Repeated problems with steering, including uncontrollable vibration of steering wheel and loss of power steering. Car has 39k miles. Problem has recently grown worse, with complete loss of power steering and appearance of ps warning on computer screen during highway driving. Problem is especially prevalent in cold weather. Very dangerous.
2002 Toyota Prius steering complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 80, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack would need to be replaced. The dealer deemed as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Steering wheel shakes when starting to back up or go forward . Happens in colder weather more often <dealer said it was not a warraty issue when I first approaced them in 2004.. Had 60k miles on it. They said it was an electronic steering issue with motor on rack and pinion gear. Toyota prius 2002 year model, they wouldgo t replace it of over $1000.,,, said to drive is and not worry but if it got worse to bring it in,. Well recently I have talked to many other prius owners with 2001 and 2002 models and some have had the same problems and some had it fixed so I deicded to go to priuschat and found this was a problem ,. And was dangerous., but there is no recall notice on this issue., so I thought it best to look into again and see you have a complaint registered this year.,., if there is more information you can provide I would like to know mt impression if the service managers at toyota like to skirt the issue of danger or possible accidents and try to get you to repair it at your cost,,,,I hope you folks look into this matter more deeply.
Steering wheel shakes violently for a few seconds then stops. Up until yesterday it did this sporadically while backing and turning. Yesterday, it did it during wet weather, 50 degrees fahrenheit, backing and turning. Then it did it again while driving and turning in a parking garage. This was the first time it has ever done it going forward. This problem has been occurring for approx 8 years on and off. Toyota dealership says they cannot reproduce problem.
Electronically-assisted power steering rack assembly defective on 2002 toyota prius, particularly vehicle id number [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2002 toyota prius steering rack failure. Approximately 2 weeks ago the steering in my prius became difficult to turn and pulsated when turning. The toyota dealer, where I had purchased the vehicle, inspected the car and informed me that the steering rack was failing and needed to be replaced at a cost of $3,000. After researching this on the internet I found that this is a problem inherent to these 1st generation prius models. I contacted toyota customer service and opened a case to see if toyota would offer any assistance in the repair of my car. Online at owner forums regarding this problem there were many instances where toyota would repair the vehicle at no cost to the owner or at least offer some assistance with the cost. I was refused by toyota with any help of any kind. I believe that since toyota was aware of this defect during the 2001- 2003 model run and changed the steering rack for the 2004 redesign to eliminate this problem that there should be a recall to address this matter. I base this on the volume of cars experiencing this along with the fact that toyota had a special service campaign in place at one point that repaired these affected vehicles when customers experienced this problem. Toyota is no longer running this repair campaign.
1. Recently, the steering started shaking violently periodically upon turning 2. The steering periodically shakes violently and it becomes difficult or impossible to steer the car 3. I contacted the dealer and the toyota executive offices and they "declined participation" updated ivoq 11/02/10
Severe shaking in steering of 2002 prius. Also encounter loss of power steering for a short time 4 different times. Taken to dealer 3 times !st two times I was told it just needed grease on the steering column. 3rd time was told it needed $3400 of working and that the car was dangerous to drive. Car had approximately 107,000 miles the third time I took it in. After I contacted toyota corp. The dealer called to say he would work with me on the price, but I can not trust him to do the work. It has not been fixed yet I had ask the service manager if the car was safe to take on a long trip the 2nd time I took it in and he said yes. It was on the way back from the trip that I loss power steering driving on i95. Thankfully I was able to control the vehicle until power steering resumed.
My 2002 toyota prius's electronic motor steering assembly stops working after approximately 1hr of driving at highway speeds. At 75 miles per hour, warning lights turn on and steering assist fails. Steering the car from the road is incredibly difficult. After turning the car off and back on, the steering works once again. The car is not safe to drive as the steering fails unexpectedly at high speeds. The dealer states that the fix will cost $3200, which is over half of the vehicle's kelley blue book trade-in value.
The electronic power steering assembly malfunctions and stops providing assistance to the driver on a 2002 toyota prius, on one instance the gasoline motor stopped working and I was left driving at low speed with the assistance of the electric motor only. The latest incident occurred on may 31st, 2010 while driving at about 65 MPH on a freeway, the car lost the power steering operation, multiple warning lights came on the screen, the gas motor shut down and the speed of the car dropped to around 23 MPH. The accelerator pedal was responsive only in the range of 0~23 MPH. I took the car to a service center and the service advisor told me the electric power steering module was defective and needed replacement. Reviewing the service records for the cars I found that it presented the same symptoms once in 2006 and three times in 2008. The service center either cleaned a sensor or couldn't replicate the problem. The part was never replaced. While researching the federal safety agency site I found that toyota has file tsbs back in 2004 recognizing a problem with this particular component and in some cases extended the warranty on the part. I contacted toyota and they refuse to assist in the cost of the car repair.
I complained to the dealer multiple times about shaking in the steering column. After several inspections where they found nothing, I told them to check the rack & pinion. They found that to be the cause. Toyota paid for the new parts and I paid for the labor to get it replaced. Less then 13 months later, I have had multiple incidents of my power steering going out making it very difficult to drive the car. The dealer acknowledged there is a problem, again, with the rack and says I need to replace it.
