with san benancio road the car slowly swerved to the left across the road, entering the opposite shoulder sliding broadside. The car continued the rotation, coming to rest facing east again. I did nothing to initiate this bizarre event.
I had a 2003 toyota prius which I was very happy with. Unexpectedly, and without warning, the steering column locked while I was driving the car and I was unable to navigate the car. Fortunately, I was in my neighborhood and was able to stop the car in a neighbor's yard without incident. I had the car towed to my dealer and learned that the steering woud need to be replaced for about $1500 or more. Since the car had almost 120,000 miles on it, I chose not to repair it.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Prius
- Brakes 16 complaints