2003 TOYOTA Prius Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

111

Complaints Reported

Radar Detector GPS Tracker OBD2 Scanner Car Refrigerator Jump Starter Dash Cam

As an Amazon Associate, ForCar.org earns from qualifying purchases.

Complaints by Component

STEERING

36 complaints

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate with an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. As the failure persisted, the message disappeared, and the contact was able to drive to her destination. Upon restart of the vehicle, the contact received a do not drive message on the instrument panel with the steering wheel vibrating. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective steering sensor. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V304000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

Oct 26, 2022

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

Jan 26, 2020

WE PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS IN JUNE OF 2018. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN THE WEATHER STARTED GETTING COLDER IN OCTOBER OF 2018, THE CAR EXHIBITED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM: CAR STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY FOR SEVERAL SECONDS WHILE EXITING THE DRIVEWAY USUALLY AS WE ARE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE SHAKING OCCURRED AND IT WAS OFTEN AFTER MAKING A TURN AND/OR STRAIGHTENING THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ORDER TO STOP THE SHAKING, THE CAR HAS TO BE STOPPED. WE HAVE DONE SOME SEARCHES ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON FOR THE 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. HOWEVER, WE CALLED 3 DEALERS AND THEY ALL SAY THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT AND THEY HAVE TO SEE THE CAR AS IT IS SHAKING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE. SINCE THE WEATHER IS NOW WARMER, IT IS UNLIKELY IT WILL OCCUR UNLESS WE GET A COLD MORNING. WE CANNOT LEAVE THE CAR AT A DEALERSHIP INDEFINITELY. WE WERE PLANNING A TRIP TO IDAHO AND ARE AFRAID TO HAVE THE CAR ON THE ROAD BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT? SHOULD WE CONTACT TOYOTA DIRECTLY?

May 29, 2019

THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES INTERMITTENTLY; THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE TURNING INTO THE "TURN-AROUND" SPOT, IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY. MOSTLY AT SLOW SPEEDS, THERE IS A NOISE, GRINDING TYPE, COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER SAID THE BRAKES COULD BE DOING IT, SO THEY REPLACED THE FRONT PADS AND RE-SURFACED THE ROTORS, (AFTER THE $175) THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. WHEN I PUT MY VIN INTO THE NHTSA WEBSITE, THEY TELL ME THERE IS NO RECALL BUT ON .NHTSA.GOV/RECALLS#VEHICLE IT IS INCLUDED, BY YEAR AND IT MUST HAVE BEEN MADE BEFORE 12-31-2002 BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN WE GOT IT. MOST RECENTLY ON 02/27/2017, BUT HAS BEEN GOING SINCE NOV. OF 2016

Feb 27, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V304000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Jun 17, 2016

+ 31 more complaints for this component

TIRES

9 complaints

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS PROCEEDING WEST ON I-40 NEAR KNOXVILLE, TN WHEN THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE LEFT REAR TIRE AND WRAPPED ITSELF AROUND THE AXLE CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL. THE CAR VEERED TO THE LEFT THEN TO THE RIGHT, HIT A GUARDRAIL AND THEN HIT A SEMI HEAD-ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, THE DRIVER SURVIVED WITH A CONCUSSION AND A HEAD WOUND. *TR

Jul 07, 2008

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. I HAD MY FIRST FLAT TIRE AT APPROXIMATELY 18,000 MILES. SECOND FLAT TIRE CAME 20,000 MILES. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE TIRE STORE I WAS TOLD THAT PRIUS HAVE MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH TIRES. THEY INDICATED THAT BOTH BACK TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND SHE ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE BUT THAT IT HAD BEEN RECTIFIED. SHE REPLACED MY LAST EXISTING TIRE AT APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES. AT 45,000 SERVICE I WAS AGAIN TOLD THAT BOTH OF MY BACK TIRES WERE COMPLETELY WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA INDICATED THIS WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT PROPERLY SERVICING THE CAR. I HAVE HAD ALL RECOMMENDED SERVICE UP TO THAT POINT. I CONTACTED THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP. HE ADVISES ME NOW THAT THE TIRES WILL ALWAYS ONLY LAST APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 K MILES. HE SUGGESTED THAT I CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE AT LEAST EVERY TWO WEEKS AND HAVE TIRES ROTATED EVERY 5,000 MILES BUT ADMITTED THAT THIS WILL PROBABLY NOT HELP BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN OF THE CAR.*JB

Oct 19, 2005

WE PURCHASED A 2003 PRIUS. THE CARS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED BRIDGESTONE EXTRA LOAD TIRES P175/65R14. IN LESS THAN 25,000 MILES WE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES WITH A SECOND SET. AFTER ABOUT 10,000 WEAR ON BOTH SETS THE NOISE FROM THE TIRES HAS BEEN SO LOUD IT WAS UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN THE CAR. WHILE THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE IT IS VERY AGGRAVATING WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE COST OF THE VEHICLE.

May 19, 2005

I HAD A BLOW OUT ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE ON MY 2003 PRIUS. THE TIRE HAD A LARGE SPLIT ACROSS THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE TIRE - THE SIDE YOU COULDN'T' SEE - AS WELL AS THE SPOT IN THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE THAT HAD BLOWN OUT. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND HAD VERY UNUSUAL WEAR PATTERNS ON IT. THE REST OF THE TIRES DID NOT SHOW UNUSUAL WEAR. I TOOK IT BACK TO BRIDGESTONE SINCE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PRIUS. I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHO SAID THE TIRE WARRANTY WAS THROUGH BRIDGESTONE. I NOW PLAN TO REPLACE THE TIRES WITH HIGHER PSI TIRES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE CAR TO BEGIN WITH WHEN PURCHASED. THE BLOW OUT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION WHEN IT HAPPENED. IF I HAD BEEN ON A FREEWAY I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. *JB

Jul 06, 2004

BLOWN TIRE

Jan 15, 2004

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

8 complaints

ABS BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND BEEPS, AND BRAKES BECOME SQUISHY ON MY 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. TOYOTA DEALER DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON DIAGNOSTICS, BUT THE PROBLEM KEEPS HAPPENING. I HAVE NOTICED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS ABS LIGHT PROBLEM, AND SQUISHY BRAKE PROBLEM. TOYOTA DEALER INFORMS ME THAT THEY HAVE HEARD NOTHING OF THIS PROBLEM FROM THE TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION. *TR