Consumers 2002 toyota prius loss of power at highway speeds and violent shaking in the steering system. *ts the consumer stated the dealer made attempts to correct the problem by replacing the electronic module exchange and the gas tank. However, the attempts were unsuccessful. Also, the vehicle has an ongoing, unresolved problem with violent shaking in the steering system, especially the first thing in the morning and at other times during cold weather. The power steering will completely cut out after hours of operation, especially during hot weather.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). To whom it may concern, I was attempting to make a left turn in my 2002 toyota prius traveling approximately 30mph when the steering wheel suddenly locked. I did manage to slow the car down and forced the wheel into completing the turn after hearing a cracking sound. I was told that the vehicle had a faulty sensor and the entire steering rack had to be replaced. I had just exited the highway and was lucky there were no other vehicles or pedestrians around. This situation occurred 08/15/08. This is after I had brought in both my 2002 prius and my 2002 toyota highlander in for numerous sensor defects that were either fixed or replaced. I continued to have problems with my toyota highlander as well. The last issue with this vehicle was oil the constant loss of engine oil. To be more detailed, I lost 8 quarts of oil in approximately 2000 miles. There was no explanation given considering there were no visible signs of leak or burning. This was the reason I no longer own this vehicle but unfortunately still own the prius. [xxx]
Steering wheel shakes violently when backing up and turning wheel. Happens randomly. Sometimes not for months. In january 2010 it happened three times in one week. Toyota dealership is unresponsive saying they cannot duplicate the problem.
I have a 2002 toyota prius that I've had for some 7 years. The steering is very sensitive making it necessary to always attend to accuracy in steering. I thought that this was a chacteristic of the design, but now I wonder if this is actually a manufacturing defect because of reports I see on other models" ""if you take your eyes off the road for a second, the car will drift into another lane," said one driver an oct. 18 complaint. Another describes it as the most terrifying thing that ever happened to them." this describes my experience.
Tla*the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius. While driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions, suddenly, the steering wheel began to shake violently with excessive vibration. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The failure was contributed to the steering mechanism chip. The vehicle was not repaired for the malfunction. On a separate occasion the steering wheel locked without warning. The driver forced the steering wheel to the right as a result of the wheel unlocked. The vehicle was able to resume to normal operation. At this time the vehicle is not being driven due to the potential safety hazard. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 03/01/10 *bf the consumer stated when the weather was cold, the steering wheel would shake violently. The shaking would stop when the wheel was straightened. The dealer informed the consumer there was a problem with the computer chip. Updated 07/19/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius which was purchased in january 2002. He stated that there was excessive shaking in the steering wheel. While driving approximately 25 MPH, a warning light illuminated indicating that there was a loss of power steering. Intermittently the steering wheel becomes difficult to control while making right and left turns. A diagnostic test was performed and error codes indicated that the torque sensor failed. A dealer stated that the repair cost was approximately $2,000; although, there was a recall for the failure, the federal safety agency campaign id number: 00v285000, his VIN was not included. The current and failure mileages were under 89,000. Updated 04/05/10 *bf updated 05/05/10.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius. While driving less than 65 MPH, the emergency and power steering indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The power steering would lock and the contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the highway. Once the vehicle was shut off and restarted, the warning indicators would no longer illuminate; however, there was a lot of play in the steering. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in any recalls; therefore, they would not assist with the liability of the repairs. The failure and current mileages were less than 96,000. Updated 3/16/09 *cn the consumer stated there was an occassional shimmy in the steering wheel. Updated 03/19/09.
While on a trip and after start up on a cold morning, I left the hotel parking lot and was proceeding to the on ramp for the interstate. While I was turning left, the steering wheel began to shake violently for 3-4 seconds before it subsided. I noticed this shuttering or stiffness a few more times before we returned from our trip. After returning home, we took it to a toyota dealer. They checked it out and stated, "checked to find power steering rack & pinion gear is causing problem est $2160.85. Would need to order part # 44200-49055."
On cold days when the car is first started the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably when put into reverse or drive. The car has to be turned off and restarted to get it to stop. This continues when restarted. The car cannot be driven due to this shaking of the steering wheel.
2002 toyota prius, this car suffers from an intermittent steering shake. What happens: often at parking lot speeds and some times at highway speeds, the steering pulses violently and steering control is temporarily lost.
