2001 Toyota Prius Steering Problems

While exiting the freeway at 40 mph, your car suddenly turned sharply to the left on its own. When you tried to steer it back straight, the steering wheel resisted your efforts with excessive force, making it impossible to correct. Your car hit a concrete barrier, spun 360 degrees, and hit the barrier again with the rear bumper. This steering malfunction caused a crash and may involve replacing or repairing the steering column, power steering pump, or related steering components.

While driving onto a freeway, your steering wheel shook violently and warning lights appeared on your dashboard. After shutting the vehicle off, the warning cleared temporarily, but the violent shaking returned when you drove to the dealer. You discovered online that a recall exists for a faulty power steering sensor causing this exact problem, but your vehicle's VIN falls outside the recall range, so the dealer won't cover the $4,000 repair under warranty. The fix will likely involve replacing the faulty power assist steering sensor and possibly the entire power steering control unit.

Your car has an open steering recall, but when you contacted Toyota about getting it fixed, they told you they couldn't perform the repair. According to Toyota's records online, the recall should be valid for 10 years from the original recall date.

While driving at 65 mph, your steering wheel suddenly shook violently without any warning. The problem occurred at 143,000 miles and was not repaired or reported to Toyota. Violent steering wheel shake at highway speeds typically requires inspection of wheel balance, suspension components, or steering system parts.

Your power steering warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, and your car won't start. The vehicle is currently parked in your driveway. This could indicate an electrical or power steering system problem that's preventing the engine from starting.

Your steering wheel became stiff while turning left, and your power steering warning light came on. This happened at about 13,620 miles and hasn't been diagnosed or repaired yet. The issue likely involves the power steering system and may need inspection of the pump, fluid, or related components.

Your power steering system is acting up intermittently—when you're driving, the steering wheel shakes and an error message appears saying there's a power steering problem, but then it clears and says it's fixed. This happens off and on, sometimes lasting longer than other times. You're concerned because the previous owner may have had a recall service done on the power steering unit, but the problem is still occurring. You'll likely need a dealer or mechanic to diagnose the power steering system and determine if the previous recall repair is failing or if a new issue has developed.

Your car's steering wheel shakes and the power steering cuts out intermittently, making steering difficult. The dealer says the entire rack and pinion assembly needs replacement, and they may also recommend replacing the torque sensor. The steering system may need a complete overhaul or sensor replacement to resolve the loss of power steering.

You received a recall notice for your 2001 Toyota Prius regarding the electric power steering system. After contacting an authorized Toyota dealer, you were told they would need to inspect your vehicle first before deciding if repairs are necessary—even though the recall notice suggested the dealer should repair it if your car is affected. Toyota offered no additional help with the situation.

STEERING WHEEL, UNCONTROLLABLE SHUDDER, WILL LITERALLY RIP ITSELF OUT OF YOUR HAND OR GRIP. USUALLY HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST OF THE DAY WHEN IT'S RELATIVELY COLD. WHILE SLOWLY MOVING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL START TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY, IN AN UN CONTROLLABLE MANNER. SOMETIMES THE POWER STEERING WILL JUST ERROR OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET DURING THE DAY, LOOSING ALL POWER STEERING AS WELL. *TR

I HAVE A 2001 PRIUS. I BOUGHT IT IN 2003. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT, THE STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES WOBBLES WHEN I BACK UP AND TURN THE WHEEL. THIS HAS BEEN CONSISTENT SINCE 2003. THIS WINTER, WHEN THE WEATHER HAS BEEN VERY COLD, THE STEERING WHEEL HAS SHUDDERED VIOLENTLY SEVERAL TIMES, WOBBLED WHILE DRIVING FORWARD TWICE, AND NOW THE WARNING LIGHT FOR POWER STEERING IS ON. I AM TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TOMORROW, JAN 21 2011. I HAVE READ ABOUT THE WOBBLING STEERING WHEEL WHILE BACKING UP SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I AM ALSO SEEING THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY ON THE STEERING COLUMN, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE, AND MY DEALER DENIES ANY RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY BECAME STIFF AND HARD TO CONTROL. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN DOING SO, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ALSO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT WOULD SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE STEERING WOULD RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 00V285000 (STEERING: GEAR BOX -OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) THEREFORE THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 205,000.