Jun 13, 2010

I OWN A 2003 PRIUS. WHEN I BOUGHT IT, BEFORE I EVER DROVE IT (WAS SNOW AND ICE) DEALER TOLD ME TO BE CAREFUL OF THE BRAKES. HE SAID, WHEN APPLIED, IT MAY FEEL FOR A SPLIT SECOND THAT I WAS SPEEDING UP OR NOT STOPPING. THE CAR DOES THIS ON SLIPPERY AND ROUGH RD AND ALWAYS HAS. I THOUGHT THAT WAS THE NATURE OF THE HYBRID AND HAVE LEARNED TO DRIVE ACCORDINGLY BUT IT IS DEFINITELY A TRYING SITUATION. *TR

Feb 10, 2010

IN READING RECENT MEDIA REPORTS REGARDING BRAKING FAILURES OF THE 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS, I REALIZED THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR LAPSES IN MY 2003 PRIUS' BRAKING SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. I WANTED TO GET THIS ON RECORD AS IT SEEMS THE MEDIA REPORTS BELIEVE THIS TO ONLY BE A PROBLEM IN THE 2010 MODEL WHEN THIS MAY BE AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME. BASICALLY, WHETHER OR NOT THE PHENOMENON OCCURS DURING BRAKING DEPENDS ON SEVERAL FACTORS AND SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE OFTEN IF THE ROAD IS WET. IF ONE HAPPENS TO BE ROLLING OVER A MANHOLE COVER, OR HITTING A POTHOLE OR BUMP AT THE MOMENT THE BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED IT FEELS AS THOUGH, FOR A BRIEF MOMENT, THAT THE CAR IS SKIDDING FORWARD ACROSS THE CHANGE IN ROADWAY SURFACE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN BRAKING OVER A THICKLY PAINTED CROSSWALK LINE OR THE WORD STOP PAINTED ON THE ROAD. THE COMMON FACTOR SEEMS TO BE BRAKING AS THE CAR'S TIRE TRANSITIONS FROM A HIGH FRICTION TO REDUCED FRICTION SURFACE. I BELIEVE I COULD REPRODUCE THIS ON DEMAND GIVEN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS. EARLY ON I BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION OF MY DEALERSHIP BUT THEIR WAS NO FOLLOWUP. FORTUNATELY IT HAS NEVER CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, BUT UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES IT COULD. I'VE DEALT WITH THE PROBLEM BY EITHER BRAKING BEFORE OR AFTER THE ROAD SURFACES I KNOW TO CAUSE THE BRAKE SLIPPING EFFECT. *TR

Feb 04, 2010

I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS AND ALSO EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME BRAKING PROBLEMS AS HAS BEEN REPORTED ABOUT THE 2010 PRIUS. IF I GO OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD WHILE BRAKING, OCCASIONALLY THE BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD (EVEN IF IT IS FULLY DEPRESSED) AND I NEED TO RELEASE AND DEPRESS AGAIN. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS WAS THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM AND NOT A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I NOW SUSPECT THAT IT IS THE SAME SOFTWARE GLITCH AS THE LATER PRIUS. *TR

Feb 04, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 25-35 MPH OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP UNTIL EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.

Feb 04, 2010

+ 3 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaints

CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE BEGAN RACING WILDLY, ACTING LIKE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ENGAGED. DRIVER STATED AS NOT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DURING THE ALLEGED EVENT. CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING ON STEEP UPHILL GRADES AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO OPERATE WITH 6-7 REOCCURRENCES THROUGHOUT 100 MILES OF DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE HOWEVER 6 MONTHS EARLIER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WOULD STALL REPEATEDLY. CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE AS RELATIVELY TROUBLE FREE WITH A HISTORY OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. (NOTE: THIS RECORD WAS RECEIVED VIA TELPHONE BY AN ODI INVESTIGATOR RATHER THAN THROUGH OUR HOTLINE OR ONLINE FORM. IT HAS BEEN ADDED TO OUR COMPLAINT FILE IN RESPONSE TO A THIRD PARTY REQUEST.) UPDATED 05/03/12*LJ UPDATED 05/04/12

May 10, 2011

2003 TOYOTA 4DR. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A FENCE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. *JB

Apr 15, 2010

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED FOUR TIMES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OVER THE SPEED LIMIT. TWICE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON AN ICE COVERED ROAD. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACCELERATED TWICE WHILE DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED AND UP TO DATE PRIOR THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Mar 18, 2010

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH ACCELERATION AND BRAKE PROBLEMS. CUSTOMER STATED WHEN SHE RELEASED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE RACED FORWARD WHILE MAKING A LOUD NOISE. THE BRAKES WERE REAPPLIED BUT IT DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO VEER SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED AFTER LURCHING ABOUT 30 TO 40 FEET WELL BEYOND THE STOP SIGN AND INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB

Sep 26, 2007

NAR 9-10-03. FOIA EMAIL FWD FM KOST/GC INQUIRING HOW MANY 2003 TOYOTA'S HAVE HAD A PROBLEM OF ACCELERATING WHILE THE BRAKE IS BEING APPLIED, ES HAVE NO RECORD. *CB

Sep 10, 2003

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD TICKING AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SHE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST INDICATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.

Sep 26, 2007

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS ENGINE STALLED THREE TIMES. DEALER REPAIRED AND PROBLEM RECURRED AGAIN THE SAME DAY. *TR. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE DEALER FOUND OIL INSIDE THE MANIFOLD. UPDATED *JB

Sep 10, 2007

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED AND LOST POWER. THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED OCCASIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE HYBRID ENGINE COMPUTER, THE MASS AIR FLOW METER, FUEL TANK, AND HYBRID BATTERY.

Sep 21, 2006

TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID, 2003 ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT PREVIOUS WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON CA HWY 10 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, AROUND 12:30 AM. WAS FORCED TO EXIT THE HWY, MADE UNSAFE TURNS IN TRYING TO REACH A GAS STATION WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING BY INERTIA.

