The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·11V304000·Announced 2011-06-01

Toyota Recalls 2001-2003 Prius for Steering Linkage Defect

Toyota is recalling 52,377 Prius vehicles because the steering linkage may loosen, reducing electric steering assistance during left turns.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the steering system that explicitly states it may increase the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2003 Prius passenger cars manufactured between January 28, 2000, and May 30, 2003. The recall affects 52,377 vehicles.

The steering linkage in these vehicles may loosen, which results in reduced electric steering assistance when the driver makes a left turn. This loss of power steering, particularly when the operator is actively intending to steer, may increase the risk of a crash.

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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TOYOTA PRIUS
Brand
TOYOTA
Manufacturer
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Category
Vehicle — Steering System
Hazard
Affected units
52,377

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • PRIUS

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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