2003 Toyota Prius problems
The Toyota Prius (/ˈpriːəs/ PREE-əss) (Japanese: トヨタ・プリウス, Hepburn: Toyota Puriusu) is a compact/small family liftback (supermini/subcompact sedan until 2003) produced by Toyota. The Prius has a hybrid drivetrain, combined with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Initially offered as a four-door sedan, it has been produced only as a five-door liftback since 2003.
The Prius was developed by Toyota to be the "car for the 21st century"; it was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, first going on sale in Japan in 1997 at all four Toyota Japan dealership chains, and subsequently introduced worldwide in 2000.
In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius v, an MPV, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid was released in 2012. The second generation of the plug-in variant, the Prius Prime, was released in the U.S. in November 2016. The Prius family totaled global cumulative sales of 6.1 million units in January 2017, representing 61% of the 10 million hybrids sold worldwide by Toyota since 1997. Toyota sells the Prius in over 90 markets, with Japan and the United States being its largest markets.
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Common 2003 Toyota Prius problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2003 Toyota Prius, common problems with this car include:
- HV Battery Defects: Owners have reported issues with the high-voltage (HV) battery in the 2001 Prius, leading to concerns about battery performance and longevity.
- Engine Failure: Complaints about engine failure in the 2003 Prius have been noted, indicating potential reliability issues with the engine system.
- Bad Transaxle Assembly: Some owners have experienced problems with the transaxle assembly in the 2002 Prius, which could impact the vehicle's drivability and performance.
- Engine Cracks: Reports of engine cracks in the 2003 Prius have raised concerns about the durability and structural integrity of the engine components.
- Catalytic Converter Failure: Issues with the catalytic converter in the 2001 Prius have been reported, affecting emissions control and potentially leading to performance issues.
- Electrical Problems: The 2000-2003 Prius generation has faced various electrical complaints, highlighting potential issues with the car's electrical system reliability.
- Steering Concerns: Owners have raised complaints about steering problems in the 2003 Prius, indicating potential safety and handling issues that need attention.
- Wheel Issues: Reports of wheel-related problems in the 2003 Prius suggest potential issues with the vehicle's wheels, impacting safety and driving performance.
- Transmission Troubles: Complaints about transmission issues in the 2003 Prius have been noted, indicating potential reliability concerns with the transmission system.
These reported problems highlight a range of issues that owners have faced with the 2003 Toyota Prius, encompassing concerns related to battery performance, engine reliability, structural integrity, emissions control, electrical system functionality, steering safety, wheel performance, and transmission reliability. Addressing these issues promptly and through proper maintenance can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
How many miles does a 2003 Prius last?
Owners and experts alike report that a well-maintained Prius can last beyond 200,000 miles, and many even push past the 300,000-mile mark. This longevity is a testament to Toyota's engineering, quality parts, and the vehicle's design, which is tailored for efficiency and long-term use.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
Is 300000 miles on a Prius bad?
With its reliability score of 88 and regular maintenance, the Prius can keep running well past 300,000 miles.
What year was the best Toyota Prius made?
The 2012-2015 Prius models are often considered the sweet spot. These years strike a good balance between age, features, and price. Plus, they've got a solid track record for reliability. As for MPG, you're looking at some pretty good numbers.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
How many miles does a 2003 Prius last?
Owners and experts alike report that a well-maintained Prius can last beyond 200,000 miles, and many even push past the 300,000-mile mark. This longevity is a testament to Toyota's engineering, quality parts, and the vehicle's design, which is tailored for efficiency and long-term use.
What is the range of a 2003 Prius?
Used 2003 Toyota Prius - Specs & Features
| Fuel & MPG | |
|---|---|
| EPA city/highway MPG | 42/41 MPG |
| EPA combined MPG | 41 MPG |
| Range in miles (city/hwy) | 499.8/487.9 mi. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 11.9 gal. |
How long do Prius engines last?
With proper care and maintenance from the driver, you can expect Priuses to last 250,000-300,000 miles. They are exceptional, reliable vehicles that can last much longer than other similar vehicles. The Prius is an excellent option from the Toyota name. We hope this information is valuable!
2003 Toyota Prius car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prius problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Toyota Prius vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Toyota Prius
The NHTSA has received 110 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Prius. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Toyota Prius vehicles.
2022-10-26
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-21
- VIN: JT2BK18U130
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
2020-08-31
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-01
- VIN: JT2BK18UX30
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
2020-07-10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-10
- VIN: JT2BK18U430
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
2020-01-26
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-21
- VIN: JT2BK18U630
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
2019-05-29
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-01
- VIN: JT2BK12U930
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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?