Jun 01, 2005

CONSUMER IS LOOSING ENGINE POWER. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. PH

Feb 05, 2003

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS - DEVELOPED RATTLE AND TOOK TO THE DEALER. AFTER A LONG EXAMINATION, DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE POWER STEERING RACK. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO ACCIDENT AND COULD NOT DETERMINE A CAUSE. THE REPAIR COST QUOTED WAS $3,500, ONE HALF OF THE RESALE VALUE OF THE CAR. I CONTACTED TOYOTA MOTOR SALES AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE CAR HAD APPROX. 62,000 MILES, THEY WOULD DO NOTHING. THE DEALER HAS INDICATED A WILLINGNESS TO NEGOTIATE ON THE REPAIR PRICE. *TR

Jul 12, 2010

REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK, LARGE AMOUNT. *TR

Feb 28, 2008

I HAVE A 2003 4RUNNER THAT HAS A HORRIBLE CLUNKING SOUND THAT HAPPENS AT RANDOM. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT 3 TIMES. IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING FROM A STOP. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND NOT VERY COMFORTING. IF THE DRIVESHAFT IS SLAMMING AND MAKING THIS NOISE, I CAN'T IMAGING ANYONE THINKING THAT IS VERY SAFE. THE THING COULD BREAK AT ANY MOMENT. WHO KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE THE SLAMMING DOES TO IT! TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE SOME GETS HURT FROM IT. *TR

Oct 31, 2007

2003 TOYOTA LIMITED 4-RUNNER V8- AWDFRONT-END VIBRATION PROBLEM. I FIRST PRESENTED THE VIBRATION PROBLEM TO MY DEALER THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST! THEY TRIED BALANCING THE WHEELS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THEY AGREED THE PROBLEM WAS THERE AND NOTIFIED CORPORATE. THEIR TECHNICAL STAFF HAD THEM REMOVE THE FRONT AXELS AND RETEST THE VIBRATION WHICH STARTED AT 22 MPH, WENT TO 32MPH 42, 55, AND 62MPH NOW DISAPPEARED! A WEEK LATER A TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE MET WITH ME AND MENTIONED THAT SEVERAL VEHICLES IN PHOENIX HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE SUGGESTED IT PROBABLY WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO GET A FIX. TWO MONTHS LATER I TALKED TO THE TECH. REP. AGAIN AND HE MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINEERING GROUP HAD DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE INTERFERENCES IN THE SPIDER GEAR ASSEMBLY IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, THEY WERE TRYING TO CORRECT THE CONDITION WITH THRUST WASHER SHIMS AND OTHER THINGS. I HAVE PRESENTED MY CLAIM TO THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT GROUP. I HAVE CALLED THEM REGULARLY ONCE A MONTH AND HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS AT FINDING WHAT THEIR SCHEDULE IS FOR THE FIX,--ONLY TO SAY WE ARE WORKING ON IT AND YOUR DEALER WILL NOTIFY YOU. IVE SINCE HEARD FROM MY DEALER STAFF THAT THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF LEXUS GX470'S AS WELL AS 4-RUNNERS INVOLVED. IM BEGINNING TO FEEL THAT THEY HAVE SO MANY VEHICLES WITH DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLIES INVOLVED, THAT IT MAY REQUIRE SOME KIND OF MAJOR REDESIGN AND BUILD. IT MIGHT BE A LONG TIME BEFORE WE SEE A FIX! I HAUL A POP-UP TRAILER AND DOES IT MAGNIFY THE PROBLEM!*AK

Feb 06, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND MANUAL SAYS DO NOT OPERATE VEHICLE, PARK IMMEDIATELY. THIS HAPPENED ON MY 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS IN DECEMBER. FORTUNATELY THE DEALER WAS OPEN AND WHEN REPORTED SAID IT WAS NOT A BIG DEAL, THE CARE WAS DRIVABLE AND SHOULD BE BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE. IN SERVICE FOUND MASTER WARNING LIGHT CODES P0300, 301, 302, 303, 304, -3191, P33101, C1202 THEN NOTED "FOUND WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT TO CLEAN THROTTLE BODY (EG9016.5 01.99). WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE AND WAS PARKED IN DANGEROUS LOCATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ASCERTAIN WHAT STEPS TO TAKE IN LIGHT OF THE "DO NOT OPERATE VEHICLE" WARNING IN THE MANUAL. SAME SITUATION AROSE IN OUR 2002 PRIUS THIS DATE AND AWAITING RESULTS OF DEALER'S ANALYSIS (ALTHOUGH WHEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT THEY SAID WE COULD JUST AS EASILY CANCEL THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT). IN BOTH CASES SERVICE DEPARTMENTS SEEMED FAMILIAR WITH PROBLEM (AND MY SERVICE ADVISOR REFERRED TO IT AS A "SILENT RECALL".) *TR

Feb 10, 2010

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH ENGINE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRIANGLE AND ENGINE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL IN THE AIR INTAKE AND ON THE SENSORS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED TWICE WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, WHICH LEFT HER DRIVING WITH JUST THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. *JB

Feb 11, 2008

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS -- IN COLD WEATHER THE CARS COMPUTER DOES NOT ACT PROPERLY AND WILL SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE. *NM