MY 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS STEERING 'GROANS' WHEN THE WHEELS ARE TURNED FAR LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS DEFECT OCCURS MORE OFTEN IN WARM WEATHER AND AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH SHE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EASY TO TURN TO THE LEFT AND SHE HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE IN ORDER TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO RETURN TO THE CENTER POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED OF A STEERING RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED HER THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V285000, STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 103,000.

POWER STEERING REPEATEDLY FAILS ON 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS REQUIRING THAT VEHICLE BE STOPPED AND RESTARTED TO CLEAR FAILURE. EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHEN DRIVING ON ROADS AT ALL SPEEDS AND IN CURVES. OCCURS AFTER VEHICLE DRIVEN MORE THAN 500 MILES CONTINUOUSLY. POWER STEERING STILL FAILING AS OF 7/29/2010. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX DESPITE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE. REQUEST NHTSA ISSUE NATIONWIDE RECALL FOR ALL 2001-2002 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH SIMILAR POWER STEERING PROBLEM AS FAILURE OF POWER STEERING UNIT IS EXTREME HAZARDOUS CONDITION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. UPON RESTART, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ABOUT TWELVE TIMES WHILE DRIVING FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY A PRIOR OWNER FOR THE RECALL 00V285000 (STEERING: GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 109,000. UPDATED 10/20/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/21/10*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING EXCESSIVELY. IMMEDIATELY, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING DOWNHILL WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL WOULD VIBRATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE SEPARATE TIMES UNDER VARIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGNS BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER. THEY WERE UNWILLING TO ASSIST WITH ANY FURTHER REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 118,000.

MY 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS' STEERING WHEEL SHAKING VIOLENTLY THIS SYMPTOM HAS BEEN HAPPENED TO MY 2001 PRIUS SINCE 2008. I HAD BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT TOYOTA FOR A REPLACEMENT BUT NO FEEDBACK. LATELY THE SYMPTOM GETTING WORSE UNTIL NOW. *TR

THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS SUDDENLY STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN I START UP THE CAR. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR DURING COLD WEATHER. I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENS BECAUSE STEERING IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE WHEN THE SHAKING HAPPENS. THIS SHAKING HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 5 TIMES. IF I LET THE CAR WARM UP FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE DRIVING IT SEEMS TO REDUCE THE OCCURRENCE OF THE SHAKING. *TR

WHILE INVESTIGATING THE PRIUS FOR ACCELERATOR ISSUES, I THINK YOU SHOULD ALSO FOLLOW-UP ON THE WELL KNOWN POWER STEERING ISSUE WITH THE '01 AND '02 MODELS. THERE ARE LIKELY STILL HUNDREDS OF THESE VEHICLES STILL ON THE ROAD. WORSE, EVEN THOUGH THIS ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED BY A FACTORY RECALL (NHTSA ASSIGNED RECALL NO. 00V-285) TOYOTA PLACED A 5 YEAR LIMIT ON THE WARRANTY SERVICE. WHAT IS WORSE, ONCE THE RECALL REPLACEMENT HAS BEEN PERFORMED, TOYOTA WILL NO LONGER PERFORM FURTHER REPLACEMENTS AT THEIR COST. IF THE FAILURE SHOULD HAPPEN AGAIN, AS IT DID FOR ME AS A THIRD OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT (AT OVER $1,300 USD). AT THIS POINT TO MY BEST KNOWLEDGE ANY CURRENT OWNER OF AN '01 PRIUS OR CERTAIN MODELS OF THE '02 PRIUS ARE GAMBLING THAT AN ESSENTIAL SAFETY RELATED COMPONENT OF THE CAR SUCH AS THE ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING WILL NOT FAIL. IT REMAINS COMPLETELY UNCLEAR TO ME THAT THE REPLACEMENT POWER STEERING ASSIST UNITS ON THESE MODELS ARE ANY MORE HEALTHY AND IMMUNE TO THE PROBLEM THAT WERE THE ORIGINAL UNITS THAT WERE SUBJECT TO RECALL, SINCE MINE FAILED ON ME AFTER HAVING BEEN REPLACED. AS FURTHER EVIDENCE I CITE THE OPERATION FLOW CHART I IN THE SSC Y05 TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION UPDATE FROM YOUR OWN WEBSITE AT WHICH SHOWS THAT EVEN FOR VEHICLES THAT FELL WITHIN THE WARRANTY TIME PERIOD, TOYOTA FELT THAT IF THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE ONCE, IT DID NOT HAVE TO BE DONE AGAIN. HTTP://NHTHQNWWS112.ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/DOCSERVLET/ARTEMIS/PUBLIC/RECALLS/2000/V/RCORRD-00V285-3651.PDF IN MY CASE, THE REPAIR WAS EXPENSIVE ENOUGH I TRADED THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN REPAIR IT. I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT WAS RESOLD AND THAT IS MY GREATEST CONCERN. I URGE THE NHTSA TO RE-OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, SINCE THE PRIUS IS ALREADY UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR ACCELERATION ISSUES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. HE STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTINUED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. HE HAD TO STOP AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AT EACH FAILURE IN ORDER FOR THE STEERING TO RESET ITSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 00V285000, STEERING GEAR BOX, OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 105,256.

