Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Toyota Prius owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was getting off the freeway and driving 40 MPH on the off ramp, when the 2001 Toyota Prius did a unwanted left turn of the steering wheel, I tried to turn the steering wheel back to correct the car angle, but he steering force was too strong for me to correct back to straight ahead, the left front car the concrete barrier, and the car turn 360 degree around. The rear right bumper hit the concrete barrier. Lucky there was no other cars around me.
I have started having an intermittent power steering issue. As I am driving the steering wheel begins to shake and I receive an error message that there is an issue with the power steering system. Then the error clears and says the problem is solved. This issue happens intermittent and sometimes lasts longer. I know in the past there was a recall on the power steering unit in the past. I believe the previous owner had the recall service done, but I do not understand that if the service was performed why my vehicle is having this issue with my Prius.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the steering wheel became stiff while making a left turn and the power steering light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11V304000 (steering). The failure mileage was approximately 13,620.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel shook violently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 143,000.
A 2001 Toyota pruis I own has developed an intermittent but severe steering wheel shake over the last 4 months. It is consistent with a warranty enhancement notice we received from Toyota in 2004 (NHTSA item number 10007669). To date the problem has only occurred at very low speeds, mostly when backing out of a parking spot or the driveway. The shaking / rattle is extremely severe, shaking the steering wheel so hard it is impossible to hold on to it. It lasts from less then one to 4 or 5 seconds. If it was ever to occur at any real speed, loss of control is a certainty. Due to the intermittent nature, I have not been able to get my dealer to "diagnose" the problem, when I took it in with this complaint. …
I am the original owner of a 2001 Toyota Prius. In 2002, we experienced a shutter and loss of power steering when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. The electric motor-assisted power steering (emps) rack had failed at 13,396 miles. Toyota replaced the emps rack under warranty. In 2006 at 65,427 miles, we reported to Toyota that the power steering failed while making a turn and the instrument warning lights illuminated. Fortunately, we were able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Toyota replaced the second rack at no charge. In 2008 at +105,000 miles, we experienced a noise in the front end that sounded like rubber bushings squeaking when the steering wheel was turned from left to right. Toyota informed us the emps rack had failed a third time. …
While driving into a freeway our 2001 Toyota Prius experienced a violent shaking of the steering wheel and the ps and exclamation warning lights came on. My wife pulled over and shut the vehicle off and the error cleared. I decided to drive the vehicle to the dealer the previous owner done all the service and repair. As I pulled into the service area the violent shaking happened again. I researched the issue online and found the there was a recall of the power assist steering unit due to a faulty sensor. When I questioned the dealer regarding the recall the service guy became defensive and said it is not covered under recall and warranty is expired so it is a chargeable repair. I reviewed the recall notice and warnings but my vehicle is not in the VIN range but the problem is exactly the same and cost $4000 to repair. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle lost power steering. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Upon restart, the vehicle operated as normal for approximately 30 minutes before the failure recurred. The failure occurred about twelve times while driving for at least 30 minutes. The contact called the manufacturer who informed the contact that the vehicle was serviced by a prior owner for the recall 00V285000 (steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion). The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were approximately 109,000. Updated 10/20/10 the consumer stated the vehicle still has not been repaired. Updated 10/21/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated and the steering wheel immediately became stiff and hard to control. The failure would occur intermittently and when doing so, the steering wheel would also shake abnormally. The contact would shut off the vehicle and when restarting, the steering would resume normal operation. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 00V285000 (steering: gear box -other than rack and pinion) therefore they would not assist with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 205,000.
I have a 2001 Prius. I bought it in 2003. Ever since I bought it, the steering wheel sometimes wobbles when I back up and turn the wheel. This has been consistent since 2003. This winter, when the weather has been very cold, the steering wheel has shuddered violently several times, wobbled while driving forward twice, and now the warning light for power steering is on. I am taking it to the dealer tomorrow, jan 21 2011. I have read about the wobbling steering wheel while backing up since I bought the car. I am also seeing that there was an extension of the warranty on the steering column, but I never received notice, and my dealer denies any recall regarding this problem.
Related recalls
Steering › Electric power assist system
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 steering assistance when making a left turn.
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.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Insufficient electrical contact can occur in the torque sensor that controls the power assist operation of the electric power steering gear box. The torque sensor could send improper electrical signals.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the electric steering gear box.
Steering complaints in other Prius years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Toyota Prius, 27% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Prius steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-304 (electric power assist system, Jun 1, 2011); NHTSA recall 00V-285 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Sep 21, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Prius steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.