Feb 27, 2007

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS GAS ENGINE STALLED, WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON ALL OVER THE SCREEN, AND IT WOULD ONLY DRIVE ON "BATTERY POWER." AFTER STOPPING, I TURNED THE CAR OFF BUT IT WOULD NOT RE-START IMMEDIATELY. AFTER A FEW TRIES AND THEN WAITING, THE GAS ENGINE STARTED WHEN I TURNED THE KEY. DURING THE TIME IT WAS RUNNING ON BATTERY, AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT AIR. AFTER GAS ENGINE RE-STARTED, AIR CONDITIONER BLEW COLD AIR. TOYOTA SERVICE SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE WHAT WAS ON THE SCREEN THEY DIAGNOSED AND SAID IT WAS THE COMPUTER AND ORDERED PARTS. THEY WERE ALSO THINKING THE BATTERY HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. 1. THEY MAY NOT HAVE DIAGNOSED MY CAR CORRECTLY SINCE THEY DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS RECALL, AND MAY NOT FIX IT CORRECTLY (INCLUDING PUTTING GREASE ON CERTAIN WIRES). AND 2. THAT NEWS REPORTS IN THE U.S. SAY IT IS 2004 AND 2005 PRIUSES WHICH ARE AFFECTED, SO 2003 OWNERS MAY NOT GET LETTERS TO TAKE THEIR CAR IN ON THIS RECALL. THIS COULD RESULT IN PEOPLE BEING KILLED. I WANT SERVICE DEPT TO UNDERSTAND THAT PRIUS 2003 OWNERS MAY NOT BE NOTIFIED BECAUSE TOYOTA MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THEY ALSO HAVE THE PROBLEM. THEY SHOULD INFORM TOYOTA THEY HAVE A 2003 IN FOR REPAIR WITH SAME PROBLEM AS 2004-2005 CARS. I AM CONCERNED THEY MAY NOT DO REPAIRS ON MY CAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHAT IS SPECIFIED ON THE RECALL EVEN IF I DID NOT GET A LETTER. THIS UPSETS ME AND IT ALSO SCARES ME. I AM SURE TOYOTA WOULD NOTIFY SERVICE & OWNERS IF THEY WERE AWARE IT ALSO AFFECTS 2003 PRIUS'. SO I WANT YOU TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF IT AND BE SURE THEY SEND THE 2003 OWNERS LETTERS TOO. *NM

Oct 15, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

OCCASIONALLY, WHEN BRAKING, THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO BRAKE, THEN LURCH FORWARD A LITTLE, AND THEN BRAKE AGAIN PROPERLY. IT'S DISCONCERTING AT BEST AND SCARY AND DANGEROUS AT WORST. I'VE HAD THIS BRAKE PROBLEM FOR YEARS BUT FINALLY REALIZED THAT IT'S A SIGNIFICANT TOYOTA FLAW WITH THE ABS, AND THAT NEWER PRIUSES AND LEXUSES WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM. TOYOTA DID NOT RECALL THE 2001-03 PRIUSES AND REFUSE TO ACCEPT THAT IT'S ANYTHING BUT THE RESULT OF AGE (AS PER AUG 2020). HOWEVER, I'VE SEEN ONLINE THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE THEY FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR! I BOUGHT IT USED AND CAN'T REMEMBER HOW LONG IT'S BEEN HAPPENING. IT'S NOT EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. IT HASN'T CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, BUT IT CERTAINLY COULD. AND IF I CRASH INTO SOMEONE, IT WILL BE CONSIDERED MY FAULT, EVEN THOUGH IT'S VERY CLEARLY TOYOTA'S FAULT! I'M VERY DISTURBED THAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN REPORTING THIS ISSUE FOR YEARS, THAT TOYOTA DEALERS HAVE REFERENCED IT AS A PROBLEM, TOO, AND THAT TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX THE PROBLEM.

Aug 31, 2020

THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME TO A STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AN ALARM/LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON FOR ABS BRAKES AT THE SAME TIME. I HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKES FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID TWO VEHICLES AND CAME TO A STOP IN THE BUS STOP AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FOR REPAIR BUT THE REPAIR SHOP CANNOT FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WITHOUT THE NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM. FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 36K MILES THIS SEEMS HIGHLY UNUSUAL AND A SEVERELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR

Jun 04, 2014

ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON THEN WENT OFF. I BROUGHT CAR TO MECHANIC WHO CHECKED BRAKES. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. THEN I HEARD A HIGH PITCHED ALARM SOUNDING NOISE WHILE THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT WARNING WAS ON, THEN BOTH WOULD TURN OFF THEN ON THEN OFF.....THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON TO WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TROUBLE. WHEN I CHECKED THE INTERNET, OTHER PRIUS OWNERS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS AS WELL. SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND AFTER ALL THE "CODES" HAD BEEN FIXED, THE ALARM SOUNDED YET AGAIN. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Oct 25, 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

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.

Jul 10, 2020

I TOOK MY CAR IN A WEEK BEFORE THIS INCIDENT BECAUSE I NEEDED SERVICE AND WAS GOING ON A TRIP TO SAN DIEGO WITH MY 5 YR OLD DAUGHTER. KEYES TOYOTA IN VAN NUYS DID EVERYTHING TO IT AND REPLACED MY FRONT BRAKES AND INSPECTED EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE OTHER BRAKES... SO YESTERDAY, IM ON THE FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY A PIERCING, LONG BEEP HAPPENS AND 2 WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. " BRAKE AND ABS" ... I'M THINKING " WHAT JUST HAPPENED! I JUST HAD MY CAR MADE PERFECT THE OTHER DAY!!?? .. AND THEN, NOT TWO MINUTES AFTER THOSE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, MY BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED!! PEDAL TO THE FLOOR NOTHING! :-( ... I WAS SOOOOOO SCARED.... I PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND CREPT OVER TO FIND A SHOULDER .... I WEAVED OVER WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT THANK GOD SO I GET TO THE SHOULDER THANKFULLY BUT IT'S A SHORT SHOULDER... AND IM PRAYING AS I ROLL TO A STOP .. I'VE BEEN BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA CORPORATE THESE PAST 24 HOURS BECAUSE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY OVER $2000 FOR SOMETHING THAT IS THE MANUFACTURERS FAULT!!... I COULD HAVE DIED OR KILLED SOMEONE...WHAT IF MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR AND I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION SLOWING FOR A RED LIGHT!!?? OH MY GOD!... SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE... I'M FULLY READY TO SUE TOYOTA...GO TO THE NEWS OUTLETS...LOS ANGELES TIMES...ANYONE WHO WILL MAKE THIS PUBLIC... NO ONE SHOULD DIE BECAUSE THEY ARE TRYING TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT.... AND NO ONE SHOULD DIE BECAUSE A CORPORATION WON'T OWN UP! ..I'M PUTTING A STOP ORDER ON THE REPAIR TOMORROW MORNING....I'M HOPING YOU CAN HELP ME AND OTHERS WHO COULD POTENTIALLY BE FATALLY INJURED (OR THEIR CHILDREN) FROM AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT JUST FAILS! BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE JUST SAID " WELL, THAT PARTICULAR PART ONLY HAS A 3 YR WARRANTY OR 36,000 MILES AND SO AFTER THAT IT'S THE OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY. REALLY? IT'S MY RESPONSIBILITY IF YOUR CRAZY FAULTY CAR KILLS ME OR MY CHILD? NUTS! *TR

