Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
At 45mph on dry pavement, clear weather conditions I disengaged cruise control by tapping brakes. So that I could accelerate into traffic. The vehicle pulled hard to the left. I then found myself in a counterclockwise skid across the pavement as I left the pavement I felt the rear of the vehicle drop. Now spinning I bounced off a tree and into a drainage ditch with about 1 and 1/2 foot of mud and water. It was then I noticed that one of the wheels (left rear) had separated from the vehicle and was on the other side of the ditch. It all happened so fast I have no idea of the actual cause. The studs which hold the wheel to the axel shearedoff, ans axle snapped, the undercarrage and supports were tangled. Fhp officer at site indicated it could have been mechanical malfunction of some sort. Because of conditions I contacted Toyota as well as insurance co (progressive). …
This is the 3rd set of tires I have had to put on the car due to uneven wear. I only have 48000 miles on the car. The tires wear as though they are under inflated, but I am careful to be sure that I am following the manufacturers recommendation for tire inflation. Since this is the only tire useable on this car, I am very disappointed in Toyota's response to the problem. Since Toyota probably gave the specs to Bridgestone to manufacture the tire, it is Toyota's responsibility to assure that the tire was designed to be to have a normal tread life as well as help the car function efficiently. It is really tough to have to pay $80.00 a tire and have it only last 25000 miles. Yes I have had the dealer servicing the car and rotating the tires and the alignment is fine. The problem is the tire that Toyota requires to be used on the Prius.
While driving the vehicle at 35mph, the front passenger tire blew out. (size # p175/65r14) (dot # unknown.) the manufacturer has been contacted. Please provide further information. Tires were rotated when the oil was changed. Dealer stated tires failed due to lack of rotation. On one occasion, consumer thoroughly checked the tire before driving. Took vehicle to the dealer and they found a worm nail after looking for over an hour. Consumer has the tires. After the first failure, the consumer contacted went to Firestone for replacement tires. Firestone stated they could another tire and get the same effect since they didn't have it in stock. Toyota stated differently and nor did they have the tire in stock. After days of threats, Toyota had the same exact tire available for the consumer.
On two occasions, one when my car (2001 Toyota Prius) had 71,000 miles and one at 80,000, a spoke on a wheel cracked, requiring replacement of the wheel. On both occasions, an independent tire dealership diagnosed the problem as a defect in the wheel. Both said this is a safety issue and that Toyota should replace the defective wheels. The Toyota office that handles these matters contends that the wheel was damaged while driving (based on the Toyota dealerships assessment) on both occasions. However, the tire dealerships said there is no damage that can warrant such an assessment. For myself and other Prius owners, I am concerned that this problem will result in a serious accident as other wheels begin to crack.
I have serious and repeating problems with suspension/ tires on my Toyota Prius 2001 car (manufactured 06/01). Three times the front tires where abnormally and significantly worn (during approx 7,500 miles) with, with side and top scars etc. Toyota already changed the tires four times but they are unable to solve problem. However, the same problem is likely repeat itself again and again, and changing the tires is not a solution. I do not like driving on such dangerously worn tires; moreover, it is against the law to drive on tires in such condition). Car was regularly in scheduled Toyota service (including tires rotation, pressure check etc.).
The tires on our 2001 Prius continually fail after about 15,000 miles. We have had state inspections fail because of tread wear, refused service at Bridgestone dealers because of tread wear. With less than 50K miles we are working on the third set of tires. We check pressure and rotate our tires regularly. Since Toyota claims there are no replacements and no tread wear warranties, we think the car should no longer be allowed on the us market.
My 2001 Toyota Prius consistently wore out the front tires on the inside part of the tread, not easily visible from the street. The tires wore down to the cords in less than 10,000 miles. My wife had an accident where she could not stop the car in time to avoid it. My young daughter was in the car at the time. These cars are still on the road. I complained to Toyota but the complaint fell on deaf ears.
Bridgestone potenza tires, p175/65r14- on July 28, 2003 had to replace tires on the 2001 Toyota Prius. One tire was flat. I noticed that the tire had a big crack and the cords were visible. I looked at it closer and noticed that there were cracks halfway around the tire. I looked at the other 3 tires and noticed that they had cracks also. The tires looked liked they were very old.
Prius, 2001 both rear axle hub assemblies replaced after bearing failures with under 90K miles on my car, owned new since June 2001. There are not options to replace the failed bearings, just the complete rear hub assembly that includes the attached ABS sensor. Failed assemblies have been retained and are available. I am now concerned about my 2002 Prius, as well.
6/2001 Prius; mileage ~20,000; Bridgestone potenza 175/65/r14rx original tires; while driving approximately 40 MPH on surface streets, rear right passenger tread separated from the tire. Dealer recommended going to tire vendor for warrantee replacement. Plan to pursue issue with Toyota.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Prius years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2001 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2001 Toyota Prius, 18% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota Prius wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2001 Toyota Prius, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Prius wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to wheels & tires 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.