Most common 2002 Toyota Prius problems
Share of the 167 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Prius complaints by model year
Best Prius years: 2021, 2020, 2018. Years to avoid: 2011, 2010, 2007, 2006, 2008. Compare all years →
2002 Toyota Prius recalls (2)
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.
Engine and engine cooling
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 connector. The wire harness connector May not be sufficiently attached to the locking tab of the sensor wiring connector.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Toyota Prius:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2002 Toyota Prius owners say
Steering all 80 →
I was driving on the 91 freeway west exit ramp to merge into the 57 freeway in Orange County ca. when suddenly I lost all power steering on the car . We managed to get out the freeway on the first exit
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. The car had $2233 in damages to the right front bumper, fender, wheel and tie rod. There were no injuries. After repair, the mechanic could not replicate the shaking. Prior to the accident, the Prius on rare occasion had brief episodes of steering wheel shaking, only while backing out of the driveway on cold mornings. In early jan 2016 the steering vibration occurred again while driving on neighborhood streets and could be stopped only by turning the car off. We ceased driving the car. I talked to our Toyota dealer and were advised the probable cause was a defect in the electronic power steering system and to contact Toyota. …
Brakes all 20 →
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 stop the car, continued to accelerate (estimate 30 MPH); fender bender crash of driver side front fender into passenger rear fender and side bumper. Very familiar with car (19 years driving it) and very familiar street near my home; confusion was not a factor; no airbags on either car activated; I was able to stop when I was beyond the struck vehicle. I plan on not driving car further and have asked Toyota dealer to take it back for junk without a definite reply so far
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Toyota Prius. She stated while pulling out from a driveway and applying the brakes, the brakes did not engage and caused her to crash into another vehicle. The vehicle sustained extensive damages to the entire front structure and was towed from the scene. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint filed. The failure and current mileages were 24,000.
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 2002 Toyota Prius. The contact was driving approximately between 65-75 MPH on normal road conditions when all of the warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Suddenly, a strong burning odor circulated inside of the vehicle and the engine began to overheat. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The cruise control, power windows system and cellular phone power outlet became inoperative. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned the engine off. The vehicle restarted and resumed operation with caution. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure was contributed to the transaxle. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunctions. The contact previously owned a 2002 Toyota Prius and experienced the identical failure. The failure mileage was 68,500. …
When driving in traffic hybrid battery completely discharges causing car to lurch when trying to accelerate. Once the car is out of traffic the battery over charges causing the battery to over heat and cause the cabin to fill with a scary smell of burning. The hybrid battery fan is on. Took to Toyota dealership paid nearly $300 for diagnostic and they could find no error codes related to the problem. Call chp to assist in tow to dealership.
2002 Toyota Prius engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 42 / 41 / 41 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Toyota Prius a good car?
Based on 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Prius rates better than average: 59% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Prius at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Toyota Prius?
The steering — 80 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rack and pinion. Next are the brakes (20) and electrical system (18).
How many recalls does the 2002 Toyota Prius have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Toyota Prius, the most recent from June 1, 2011 (electric power assist system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Prius?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2020 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2010, 2007, 2006 and 2008. See the full Toyota Prius years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Toyota Prius problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.