Jul 27, 2012

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

I HAVE NO VEHICLE PROBLEMS, BUT THE SAFERCAR.COM WEBSITE WON'T LET ME ENTER MY VIN [XXX] , SAYING THAT I HAD TO FOLLOW THE FORMAT, EVEN THOUGH A YEAR OR TWO AGO IT WORKED! WHAT CAN I DO??? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jul 01, 2016

NOTIFIED BY DEALER THAT BOTH CV JOINTS ON FRONT AXLES ARE SEVERELY WORN AND IN DANGER OF FAILURE. THE CAR HAS 56,488 MILES ON IT. IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, AND MOST MILEAGE WAS COMMUTING AT SPEEDS UNDER 45 MILES/HOUR. THIS WOULD SEEM TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD NOT OCCUR AT THIS MILEAGE. *JS

Apr 16, 2012

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

WHILE BACKING UP SLOWLY (UNDER 10), THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP, UNINTENDED ACCELERATED, TO HIT THE MOVABLE BARRIER AND ANOTHER CAR BEFORE BRAKED.

Aug 29, 2013

Crash: 1

BACK HATCH UNLOCKED AND FLEW OPEN ON HIGHWAY WHILE I HAD CUSTOMERS IN MY 4 RUNNER. PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO SHUT...WOULD NOT SHUT. HAVING TO DRIVE NOW WITH BACK TAILGATE TIED SHUT. EXHAUST COMES IN THROUGH BACK OF VEHICLE. HAVING REPAIRED ON 10/24 FOR A COST OF OVER $400! *TR

Oct 21, 2007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED HIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY THIRTY TIMES FOR VARIOUS SAFETY FAILURES. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE TRAVELING UPHILL AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE FROM BATTERY TO GASOLINE POWER WHEN WARRANTED, AND THE CONTACT INTERMITTENTLY WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR INTO THE REVERSE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE HE ADVISED THAT THERE MAY BE ENGINE OIL IN THE THROTTLE CAUSING THE STALLING ISSUES. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A HYBRID EXPERT TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,300.

Apr 29, 2010

AFTER A SERIES OF PROBLEMS WITH THE PRIUS ENGINE THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION REPLACED. NATURALLY THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER COVERED BY ITS WARRANTY. BACK GROUND: 2003 PRIUS, ODOMETER READING 116,289. ON 12/22/2008, I STARTED THE CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. I WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE GASOLINE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND THE BATTERY RAN OUT OF POWER. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. ON 12/27/2008, I STARTED THE CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AGAIN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THE DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED OIL IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AS PER A TSB. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT CHARGE ME FOR PART OF THE REPAIRS. ON 01/04/2008, I WAS DRIVING WHEN AN INTERMITTENT GRINDING NOISE BEGAN ON BOTH BRAKING AND ACCELERATION. I FOUND THAT THE NOISE DISAPPEARED IF I BRAKED AND ACCELERATED EXTREMELY GENTLY. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS A SHIM IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM THAT MAY HAVE SLIPPED OUT OF POSITION. I AUTHORIZED AN ESTIMATE OF $52.52. THE FOLLOWING DAY, A SERVICE PERSON OF THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT THE BRAKES WERE FINE BUT THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE RESOLVED BY CHANGING THE SPARKPLUGS. I ORALLY AUTHORIZED AN ESTIMATE OF ABOUT $150.00 (I DON?T REMEMBER THE EXACT AMOUNT.). THE SERVICE REP CALLED ME LATER THAT DAY (1/5) AND EXPLAINED THAT MY PROBLEM WASN'T?T REALLY THE SPARKPLUGS BUT THAT THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS REPAIR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $2,000. THE SERVICE REP INFORMED ME ON 1/6/2008 THAT A MISTAKE WAS MADE AND COST OF THE NEW TRANSMISSION ALONE WOULD BE $5,000, WITH OTHER PARTS, LABOR, AND THE COST OF A RENTAL CAR, THE FINAL ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR WAS AROUND $7,000. *CN

Jan 09, 2008

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

2 complaints

ABS BRAKE FAILS FOR A SHORT TIME WHEN SLOWING AND HITTING A BUMP. THIS HAS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE PURCHASE (NEW) IN 2003. *TR

Feb 09, 2010

THE BRAKE SYSTEM IN MY CAR FAILED. IT WAS FOUND LATER THAT BOTH THE COMPUTER AND PUM/ENGINE SYSTEM FOR THE BRAKES FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY. I WAS CHARGED $2000 FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Aug 06, 2009

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS HAD 12V BATTERY REPLACED UNDER TOYOTA TSB EL014-03 "BATTERY CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT" INSTRUCTIONS WERE OMITTED AS WELL AS NOT FOLLOWED. CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR APPROX. 2 WEEKS WITH BATTERY NOT VENTED OUTSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND NOT PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE BY HEAVY OBJECTS IN TRUNK. WAS CORRECTED BY ME PRIOR TO FURTHER OPERATION. POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE STARTING IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR DUE TO HYDROGEN GAS BUILD UP FROM CHARGING/DISCHARGING IGNITING THE TRUNK LINING, PASSING UP THE PLASTIC VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR TRACTION BATTERY AND FUSING HIGH VOLTAGE TRACTION BATTERY CABLES TOGETHER WAS THERE PRIOR TO CORRECTING VENT SITUATION. AWAITING RESPONSE FROM LOCAL DEALER AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS ABOUT VENTING LEAD ACID BATTERIES OUTSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENTS OTHER THAN FEDERAL MOTOR SAFETY ADMINISTRATION 393.30 BATTERY INSTALLATION. *NM