2017-07-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT2BK18UX30
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2017-02-27
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-27
- VIN: JT2BK18U930
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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
2016-07-01
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
- VIN: JT2BK18U030
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
2016-06-17
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-04
- VIN: JT2BK18U430
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
2015-10-20
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-15
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK INTENSELY. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V304000 (STEERING), BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
2015-05-07
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-01
- VIN: JT2BK18U430
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND FUNCTIONED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V304000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
2014-07-22
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
2014-06-28
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-14
- VIN: JT2BK18U930
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO SHUDDER. AT ONE POINT, IT POWER STEERING MAKES A SPONTANEOUS TURN TO THE LEFT, WHICH I PREVENT WITH MY HANDS, BUT NEVERTHELESS MOVES THE CAR TO THE LEFT ENOUGH TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THE DRIVER IS NOT PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION, OR HAPPENS TO BE TOO NEAR ANOTHER CAR. THE POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY SHUTS OFF, AND THE REST OF THE TRIP CONTINUES WITH NO POWER STEERING, UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. THE NEXT TIME THE CAR IS TURNED ON, THE POWER STEERING IS BACK (UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN). *TR
2014-06-19
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2BK18U630
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
2014-06-04
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-03
- VIN: JT2BK12U330
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
2014-03-08
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-05
- VIN: JT2BK18U630
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING IN COLD WEATHER. IT HAS HAPPENED MOST DAYS THIS WINTER WHEN TEMPERATURES WERE BELOW 45F DEGREES. IT WAS MOSTLY AN ANNOYANCE AT FIRST, AND WOULD HAPPEN WHEN STARTING THE CAR, BUT TWICE IT HAS NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE FIRST NEAR COLLISION FROM SHAKING WAS IN JANUARY WHEN TRYING TO PARK BETWEEN TWO CARS IN A PARKING SPOT AND I COULDN'T CONTROL THE WHEEL UNTIL I PUT THREW THE CAR INTO PARK, TURNED IT OFF, AND TURNED IT ON AGAIN. THE SECOND, AND MOST SERIOUS INCIDENT SO FAR I NEARLY HIT A PEDESTRIAN IN A CROSSWALK WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE ON A DAY WHEN IT WAS IN THE 20'S. TURNING RIGHT THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY IT BROKE FREE FROM MY GRIP, I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND IT VEERED LEFT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE TOWARDS A PEDESTRIAN. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND ONLY MISSED HIM BY ABOUT 3 FEET. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A 2 YEAR SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE EPS, BUT THAT THE CAMPAIGN EXPIRED 12/31/13, AND THEY WERE THEREFORE UNABLE TO DO A REPLACEMENT BECAUSE I DIDN'T BRING THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE DEADLINE, AND THEY DON'T SEE IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE. WE WERE NEVER CONTACTED BY TOYOTA ABOUT THE SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AND THE ISSUE DID NOT BECOME DANGEROUS OR EVEN PARTICULARLY BOTHERSOME UNTIL NEARLY A MONTH AFTER THE CAMPAIGN EXPIRED. DUE TO THIS NEARLY CAUSING TWO ACCIDENTS IN A SHORT TIME SPAN JUST PAST THE CAMPAIGN DEADLINE, AND THE FACT THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL OF PRIUS, I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE ESCALATED TO A GENERAL RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY BASED ALSO ON MILEAGE INSTEAD OF SOLELY ON THE CALENDAR YEAR TO NOT PENALIZE LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLES COMING INTO THE PROBLEM BEYOND THE EXPIRATION OF THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT MANDATED SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *TR
2013-10-25
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-14
- VIN: JT2BK18U993
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
2013-09-09
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-02
- VIN: JT2BK18UX30
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STARTED VEHICLE , BEGAN TO PULL OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. HAD TO STOP VEHICLE TO WAIT FOR STEERING WHEEL TO STOP SHAKING. HAS BEEN DOING IT EVERYTIME I GO TO START VEHICLE . SEEMS TO DO O.K. DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 10 MPH. STARTING TO GET SLIGHT VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS POWER STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3400.00. *TR
2013-08-29
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2BK18U130
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE BACKING UP SLOWLY (UNDER 10), THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP, UNINTENDED ACCELERATED, TO HIT THE MOVABLE BARRIER AND ANOTHER CAR BEFORE BRAKED.
