MYRModel Year Report

2003 Toyota Prius

▲ Better than typical
2003 Toyota Prius
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:13:56.628Z

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

Complaints per year, Toyota Prius Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2001: 165 complaints 2002: 167 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2003 2004: 610 complaints 2004 2005: 1051 complaints 2006: 1439 complaints 2007: 2003 complaints 2008: 1497 complaints 2008 2009: 502 complaints 2010: 2819 complaints 2011: 515 complaints 2012: 419 complaints 2012 2013: 398 complaints 2014: 202 complaints 2015: 159 complaints 2016: 154 complaints 2016 2017: 91 complaints 2018: 35 complaints 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 14 complaints 2020 2021: 6 complaints 2022: 23 complaints 2023: 18 complaints 2024: 22 complaints 2024 2025: 15 complaints 2026: 5 complaints 2026
2003: 99 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20004
2001165
2002167
200399
2004610
20051051
20061439
20072003
20081497
2009502
20102819
2011515
2012419
2013398
2014202
2015159
2016154
201791
201835
201928
202014
20216
202223
202318
202422
202515
20265

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 32%

32% of complaints: steering — 32 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
TIRES 8%

8% of complaints: tires — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 5%

5% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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

SAFETY TIMELINE

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)

Pedestrian alert sounds

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 11V304000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2018 ▲ 2017 ▲ 2016

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2007 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

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 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Prius have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.