Feb 21, 2007

COMPUTER FAILED. *JB

Oct 09, 2006

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

2 complaints

SINCE THE FIRST MONTH AFTER BUYING THE CAR, GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN NO MORE THAN 30 MILES PER GALLON, WHICH IS AT LEAST 20 MILES LESS THAN ADVERTISED... ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THE CAR HAS JERKED FORWARD IN TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS AND WHEN DRIVING MORE THAN 60 MPH THE CAR LOSES CONTROL, ALSO THE CAR HAS SHUT OFF NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ALMOST CAUSING MORE ACCIDENTS. *LA

Nov 12, 2003

VEHICLE WOULD RUN OUT OF GAS, BUT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR WOULD READ THAT THERE WAS STILL ENOUGH FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Aug 29, 2003

WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much

Feb 01, 2026

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

THERE IS NO THERMOSTAT GAUGE IN A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS , THE CAR OVER HEATS AND YOU DON'T KNOW UNTIL YOUR IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC NEARLY GETTING KILLED. TOYOTA WAS CONTACTED, BUT SAY NOT A RECALL AND THEY DON'T HONESTLY CAR CAUSE CAR IS OLD . THAT'S NOT RIGHT , ANYTHING YOU STILL USE FROM CARS OR EVEN MEDICINE HAVE LATER COME BACK TO HURT OR KILLED PEOPLE. THERE IS NO HOT TO COLD GAUGE IN THE CAR , 2003 ONLY . I HAVE INVESTIGATED AND SEE PEOPLE PUBLISH ABOUT THIS BUT LET IT SLIP BY . I WAS DRIVING WITH NO INSTALLED GAUGE AND SURVIVED THROUGH MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ON A STALLED VEHICLE THAT OVER HEATED AND WAS LATER CHECK BY TOYOTA TECHNICIANS THAT SAID F THERE WAS A THERMOSTAT GAUGE PROBLEM WOULD OF MOST LIKELY BE AVOIDED. SOMEBODY CAN'T KEEP OPEN AND CLOSING THE RADIATOR CAP CAUSE OF THIS MISSING GAUGE . OIL HAS DIPSTICK YOU CHECK !!! SAFELY TOO. NOT GOING FRY MY FACE OR BURN MY HANDS ON KEEP CHECKING THE RADIATOR. PLUS WITH A PROPER GAUGE YOU MIGHT KNOW IF YOUR CAR IS COOLED DOWN OR SAFER TO CHECK. TOYOTA HAD REFUSED TO ADDRESS OR CLAIM ANY ISSUES. CASE# [XXX]. PEOPLE LIVES ON AT STAKE CAUSE THEY WANTED TO A. SAVE MONEY B. DON'T KNOW HOW FORGET TO INSTALL THE PART FOR THE YEAR ON EVERY 2003 PRIUS !! PLEASE HELP , TOYOTA DOES NOT CAR ABOUT MY SAFETY OR ANYBODY ELSE SAFETY - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jul 31, 2017

Injuries: 1

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HER FROM HITTING HER HEAD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/2/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT REPORT THIS INFORMATION. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SEATBELTS WHICH WAS NEVER TAKEN CARE OF. THE CONSUMER DID NOT SUSTAIN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONSUMER SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION TO ENSURE HER INJURIES WERE ACTUALLY MINOR. UPDATED 3/30/2015 *JS

Jul 22, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

PURCHASED CAR ON EBAY FROM A PA DEALER, DID NOT KNOW, NOR WAS I TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD NO AIRBAG. WHETHER IT WAS REMOVED OR NOT REPLACED I DON'T KNOW. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND RECEIVED A COMPOUND FRACTURE OF HER RIGHT LEG. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A FEDERAL OFFENSE NOT TO NOTIFY A BUYER OF MISSING AIRBAGS. MY WIFE HAD TO BE AIRLIFTED FOR TREATMENT, AND STILL IS UNABLE TO WALK CORRECTLY. SHE HAS CONTINUOUS PAIN. *TR

Jun 19, 2014

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

MY 2003 PRIUS (FIRST GEN, FROM JAPAN), HAS BEEN THRU A FEW RECALLS - 1 WAS TO SEAL THE BATTERY BETTER EARLY ON (04ISH), THEN IT WAS GIVEN NEW PINION SHAFT NUTS. LATEST ISSUE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE ALL ALONG, JUST NOT DIAGNOSED/FIXED TIL NOW. SOMETIMES THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT WOULD COME ON, WITH THE CAR/! /TRIANGLE GRAPHIC ON TOUCH SCREEN. THIS TIME IT DIDN'T GO AWAY. LONG STORY SHORT, IT WAS THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER SAID IT WASN'T CYCLING PROPERLY, LEAKING ANTIFREEZE; ALSO A BIG HYBRID BATTERY ISSUE WAS SHOWING UP, BUT THEY SUSPECTED WHEN FIXING WATER PUMP IT MIGHT CLEAR UP BATTERY ISSUE. DID RESEARCH, FOUND THIS HAS BEEN A BIG ISSUE FOR A LOT OF PRIUS OWNERS. SAW THE CONSUMER REPORTS & THIS STORY, FROM A TOYOTA NEWS RELEASE. THE FOLLOWING IS EXACTLY WHAT I'VE EXPERIENCED, & MY CAR WAS PART OF THE PINION SHAFT NUTS/STEERING COLUMN RECALL, BUT NOT WATER PUMP RECALL!: "TOYOTA IS RECALLING 670,000 OF THEIR POPULAR PRIUS HYBRIDS IN THE US TO CORRECT TWO SAFETY ISSUES. THEY SAY ALL OF THE VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF A PART IN THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO AN ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE EXCESSIVE WEAR. 350,000 OF THESE SAME PRIUS VEHICLES (FROM 2001-2010 IN JAPAN ) ARE ALSO BEING RECALLED TO REPLACE THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP FOR THE HYBRID SYSTEM. TOYOTA SAYS THE PUMP COULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE HYBRID SYSTEM TO STOP RUNNING. THEY SAID ITS DEALERS WILL INSPECT & REPLACE ANY DEFECTS FREE OF CHARGE. RECALL NOTICES WILL GO TO OWNERS IN DEC. 2012. ABOUT 2.77M VEHICLES WORLDWIDE ARE AFFECTED."TOYOTA DID NOT PAY FOR MY REPAIR, $669; THAT WAS WITH A 15% OFF COUPON! I AM KEEPING MY RECEIPT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO INCLUDE MY VIN IN THE NEXT BATCH OF RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP, WHICH HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE SINCE DAY 1, BUT A SLOW DIAGNOSIS, THAT MAY HAVE AFFECTED THE OVERALL FUNCTION OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM BATTERY PERMANENTLY. NO FUN! *TR

