2002 Toyota Prius

▲ Better than typical

2002 Toyota Prius
RENDERED 2026-09-17T05:05:42.621Z

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

2002: 167 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	4
2001	165
2002	167
2003	99
2004	610
2005	1051
2006	1439
2007	2003
2008	1497
2009	502
2010	2823
2011	518
2012	422
2013	409
2014	207
2015	164
2016	154
2017	91
2018	36
2019	30
2020	14
2021	6
2022	24
2023	19
2024	24
2025	16
2026	5

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

STEERING 49%

49% of complaints: steering — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and electric power assist system.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20191122

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, 20160422

SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH

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, 20200922

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and module.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER SPEED LIMIT WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121006

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.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020227

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TIRES 11%

11% of complaints: tires — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

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)

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