I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. SPORADICALLY, THE STEERING WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. MECHANICS CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. THIS PAST WEEKEND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WHEN ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING. IT CAME BACK ON WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR SO IT MAY BE A COMPUTER GLITCH. THE SHAKING IS GETTING WORSE. *TR

STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN BACKING WHEN BACKING UP AFTER MORNING START UP, THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO CONFIRM PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES AND WE NOW HAVE LIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MOVING FORWARD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN A STRAIT LINE THIS MOVEMENT IS A SLIGHT TUG FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE WARNING INDICATOR HAS COME ON AND IS RESET WHEN RESTARTING, LOOKING AT THE 2000 RECALL IT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME CONDITION. *TR

I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. IN 2002, WE EXPERIENCED A SHUTTER AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. THE ELECTRIC MOTOR-ASSISTED POWER STEERING (EMPS) RACK HAD FAILED AT 13,396 MILES. TOYOTA REPLACED THE EMPS RACK UNDER WARRANTY. IN 2006 AT 65,427 MILES, WE REPORTED TO TOYOTA THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE MAKING A TURN AND THE INSTRUMENT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. TOYOTA REPLACED THE SECOND RACK AT NO CHARGE. IN 2008 AT +105,000 MILES, WE EXPERIENCED A NOISE IN THE FRONT END THAT SOUNDED LIKE RUBBER BUSHINGS SQUEAKING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. TOYOTA INFORMED US THE EMPS RACK HAD FAILED A THIRD TIME. TOYOTA ALSO TOLD US THAT IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS WILLING TO PAY FOR THE NEW PARTS AND NOT THE LABOR. A CHECK OF THE INTERNET BLOGS INDICATES THAT FAILURE OF THE EMPS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FIRST GENERATION PRIUS, FIRST INTRODUCED IN 2001. NUMEROUS OWNERS HAVE REPORTED EMPS FAILURE ON THEIR VEHICLES. SECOND OWNERS OF THE PRIUS APPEAR TO BE LESS LIKELY TO GET A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION OF THIS PROBLEM FROM TOYOTA THAN FIRST OWNERS. UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE CAN BE A SCARY AND UNEXPECTED EVENT POTENTIALLY LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PERSONAL INJURY. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT NHTSA INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES. THE FAILURE WORSENS WHEN MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,110 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,012.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 2-5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHAKE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE WOULD BE CHARGED FOR REPLACING THE STEERING RACK. UPDATED *JB