Aug 27, 2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STEERING

1 complaint

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING PINION SHAFT NUTS ON THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP ON AUGUST 10, 2011. UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO USE THE HORN, HE DISCOVERED IT WAS NOT WORKING. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, TO INFORM THEM, THE HORN HAD BEEN DISCONNECTED OR MAYBE A WIRE HAD COME OFF. THE DEALER STATED THE RECALL HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HORN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HORN WAS WORKING PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER THEN CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS JUST A COINCIDENCE THAT THE HORN BROKE WHILE PERFORMING THE RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE INVOICE, THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL SHORT POWER SPIRAL CABLE WAS BAD. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUNDED HIS MONEY. UPDATED 09/23/11*JB CONSUMER'S ISSUE RESOLVED 12/6/11 *ET

Sep 14, 2011

STEERING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

TWICE NOW MY STEERING HAS FROZEN AS I AM STRAIGHTENING THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER MAKING A TURN. THERE ARE NO PARTICULAR EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, THOUGH THIS TIME MY STEERING HAD FELT STIFFER AND JERKIER OFF AND ON BEFORE THE TIME WHEN IT ACTUALLY FROZE. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I HAD IT TOWED RIGHT TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME, I WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO GET IT MOVING AGAIN, BUT IT CONTINUED TO FREEZE RANDOMLY THE NEXT COUPLE OF TIMES I DROVE IT. IN BOTH INSTANCES, THE "SOLUTION" IS TO REPLACE THE STEERING RACK. *TR

Jun 26, 2011

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS--HEADLIGHT LENSES CLOUD UP, RENDERING THE ABILITY TO SEE AT NIGHT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE TRIED THE DYI KITS TO REMOVE THE CLOUDINESS, BUT THEY ONLY IMPROVE IT SLIGHTLY AND ONLY TEMPORARILY. WITHIN 3 MONTHS, THEY ARE JUST AS BAD AGAIN. NOW I AM TOLD THAT IT WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION AS IT IS. NEW LENSES ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE AS IT IS EVIDENTLY A DEALER ITEM ONLY. *TR

Jan 26, 2011

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,TIRES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASING THREE MONTHS AGO. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD A LEAK AND THE INVERTER WAS REPLACED BECAUSE SEVERAL LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ON DECEMBER 3, 2010, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Dec 07, 2010

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING AFTER THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER A PATCH OF ICE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000.UPDATED 03/30/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/28/10

Feb 17, 2010

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

2203 TOYOTA PRIUS CST BRAKE LIGHT GOES ON INTERMITTENTLY HAD BRAKES REPLACED BY DEALER. BRAKES DID NOT FEEL OK BUT TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR INTERMITTENTLY BUT NO BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER CAR SLID THRU RED LIGHT AT INTERSECTION, CAR WAS BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER. BRAKES STILL DID NOT WORK. DEALER SAID BRAKE HOSES WERE SOFT & SWOLLEN AND BRAKE CONTROLLER STICKING. REPLACED BRAKE HOSES, FLUSHED LINES CAP. BLEEDER PLUG ACTUATOR ASSY. CAR HAS 67,000 MILES. *TR

Feb 05, 2010

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

MY 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY, IT USED TO ONLY HAPPEN PERIODICALLY BUT IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME NOW, THIS WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL IN '01 & '02'S AND SOME '03'S BUT MINE IN PARTICULAR WAS NOT INCLUDED ALTHOUGH IT DEFINITELY HAS A PROBLEM-THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND TOYOTA (DEALER OR MANUFACTURER DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT) THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Dec 29, 2009

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 complaint

TOYOTA CONSUMER SAFETY ADVISORY POTENTIAL FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE FLOOR MATS IN MY 2003 PRIUS ALMOST FROM THE BEGINNING OF OWNING MY CAR. WHEN I LOOKED AT THE ILLUSTRATIONS ON THE TOYOTA WEB SITE IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE RETAINING MECHANISM IT IDENTICAL TO THAT OF THE 2004 PRIUS. YET THE MODEL IS NOT BEING COVERED BY THE RECALL. PLEASE CONSIDER EXPANDING THE RECALL TO ALL AFFECTED MODELS AND MODEL YEARS. *TR

Sep 30, 2009

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

POWER LOCKS - BEGINNING IN 2006, THE DRIVER SIDE/REAR POWER LOCK IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY SE BEGAN TO FAIL. THE FAILURE BEGINS WITH INTERMITTENT FUNCTIONING OF THE LOCKS - THE DOORS WILL LOCK/UNLOCK UNPREDICTABLY. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS - CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THE RISK OF THEFT FROM A CAR THAT FAILED TO LOCK. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PART WAS COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. (I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD). *NM

Jan 08, 2007

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

CONSUMER 2003 PRIUS PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE CONSUMER THOROUGHLY READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL ON HOLD TO CHANGE THE TIRE. THE SUPPLIED JACK WAS USED TO RAISE THE CAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RAISED A SHORT DISTANCE THE JACK SLID FORWARD AND THE CAR DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO RAISE THE VEHICLE THREE MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULT. *NM

Oct 03, 2006

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID 1. TIRE BLOW OUT WITH THE RIGHT PSI AND CLEAR BEAUTIFUL DAY. DEALER WILL NOT WARRANTY OR CHANGE TIRE. 2. THE CAR STOP AND STARTED RUNNING ONLY ON ELECTRICAL SERVICE. CALL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY ASK ME TO START THE CAR THREE TIMES AND IT WILL GO AWAY. I DID IT AND DROVE TO THE DEALER THEY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE HUMIDITY WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THIS HAD HAPPEN ABOUT FOUR TIMES AND EVERY TIME THE HUMIDITY WAS HIGH BUT THIS IS AND INCONVENIENCE NOT JUST TO ME BUT MY WIFE. ONE OF THIS DAYS THE EASY FIXING WILL NOT WORK THEM WHAT? *JB

