I was getting off the freeway and driving 40 MPH on the off ramp, when the 2001 toyota prius did a unwanted left turn of the steering wheel, I tried to turn the steering wheel back to correct the car angle, but he steering force was too strong for me to correct back to straight ahead, the left front car the concrete barrier, and the car turn 360 degree around. The rear right bumper hit the concrete barrier. Lucky there was no other cars around me.
2001 Toyota Prius steering problems
45 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 69,012. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 45
- of this car's complaints
- 27%
- typical mileage
- 69,012
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Rack and pinion6
- Rack and pinion: rack5
- Gear box (other than rack and pinion)5
- Electric power assist system3
- Hydraulic power assist system2
- Column1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota Prius steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Toyota Prius steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering, particularly when an operator is actively intending to steer the vehicle, may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 11V304000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Insufficient electrical contact can occur in the torque sensor that controls the power assist operation of the electric power steering gear box. The torque sensor could send improper electrical signals.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the power steering warning icon will be displayed on the center panel, and the driver could experience higher than normal steering effort depending upon vehicle speed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair the electric steering gear box.
Recall number 00V285000 · Recall details
What 2001 Toyota Prius owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Steering recall I called toyota they said they couldn't do it and it says online it's good for 10 years after recall date.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota prius. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel shook violently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 143,000.
Ps warning light display, car will not start. Parked in home drive way.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota prius. The contact stated that the steering wheel became stiff while making a left turn and the power steering light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v304000 (steering). The failure mileage was approximately 13,620.
I have started having an intermittent power steering issue. As I am driving the steering wheel begins to shake and I receive an error message that there is an issue with the power steering system. Then the error clears and says the problem is solved. This issue happens intermittent and sometimes lasts longer. I know in the past there was a recall on the power steering unit in the past. I believe the previous owner had the recall service done, but I do not understand that if the service was performed why my vehicle is having this issue with my prius.
2001 toyota prius. Consumer states problem with the rack and pinion *tgw the consumer stated not long after she purchased the vehicle. She experienced problems with the rack and pinion steering system, including steering wheel shaking and loss of power steering. The consumer took the vehicle in for service and was informed the entire rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The consumer believed the repair may be related to the pinion shaft problem that was just recently identified under a recall. The consumer is seeking reimbursement for the previous repair. *jb updated 12/28/11. *jb the consumer stated she began to experience the same problem, as she did in 2006 with the vehicle loosing power steering intermittently. The dealer adjusted the torque sensor and recommended a replacement of the sensor and the rack and pinion assembly, if the problem returned again. A few days after the sensor adjustment, the power steering problem did resume again, and it continues to go out intermittently. Updated 04/16/14
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota prius. The contact received the recall notice associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 11v304000 (steering:electric power assist system). An authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that they would inspect the vehicle before performing repairs. The contact stated that according to the recall notice, the dealer was supposed to repair the vehicle if it was included in the recall. The manufacture was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not yet taken to the dealer to find out whether or not repairs were needed. The failure mileage was 140,000.
While driving into a freeway our 2001 toyota prius experienced a violent shaking of the steering wheel and the ps and exclamation warning lights came on. My wife pulled over and shut the vehicle off and the error cleared. I decided to drive the vehicle to the dealer the previous owner done all the service and repair. As I pulled into the service area the violent shaking happened again. I researched the issue online and found the there was a recall of the power assist steering unit due to a faulty sensor. When I questioned the dealer regarding the recall the service guy became defensive and said it is not covered under recall and warranty is expired so it is a chargeable repair. I reviewed the recall notice and warnings but my vehicle is not in the VIN range but the problem is exactly the same and cost $4000 to repair. I don't believe this is a fair process if some vehicles were repaired while others have to be paid for by owners.
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.
Questions about the 2001 Toyota Prius steering
Does the 2001 Toyota Prius have steering problems?
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Toyota Prius, 27% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Prius steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 69,012 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2001 Toyota Prius steering?
Yes, 2 recalls: 11V304000, 00V285000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota Prius have bad steering?
The Toyota Prius model years with the most steering complaints are 2002 (80 complaints), 2001 (45 complaints) and 2003 (39 complaints).
Other 2001 Toyota Prius problems
Electrical 27Tires 27Acceleration 25Engine 20Brakes 16Fuel system 13Suspension 9Transmission 5Body 3Wheels 3Lights 2Airbags 1Visibility 1
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