2013-08-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-10
- VIN: JT2BK12U330
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 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
2012-11-07
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-15
- VIN: JT2BK12U130
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TWO YEARS AGO, MY CAR BEGAN EXHIBITING STEERING ISSUES. WHEN TURNING, BOTH IN REVERSE AND DRIVE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHUDDER VIOLENTLY. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THE SHUDDERING SUBSIDED AND THE CAR STEERED NORMALLY. THE ISSUE WAS ESPECIALLY BAD WHEN THE CAR WAS COLD AND IMPROVED AS THE CAR WARMED UP. OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THE ISSUE HAS WORSENED, OCCURRING WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY AND WITH INCREASING VIOLENCE. THE STEERING WHEEL NOW JERKS UNCONTROLLABLY AS I DRIVE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHUDDERS WHEN TURNING, SOMETIMES SO VIOLENTLY THAT I CANNOT HOLD ONTO THE WHEEL OR CONTROL THE CAR. TURNING LEFT IS BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY DIFFICULT; THE CAR PULLS CONSTANTLY AND SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT EVEN THOUGH THE TIRES ON THE CAR WERE JUST ALIGNED. THE 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS WAS ALREADY RECALLED FOR STEERING ISSUES EXACTLY AS I DESCRIBE. TOYOTA CLAIMED THE ISSUE LAY WITH THE PINION SHAFT NUTS. THE PINION SHAFT NUTS IN MY CAR WERE ALREADY REPLACED, PER THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THE STEERING PROBLEM PERSISTS AND IS GROWING WORSE. FROM MY RESEARCH, OTHER 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS OWNERS DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THE SAME FAILURE OF THE RECALL REPAIR TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. MECHANICS NOT AFFILIATED WITH TOYOTA HAVE TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON, WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. ACCORDING TO THE TOYOTA RECALL NOTICE, "IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS REPEATEDLY AND STRONGLY TURNED TO THE FULL-LOCK POSITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THE NUTS SECURING THE PINION SHAFT IN THE STEERING GEAR BOX ASSEMBLY MAY BECOME LOOSE." (HTTP://PRESSROOM.TOYOTA.COM/RELEASES/TOYOTA+PRIUS+EPS+PINION+SHAFT+NUT+JUNE+2011+RECALL+FAQ.HTM). HOWEVER, MY CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN GENTLY AND MAINTAINED WELL THROUGHOUT ITS LIFE. DESPITE MY CAREFUL CARE OF THE VEHICLE, IT HAS BECOME DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I BELIEVE THE RECALL INSUFFICIENTLY ADDRESSED THE STEERING ISSUES ENDEMIC TO THE 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. *TR
2012-07-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-25
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
2012-04-16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-16
- VIN: JT2BK18U230
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
2011-09-29
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-01
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING HER VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V304000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,442.
2011-09-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-10
- VIN: JT2BK12U630
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STEERING
- Summary: 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
2003 Toyota Prius recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Toyota Prius.
2011-06-01
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: LOSS OF POWER STEERING, PARTICULARLY WHEN AN OPERATOR IS ACTIVELY INTENDING TO STEER THE VEHICLE, MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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.
Positive 2003 Toyota Prius car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Prius problems:
2003 Toyota Prius Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2003-toyota-prius/problems
Problem with your 2003 Toyota Prius? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Toyota Prius.
2003 Toyota Prius Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/prius/2003/common-problems/
How reliable is the 2003 Toyota Prius? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
reliability of 2001-2003 | PriusChat
https://priuschat.com/threads/reliability-of-2001-2003.98031/
Assuming a new main battery, how would you rate a 2001 Prius with 65000 miles on it. Worth getting? I can buy this outright as opposed to ...
2003 Many Issues - Please Help | Toyota Prius Forum
https://www.priusonline.com/threads/2003-many-issues-please-help.20548/
Jul 20, 2010 ... If that is the cause of your problem, with the ignition OFF, use your hand (easier than using your foot) to quickly depress and completely ...
2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid: Bad HV battery | PriusChat
https://priuschat.com/threads/2003-toyota-prius-hybrid-bad-hv-battery.206724/
... problems. Here's the link: 2001-2009 Prius P3191, P3190, P0A0F - easy checks for these common codes. Welcome to Prius Chat, what took you so ...
Other years of Toyota Prius
Are you having problems with your 2003 Toyota Prius?
Mauricio Brown 2025-01-09
Without a doubt, this is the best car I've ever had. It's so much fun to drive and the quality is excellent. I've never had any issues with reliability and it's incredibly efficient with great handling and clean exhaust. I have a great relationship with the dealer and it's also affordable, consistently achieving 50 MPG fuel consumption.
Darius Runte 2025-01-08
I've only driven big vehicles and when we moved to the country, I had to re-think my gas mileage. I decided to 'get as good as I could get' and that was a Prius. I love how this car doesn't make me feel like I'm in a little car. It's great! The ride is smooth and very comfortable! Plus, it runs like a scalded dog when I need the power to pass. I'm extremely pleased with this car. Although I still miss my 4Runner, the mileage on my Prius is fantastic!
Korbin Hand 2024-11-26
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my first car - a silver Prius that I purchased in July. I have to say, it's been an amazing ride so far! Not only do I get incredible gas mileage, but I've also learned a lot about my driving style and how to save money. Plus, it's always nice to get compliments on how clean and sleek my car looks. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to any first-time buyers out there. And as an added bonus, you even get a tax break! Thanks for listening.
Spencer Hilpert 2024-10-28
I am so glad to hear that you have found the perfect car for you! It sounds like it is easy to handle and very inexpensive to operate, which is great news. Additionally, the car seems to be very stylish both inside and out, with plenty of interior room. It must be so much fun to drive!
Adolfo Ward 2024-10-09
Best car I have ever owned! Although the fuel economy is different from what was advertised, I have been getting 50 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg in the city - the opposite of what I expected. The dealership service is good, but unfortunately, my buying experience was not so great. I found the dealership staff to be quite arrogant and unhelpful, which made the purchasing process difficult.