Dec 30, 2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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. EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING WITH THE SPEED OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. THE THREE PREVIOUS TIMES THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE USING THE ELECTRIC MODE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME AFTER THE GAS ENGINE STALLED. THIS LAST AND 4TH TIME THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AT THE SAME TIME THAT THEY FELT THE GAS ENGINE STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER 3 IMMEDIATE ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE CAR ON. I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAYS AND TO PARK. AS WITH THE LAST 3 TIMES, I AGAIN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. EACH OF THE 4 STALLING INCIDENTS, I WAS ALERTED BY AN AUDIBLE SOUND AND VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS. AFTER THE CAR STALLED THE BRAKE AND STEERING OPERATION CONTINUED TO FUNCTION AS THE CAR DRIFTED TO A STOP. EACH TIME THE REASON WAS FOR THE FAILURE TO OPERATE WAS CAUSED BY SOMETHING DIFFERENT, AS I AM TOLD BY THE SERVICE CENTER. THIS LAST TIME, (4TH) THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE CAR IS "FINE" ASKED ME TO PAY THE TOW AND IS SENDING ME ON MY WAY. NOTHING WAS DONE. I DRIVE ABOUT 90 MILES A DAY WITH MY 8 YR OLD DAUGHTER AS MY PRIMARY PASSENGER. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED BY TOYOTA. MY DEALERSHIP (KINGS TOYOTA CINCINNATI OHIO). *NM UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dec 12, 2005

Injuries: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

DT:WHILE DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED DUE TO ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE FAILURE. *AK UPDATED 12/6/2005 - THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL RELAY. *NM

Oct 18, 2005

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. FIRST TIRE FAILURE (SEP 03) AT APPROXIMATELY 14K MILES; TOTAL FAILURE OF TIRE, WE LUCKED OUT. REMAINDER OF TIRES REPLACED AT ABOUT 18K MILES. THAT GOOD-QUALITY SET HAS NOW WORN TO THE POINT OF NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AT 38000 MILES. TOYOTA ADMITS THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP THE CUSTOMER WITH IT. A WEB SEARCH SHOWS OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (TIRE WALL FAILURES, LIKE OUR FIRST FAILURE) -- WITH SOME COMPENSATED, SOME NOT. THERE ARE ALSO OTHER DEFECTS WHICH THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT/CANNOT REPAIR AFTER SEVERAL REPORTS....UNTIL THEY BLAME THE CUSTOMER FOR "HURTING" THE CAR AFTER THEY CAN'T FIX IT.*AK

Dec 30, 2004

SUSPENSION,TIRES

1 complaint

BRIDGESTONE TIRES SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURER HAD BEGAN DELAMINATING ALONG INSIDE RIM BECAUSE REAR ALIGNMENT ON 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS INCORRECT. ONE TIRE WAS NEAR COMPLETE FAILURE WHEN DISCOVERED. THE QUESTION IS: DOES THE WEIGHT OF THE BATTERY PACK (PLACED IMMEDIATELY OVER THE REAR AXLE) CAUSE THE REAR SUSPENSION TO MISALIGN IN NORMAL DAILY DRIVING, WHICH IN TURN PLACES EXTREME WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES? BECAUSE THE WEAR IS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE, THE PROBLEM MAY NOT BE DISCOVERED BEFORE A BLOWOUT OCCURS. *JB

Dec 22, 2004

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

1 complaint

2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER - COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BOTH STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL, WITHOUT WARNING OR UNUSUAL CAUSE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 25 MPH. TOYOTA DEALER EXAMINED VEHICLE AND STATES THAT VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND MEETS DESIGN INTENT. TOYOTA DEALER STATES THAT PROBLEM CAN NOT BE REPAIRED AND RECOMMENDS SNOW TIRES. SNOW TIRES THAT MEET TOYOTA SPECS ARE NOT COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE.*JB

Feb 27, 2003

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

CAR STALLS (GAS PEDAL DOES NOT RESPOND) WHEN TURNING INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO WHEN SLOWING TO A LOW SPEED AND THEN ACCELERATING. THIS HAS CAUSED US TO ALMOST BE HIT SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SIDE AND IN THE REAR. MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR WITH TIRE MARKS LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMES ON AND FLASHES. THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT WHEN THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF THE ACCELERATOR WILL HAPPEN. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE ALMOST EVERY TIME WE DRIVE. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE CAR AND BEGIN TO GO YOU HEAR DINGING SOUNDS AND FEEL AND HEAR BUMPS AND GRINDING NOISES. 2 LIGHTS COME ON IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. 1 READS VSC TRAC AND THE OTHER READS TRAC OFF. IF YOU STOP AND RESTART THE ENGINE IT WILL EVENTUALLY STOP DOING IT. SOMETIMES THIS IS AFTER 1 RESTART AND SOMETIMES IT HAS TAKEN 5 AND 6. ON DAY IT WOULD NOT STOP NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU RESTARTED AND WE HAD TO DRIVE WITH LIGHTS ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 DIFFERENT TIMES.

Feb 15, 2003

4.8/5.0

91 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2003 TOYOTA Prius, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2003 TOYOTA Prius for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2003 TOYOTA Prius 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2003 TOYOTA Prius VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2003 TOYOTA Prius Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2003 TOYOTA Prius dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your TOYOTA dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2003 TOYOTA Prius have?

The 2003 TOYOTA Prius currently has 111 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2003 TOYOTA Prius?

The most common problems reported for the 2003 TOYOTA Prius are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2003 TOYOTA Prius problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2003 TOYOTA Prius comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2003 TOYOTA Prius?

You can report safety problems with your 2003 TOYOTA Prius directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2003 TOYOTA Prius VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2003 TOYOTA Prius reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2003 TOYOTA Prius. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.