2003 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 | 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.
41% of complaints: steering — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system and rack and pinion.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING EAST AT 50 MPH ON CALIFORNIA HWY 68 AT 0800. IT WAS RAINING BUT THERE WAS NO STANDING WATER. I WAS DRIVING A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070216
IT'S MOSTLY WHEN I'M TURNING RIGHT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WILL COME AND THERE WILL BE NO POWER STEERING. I HAVE SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SOMETIMES AS I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY OR JUST AS I'M STARTING TO DRIVE
NHTSA ODI report, 20200126
WE PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS IN JUNE OF 2018. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190529
16% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHEN DRIVING, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL ENGAGE, WITHOUT PRESSING THE E BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, INTERMITTENT ONCE CAR IS PARKED AND DOORS LOCKED, ALARM WILL JUST START GOING OFF FOR NONREASON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200710
14% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and 12v/24v/48v battery.
INJURY11% of complaints: tires — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
REFERENCE INVESTIGATION # PE05029: MY TOYOTA PRIUS 2003 [XXX] GASOLINE/ ELECTRIC HYBRID VEHICLES THAT CAN BE OPERATED IN GASOLINE OR ELECTRIC MODE. ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE GASOLINE ENGINE SHUT DOWN SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051212
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2003 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V304000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Toyota Prius reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota Prius is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Prius?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Prius have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.