A 2001 TOYOTA PRUIS I OWN HAS DEVELOPED AN INTERMITTENT BUT SEVERE STEERING WHEEL SHAKE OVER THE LAST 4 MONTHS. IT IS CONSISTENT WITH A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTICE WE RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA IN 2004 (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 10007669). TO DATE THE PROBLEM HAS ONLY OCCURRED AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, MOSTLY WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT OR THE DRIVEWAY. THE SHAKING / RATTLE IS EXTREMELY SEVERE, SHAKING THE STEERING WHEEL SO HARD IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD ON TO IT. IT LASTS FROM LESS THEN ONE TO 4 OR 5 SECONDS. IF IT WAS EVER TO OCCUR AT ANY REAL SPEED, LOSS OF CONTROL IS A CERTAINTY. DUE TO THE INTERMITTENT NATURE, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET MY DEALER TO "DIAGNOSE" THE PROBLEM, WHEN I TOOK IT IN WITH THIS COMPLAINT. SINCE THEN, I HAVE DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH FREMONT TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER, E-MAILED TOYOTA'S NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (THEY RECORDED IT AS FILE NUMBER 200706250915); AND CALLED TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER WITHOUT A SATISFACTORY RESULT. I AM TOLD THE SERVICE CENTER NEEDS TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM BEFORE TOYOTA WOULD AUTHORIZE A REPAIR. DUE TO THE INTERMITTENT NATURE, I EITHER HAVE TO BEAR THE COST OF SUBSTITUTE TRANSPORTATION WHILE LEAVING THE CAR AT THE DEALER FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME UNTIL A DIAGNOSIS IS MADE, OR CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL THE PROBLEM BECOMES SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. GIVEN THAT THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN TO TOYOTA, I FAIL TO SEE WHY A REPAIR IS NOT AUTHORIZED. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS KNOW PROBLEM CANNOT BE VERIFIED WITHOUT ACTUALLY EXPERIENCING IT EMPIRICALLY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. SHE STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR POWER STEERING GEAR RACK AND PINION (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #00V285000). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB UPDATED *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN TURNING IT IN ANY DIRECTION. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN PRESENT SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2006. ON JULY 16, 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY HAS AN INTERNAL GEAR THAT FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT COULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR IN FULL AND THEY WOULD REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE PARTS. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,837 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

2001 TOYOTA PRIUS, 60649 ODOMETER MILES. AFTER BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND COMING TO A FULL STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY BACK AND FORTH (RIGHT AND LEFT), TRAVELING AT LEAST 1 (MAYBE 2) INCHES IN EACH DIRECTION. BETWEEN 5 AND 10 OSCILLATIONS OCCURRED. I WAS NOT TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL AT THE TIME AND THE MOTION JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF MY HANDS (I WAS QUITE SHOCKED). IT WAS ALL OVER IN LESS THAN 2 SECONDS. I THEN DROVE THE CAR BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY (NO PROBLEM) AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE CAR DEALER. DEALER FOUND BAD SENSOR IN THE STEERING RACK REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE RACK. *NM

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALER FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING RACK HAD A MALFUNCTION AND NEEDED REPLACED. THEY REPLACED THE RACK AND ELECTRIC LINK ASSEMBLY AND DID A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AT A COST TO ME OF $1500 DOLLARS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD US THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THIS YEAR THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM . AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM FURTHER, I FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAULTY PART? *NM

MY STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN OF MY 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS INTERMITTENTLY SHAKES VERY VIOLENTLY! I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER BUT THEY SAY THAT THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA USA HEADQUARTERS IN TORRANCE, CA, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM IF THE DEALER COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT. I TOLD THEM THAT MY WIFE IS SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENT SHAKING AND THAT I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY COULD BE SO CAVALIER AND NEGLIGENT ABOUT A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR'S STEERING SYSTEM. ON TOP OF THIS, I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS ABOUT DEFECTS AND FAILURES IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM OF THE 2001 PRIUS! IT TURNS OUT THAT THEY HAD TO COMPLETELY REDESIGN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FOR THEIR HYBRID VEHICLES AND THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH STEERING SYSTEMS OF THE EARLY PRIUS MODELS. THEY ARE JUST BEING TOO CHEAP TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY CREATED. I THINK THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED SO THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN BE FIXED FOR ALL OF THE OWNERS TO AVOID ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATH. ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY AND ON BEHALF OF THEIR SAFETY THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP IN THIS MATTER! SINCERELY, JOSEPH KREBS AUSTIN, TX. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THE WHEEL WAS IN CERTAIN POSITION IT SHUTTERED VIOLENTLY. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. THIS HAPPENED JUST A FEW TIMES SINCE 2001, AND IN THE LAST WEEK, IT WAS HAPPENING DAILY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP PRIOR TO THIS WEEK. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A CHECK UP ON THE STEERING. THERE HAS BEEN NO SUCCESS IN CONTACTING TOYOTA AS OF NOW. SHE WILL CONTACT TOYOTA SOON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE HAS BEEN NO NEAR MISSES, BUT THIS CONDITION WAS VERY SCARY.*AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB

