MYRModel Year Report

2001 Toyota Prius

▲ Better than typical
2001 Toyota Prius
RENDERED 2026-09-17T05:38:26.711Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Prius Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 highlighted. 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2001: 165 complaints 2001 2002: 167 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 610 complaints 2004 2005: 1051 complaints 2006: 1439 complaints 2007: 2003 complaints 2008: 1497 complaints 2008 2009: 502 complaints 2010: 2823 complaints 2011: 518 complaints 2012: 422 complaints 2012 2013: 409 complaints 2014: 207 complaints 2015: 164 complaints 2016: 154 complaints 2016 2017: 91 complaints 2018: 36 complaints 2019: 30 complaints 2020: 14 complaints 2020 2021: 6 complaints 2022: 24 complaints 2023: 19 complaints 2024: 24 complaints 2024 2025: 16 complaints 2026: 5 complaints 2026
2001: 165 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20004
2001165
2002167
200399
2004610
20051051
20061439
20072003
20081497
2009502
20102823
2011518
2012422
2013409
2014207
2015164
2016154
201791
201836
201930
202014
20216
202224
202319
202424
202516
20265

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STEERING 29%

29% of complaints: steering — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and rack.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 20191212

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and module.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2001 PRIUS WAS PARKED IN GARAGE ~6HRS, FIRE STARTED AND SMOLDERED, APPARENTLY USING UP OXYGEN INSIDE THE CAR. I WENT IN THE GARAGE FOR SOMETHING ELSE, NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON AND OPENED THE CAR DOOR TO TURN THEM OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140219

MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING WHAT IS KNOWN ONLLINE AS "THE BIG HAND SYNDROM". WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CHANGES RESISTANCE AND IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE GRABS THE CAR AND IT DRAMATICALLY SLOWS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180911

TIRES 16%

16% of complaints: tires — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

EXTREME TIRE BLOW OUT(ONLY SHREDS LEFT)HESITATION RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER IN TRAFFIC/GAS PEDAL SENSOR?*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030805

Also filed under EQUIPMENT and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 15%

15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGH SPEED ON IT'S OWN IN A PARKING LOT AND RAMMED ITSELF INTO THE WALL DEPLOYING AIRBAGS. MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING AND WAS SENT TO THE E.R.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190105

AT 45MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT, CLEAR WEATHER CONDITIONS I DISENGAGED CRUISE CONTROL BY TAPPING BRAKES. SO THAT I COULD ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20010827

Also filed under POWER TRAIN and WHEELS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20001027 — steering

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

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE ELECTRIC STEERING GEAR BOX.

Campaign 00V285000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060726 — engine and engine cooling

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING C

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Campaign 06V266000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20110708 — steering

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

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.

Campaign 11V304000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (48 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 00V285000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06V266000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 11V304000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2019 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2017

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2007 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2001 Toyota Prius reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Toyota Prius is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota Prius?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Prius have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.