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 PER YEAR
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 | 2819 |
| 2011 | 515 |
| 2012 | 419 |
| 2013 | 398 |
| 2014 | 202 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 154 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: steering — 57 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER SPEED LIMIT WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121006
7% of complaints: tires — 12 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (57 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V266000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V304000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Prius have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.