SUSPECTED QUALITY ISSUE RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE, LEADING TO POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING/HANDLING SITUATIONS.*AK

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING THE STEERING BOLTS BECAME LOOSE AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO JUMP AROUND, WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STEER. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK VEHICLE PULLED SIGNIFICANTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE TIRES WERE INSPECTED AT 15,536 MILES, BUT AT 18,800 MILES ONE OF THE TIRE BLEW REVEALING THE TIRES WERE BALD. LATER, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ALIGNMENT WAS OUT AND TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *PH *JB

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN 6 MONTHS ANOTHER FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING. FIRST BLOWOUT WAS IN AUGUST 2002 WITH ABOUT 21,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. SECOND TIRE BLOWOUT OCCURRED WITH 27,000 MILES ON AN EIGHTEEN MONTH OLD CAR. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, BUT IT WAS VERY SCARY, AND IT FELT UNSAFE. WHEELS VIBRATED FOR A FEW MONTHS, SMALL AMOUNT, BUT DEALER SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. FINALLY, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH RACK AND PINION STEERING, AND IT NEEDED REPLACEMENT.*AK

THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. *AK ALSO THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT THE TIRES WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS. THE RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED AND THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACE. *JB

POTENZA 175/65/R14XL (OEM TIRES) WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY MADE FOR THE PRIUS, WEAR QUICKLY AND ON THE EDGES. THIS RESULTED IN MY TIRE TREAD HAVING A 1/32 RATING, WHILE THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE STILL HAD A LONG LIFE LEFT.*AK WHEN MAKING SHARP TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS (ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR IS COLD), THE STEERING WHEEL WILL VIBRATE (SOMETIMES AUDIBLY, SOMETIMES NOT). WERE THIS TO HAPPEN AT EVEN A SLIGHTLY HIGHER SPEED, ACCIDENTS MAY OCCUR. THIS PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. IT NOW OCCURS AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY.

STEERING RACK PROBLEM.....NEEDS REPLACEMENT DUE TO A BROKEN ITEM IN THE STEERING RACK. CAUSES HIGH PITCHED NOISE WHENEVER STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. TOYOTA AGREED TO REPLACE PART, BUT REQUIRES US TO PAY FOR THE LABOR TO REPLACE THE PART. ($500). *AK

HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE; STEERING RACK FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE. *AK *NLM

THE POWER STEERING CUTS OUT AT RANDOM TIMES. THE DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW STEERING RACK, BUT IT HAS BEEN WEEKS AND NO RACK HAS SHOWN UP. NOW I'M HEARING FROM OTHER PRIUS OWNERS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AND TOYOTA IS REDESIGNING THE WHOLE STEERING SYSTEM. MEANWHILE I'M STUCK WITH A CAR WHERE THE POWER STEERING CAN CUT OUT AT ANY TIME.

DEALER INFORMS THAT 2 OTHER VEHICLES ARE IN FOR REPAIR FOR THE SAME FAILURE. ALL THREE VEHICLES CAME IN WITHIN A 2 WEEK PERIOD. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF TIME TO REPAIR RANGING FROM 2 TO 4 WEEKS BECAUSE OF UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS. DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT FEELS THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. STEERING WHEEL EXPERIENCES "MINOR JERKS OR TICS". SERVICE WRITTER SAYS THIS IS BECAUSE OF ERRANT ELECTRICAL SIGNALS BEING SENT TO POWER ASSIST.*AK

CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED.*JB

CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED.*JB

STEERING HAS PROBLEM OF POOR RETURN REQUIRES CONSTANT INPUT TO THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD. *AK