The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 51 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and a loss of power steering assist with the engine overheating message displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,079.
2004 Toyota Prius: loss of power steering
5 of the 610 complaints about the 2004 Toyota Prius describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 83,200
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle lost power steering functionality but the contact was able to safely pull off of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the instrument panel went black. The contact stated that she attempted to restart the vehicle but the vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence and later towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that a wiring cable connector had melted onto the battery and affected the engine. Additionally, the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,200.
Lost power steering control
Dt: while driving on dry pavement at 35 MPH the vehicle stalled. The consumer pulled off to the median. There were lights flashing in dashboard, the driver noticed that the warning codes included do not drive, and no brakes, etc. Just before stalling, the warning codes came on, including no brakes, do not drive, all hazards, the explanation pointed to a triangle and all precautionary safety warning lights appeared. Once the vehicle was stopped at a median there was no response from the car, it was totally dead. After the lights came on, no acceleration, there was no engine sound to the owner's knowledge. There was no obvious loss of power steering as far as the owner knew, it was not extremely difficult to get to the median. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The owner tried to start the vehicle twice. At this point, the owner didn't know if the lights stayed on, but the hazards lights were working as she left to go call for help. At the dealership, the vehicle was jumped to get it off the tow truck. This occurred about 45 minutes. The dealer stated they had no idea what could be wrong with the vehicle, and this seemed to be a new occurrence to the dealership. *ak *sc
The consumer started the vehicle and noticed that the steering was very difficult. After driving for two blocks, the dash light had come on and the steering had become easier. The general warning symbol had come on, which meant the vehicle needed to be taken to the dealer. The brake light had been continuously on. When the emergency brakes were applied, the vehicle did not behave as if it were activated. The ignition relay was replaced per warning light. *ak
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
- Risk
- Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 12V537000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- The intermediate shaft and sliding yoke in the electric power steering system can crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate or the sleeve may fracture.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Toyota will replace the steering intermediate shaft and inspect the sliding yoke and replace it if necessary. The recall began on june 9, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 06V188000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2004 Toyota Prius power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2004 Toyota Prius?
5 of 610 owner complaints about the 2004 Toyota Prius (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Toyota Prius?
There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2004 Toyota Prius
Headlights 175Stalling 94Loss of power 60Warning lights 49Check engine light 33ABS 29Sudden acceleration 18No deployment 16Engine failure 14Brake failure 13Won't start 12Fuel gauge 9Jerking 8Adaptive cruise 6
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