2001 Toyota Prius
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.
- Complaints
- 165
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 165 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 165 |
| 2002 | 167 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 610 |
| 2005 | 1,051 |
| 2006 | 1,439 |
| 2007 | 2,004 |
| 2008 | 1,497 |
| 2009 | 502 |
| 2010 | 2,824 |
| 2011 | 522 |
| 2012 | 424 |
| 2013 | 414 |
| 2014 | 210 |
| 2015 | 166 |
| 2016 | 155 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
29% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and rack.
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, 2019-12-12
Electrical system
17% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and module.
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, 2014-02-19
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, 2018-09-11
Tires
16% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Extreme tire blow out(Only shreds left)hesitation resulting in loss of power in traffic/gas pedal sensor?
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-05
Also filed under Equipment and fuel system, gasoline
Vehicle speed control
15% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
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, 2019-01-05
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, 2001-08-27
Also filed under Power train and wheels
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2000-10-27Steering00V285000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will repair the electric steering gear box.
-
R
2006-07-26Engine and engine cooling06V266000 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…
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.
-
R
2011-07-08Steering11V304000 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…
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.
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 28 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 27 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V285000 · Steering
- Recall 06V266000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 11V304000 · Steering
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.