Intermittent severe steering wheel movement at low speed and steering failure which illuminated the ps failure light. Steering was difficult after failure. System reset after ignition turned off. Still have severe wheel vibration. Toyota dealers state an internal failure in the rack and pinion.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius hybrid. While driving 55 MPH, the power steering light illuminated on the instrument panel and began flashing a warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they informed the contact that it was safe to continue driving. The following day the vehicle was taken to another dealer and they stated that the steering gear box and electric system failed. The cost of the part is $1,800. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 85,000 and failure mileage was 83,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius. While driving 55 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he slowed down to exit the highway and his power steering failed. The dealer stated that the torque sensor in the steering gear box failed. A the federal safety agency recall was established (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 00v285000). Repairs were not made. The dealer information is not available. The current and failure mileages were 128,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 toyota prius. While driving between 55-65 MPH, the steering warning indicator light illuminated and the power steering failed. The dealer stated that there was a faulty sensor and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The federal safety agency campaign id number 00v285000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)) for a 2001 toyota prius was referenced. The current and failure mileages were 72,000. Updated 10/23/07
Power steering failure. When first starting car steering can sometimes vibrate vigorously, then warning light can come on sometimes power steering works for a wile then fail other times it fails immediately making steering very difficult.
I purchased 2002 prius in june, 2005. In september 2005 power steering warning light came on 3 times while driving on freeway between tucson and phoenix. Dealer said the power steering torque sensor was malfunctioning and would cost $1450.00 to replace. Took to my own mechanic (authorized prius mechanic) who confirmed the dealers assessment and also told me that toyota does not provide parts to repair the power steering so entire unit must be replaced. Problem disappeared for about 1 yr. Then in july of this year, power steering warning light started to come on while driving from tucson to las cruces. Also, steering wheel started to shake uncontrollably when backing up or turning while car was in motion. Battery also failed when attempting to leave nm and had to replace battery at a cost of $140 with only a one year warranty and no one except toyota sells the battery. After discussing problems with my mechanic I called toyota to see if they would replace power steering column - they told me my car was too old and had too many miles on it (only 59k). I own a 1975 celica that has 265k miles and it has never needed any steering column work - how come a car 30 years later needs one after only 59k? I used to think toyota made a good product and stood by their cars, but I guess I was wrong. The 2002 prius in not a road-worthy car and the savings in gasoline consumption does not come anywhere close to paying for a $1450 repair on an obviously defective steering column. I do not feel safe taking the prius out on the freeway and steering wheel continues to shake uncontrollably. I will replace the power steering unit only when repair parts become available or the part breaks down completely. I doubt I will keep this car very long and I know I will not buy another toyota in the future. Now when I am asked how I like my prius I tell people to buy a honda civic instead.
Steering in car locks up at higher speeds. The issue seems consistent with the 2001 recall items. Toyota customer service refuses to offer assistance without charging and claims steering to not be covered under power train warranty.
Continuation of complaint (odi numbers) 10162367-68 earlier that day we had driven my daughter-in-law and granddaughter to fumicino airport in rome and then returned home. We could only imagine what a catastrophe would have occurred if that freezing of the steering wheel had occurred at autostrada speeds. In the meantime, bi auto in florence has informed me that the part (no 44200-47060) must be delivered from japan and will take a minimum of 10 days. In an attempt to expedite service, I contacted the toyota customer service in torrance, california (ref # 200607110691) to see if the part may be more readily available and shipped sooner from the us. Their answer was no. Further, they indicated that since the prius was outside the us, they were not willing to honor the warranty extension and thus the $3500 repair would be at my expense. I will now contact my us dealer (I bought a second prius in 2004, which is still in the us) to see if they will intercede on my behalf. But what's especially troubling is even if this replacement performed is whether (1) toyota has made any improvement in the replacement part to eliminate the failure (apparently the 2004 replacement was ineffective), (2) for how many miles might this new replacement part last, and (3) will there be any warning, such as the stiffness in turning, that will precede a catastrophic failure such as this freezing of the steering wheel. For the online form, I have provided my us contact numbers. However, until august 6th, I will continue to be in italy.
Continuation of complaint (odi number) 10162367 the steering was each time frozen in the center position with no possibility of turning to the right or left. The earlier problem was not demonstrable to the toyota service manager when the car had been brought in for servicing in october 26, 2005 and march 2, 2006 (during a one week visit), but because I had more time in july, I had scheduled a total inspection for the steering mechanism on tuesday, july 11th. After this catastrophic failure, however, I had the car immediately towed to bi auto toyota in florence for repair. Despite the fact that the towing charge was more than $200, I had no confidence that this car could be driven safely to the dealership. At the dealership, the service technicians identified the problem as requiring the replacement of the scatola guida, a part with a price-tag of 2840 euros (approximately $3500). When I called back to my toyota dealer in pittsburgh, I was told that the most expensive steering part that could be purchased was the steering rack which was about $1100. However, the bells and whistles went off when bi auto provided the part number 44200-47060. This same part was replaced by rohrich toyota in pittsburgh on may 14, 2004, at 26,539 miles. Replacement was soon followed with a warranty extension. Similar experiences to mine are documented at http://www.priusonline.com/viewtopic.php?t=539&highlight=, but as far as I know, no one has reported this second incident two years and 20,000 miles later (the prius odometer now reads approximately 47,000 miles). Moreover the symptom for the first replacement was a vibration when starting the engine and shifting into reverse. Other individuals have reported the turning stiffness earlier and excessive and uneven tire wear (my rear tires were badly worn at 24,000 miles), but this is the first time for me that this total freezing of the steering wheel in a straight forward position has occurred.
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