Toyota Prius steering noise problems

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Steering · CA

In October 2026, my 2007 Toyota Prius experienced a serious mechanical steering failure at approximately 187,310 miles. The steering wheel could rotate without properly controlling the front wheels, resulting in a loss of steering control and creating a significant safety hazard. On October 6, 2026, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle. Its written diagnosis, documented on an October 21 invoice, identified worn gearing at the intermediate steering shaft connection to the steering rack. The technician also identified a failed steering wheel spiral cable. The steering system has not been permanently repaired. This vehicle previously received Toyota's steering-related recall repair. I am concerned that the failure may be related to the federal safety agency Recall 12V537000, which addressed wear of steering shaft splines and the potential for complete loss of steering control. There is also a documented history of steering complaints. In May 2024, I reported abnormal steering noises to a Toyota dealership, which could not reproduce the problem. In July 2024, the dealership confirmed steering noises but attributed them to suspension components. In February 2025, the dealership confirmed noise originating from the steering column assembly and recommended replacing the steering column yoke assembly, potentially including both upper and lower intermediate steering shafts. I was not verbally informed of this recommendation. I am concerned that a vehicle previously repaired under a safety recall subsequently experienced a steering failure resembling the original recalled defect. I request that the federal safety agency review this failure and investigate whether it indicates a problem with the effectiveness or durability of the previous recall remedy.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Transmission · VA

I purchased my 2023 Prius new which comes with a 5 year 60k mile powertrain warranty. My car, at 42.2k miles, has developed a clicking sound when the steering wheel is fully turned to the left and the vehicle is moving slowly. I brought it to the dealer today Oct 2, 2026 and their technician was able to reproduce my concern. However I came across two problems: 1) Their technician claims it is a "suspension" issue and 2) I was told even if it were CV related it would not be covered under warranty. Toyota is aware of this clicking sound and even has multiple bulletins about this exact same issue on their other vehicle models, all of which are covered under the 5 year 60k mile warranty. For example: T-SB-0106-20: "Some 2015 – 2021 model year Corolla vehicles may exhibit a clicking noise when making turns greater than 90 degrees and accelerating with the steering wheel on full lock, such as when performing a U-turn" Other bulletins include: T-SB-0053-25 and T-SB-0028-26. My research shows that suspension related issues are diagnosed with symptoms such as a single clunk sound when hitting bumps or driving over uneven pavement whereas CV issues are diagnosed with symptoms such as rhythmic clicking as the car accelerated through a turn. And upon reading my manual, I confirmed that CV issues are covered by the 5 year 60k mile warranty.

Filed Nov 13, 2020 · Steering · MA

Steering vibrates when driving on smooth road but rattles loudly on small bumps. Toyota initially said there was no problem and that it was normal. I thought it was suspension but the suspension is still good. All the tires are good. Control arms and anything visible is good. When elevated the steering makes a but but noise when turned.

Filed Jun 20, 2020 · Steering · CA

The steering wheel make a clunking noise and feel like it'll fall off when driven.

Filed Mar 30, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 14,400 miles · OH

There was a popping noise in my steering wheel and then I had no movement in my tires. My steering wheel just spins round and round but my tires will not move I was driving down the street and I had no control of my car. So I believe it has something to do with the steering shaft or suspension.*dt

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Steering · 86,000 miles · CA

There is a clunking noise in my steering column, feels loose when I turn it right and left. The steering clunking sound when turning the wheel is not normal.*dt

Filed Apr 24, 2015 · Steering · 66,081 miles · VA

The steering on the car failed completely. There was a popping/snapping sound while turning the car, and afterward I could turn the steering wheel without any resistance (much less than usual) and the wheels did not turn at all. A little earlier in the drive I could feel the steering on the car feel a little off: I had to turn the wheel a little more to get the wheels to turn and something just felt loose. I'm incredibly grateful that the final 'snap' occurred while in the parking lot and not while on the highway/at higher speed. Apparently fox news ran an article about an incident that describes the same issue: http://fxn.ws/1ezmqpy. *tr*dt as of april 29,2015 consumer stated car has been repaired.

Filed Jul 26, 2014 · Steering · 147,848 miles · CA

I was driving on interstate highway 5 north to los angeles late evening around 9:00pm. The steering column began making a grinding noise and vibrating. Each time I turned the steering wheel either to the left or to the right the car made a vibration and grinding noise and felt stiff. The jarring was felt in the acceleration pad and in the brake pads each time I either accelerated or braked. I took the car to the dealer where I service my car on july 5th 2014. The service department was able to duplicate the exact complaint I had. The service department gave me an invoice informing me that the charges to fix the steering column and the electric motor inside would cost me over $2000.00. I called toyota on 14th july to ask if they would take care of this issue. I was informed by toyota on july 18th, that they would not cover this because it was out of warranty, and the car had 148,000 miles, and the recall work had been done in 2012 on this vehicle. As a peace offering they said they could give me 700$ to fix it or buy a new vehicle. The dealer, where I went to get the problem resolved, said they could not do anything because this was a different issue from the recall???? I now have a vehicle that is not safe to drive which I am being told is not covered by the company. I have never heard of a steering column failing. I was not aware that my vehicle even had a recall. I had no intimation from anyone. And no I did not realize that in late 2012 the dealer had done some work on the recall. What is there to show that the work was done correctly and that this is a common failure problem in all vehicles?? I have had vehicles that I have used for over 200,000 miles with no mishaps including a saab and an acura.

Filed Dec 30, 2010 · Steering · 10,000 miles · CA

Steering wheel clunks as it is turned past certain positions. Overall, it has a loose feel. Toyota inspected it, said it is not normal, but failed to find a solution.

Filed Nov 5, 2007 · Steering · 70,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota prius. The contact stated that when he turned his vehicle to the left at any speed, the steering made a weird noise and would not return to the straight position. He took the vehicle to the dealer 15 months ago and was informed that the failure was related to the temperature. The dealer stated that at a cooler temperature, the steering would go back to normal. The failure never corrected itself and the vehicle was brought back to the dealer. The dealer informed him that he needed to replace the entire rack and pinion steering system. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000 and current mileage was 130,000.