2002 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
- 167
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
49% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 167 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
49% · 81 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and electric power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
My steering wheel starts shaking violently when driving under 32 degrees outside and locks up the ability to steer which can be deadly on the highway which I don't drive much luckily and Toyota has no open recalls even though I'm not the only one...
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-22
On dec 18, 2015, driving at about 20 MPH on a neighborhood street which curved left, the steering wheel on my 2002 Prius began shaking violently. I lost control of the car and struck a large landscaping rock.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-22
Service brakes
13% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving speed less than 25MPH on familiar surface street with need to stop for a car about 75 feet (Estimate) in front; should have been an easy stop; applied brakes but car accelerated (I think only electric motor); further brake pressure did not...
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-22
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Electrical system
12% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and module.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving the vehicle under speed limit when my steering wheel became stiff.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-06
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
While driving in heavy traffic vehicle completely shutsdown. When this occurs check engine o/ battery lights illuminate. Please give furhter details.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-27
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Tires
11% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Vehicle speed control
7% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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
2002 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 81 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V266000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 11V304000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Toyota Prius reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Toyota Prius is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Prius?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Prius have?
- 2 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.