general problems of the 2001 Toyota Prius

I was getting off the freeway and driving 40 mph on the off ramp, when the 2001 Toyota Prius did a unwanted left turn of the steering wheel, I tried to turn the steering wheel back to correct the car angle, but he steering force was too strong for me to correct back to straight ahead, the left front car the concrete barrier, and the car turn 360 degree around. The rear right bumper hit the concrete barrier. Lucky there was no other cars around me.

Steering recall I called Toyota they said they couldn't do it and it says online it's good for 10 years after recall date.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. While driving 65 mph, the steering wheel shook violently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 143,000.

Ps warning light display, car will not start. Parked in home drive way.

I have started having an intermittent power steering issue. As I am driving the steering wheel begins to shake and I receive an error message that there is an issue with the power steering system. Then the error clears and says the problem is solved. This issue happens intermittent and sometimes lasts longer. I know in the past there was a recall on the power steering unit in the past. I believe the previous owner had the recall service done, but I do not understand that if the service was performed why my vehicle is having this issue with my Prius.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. The contact received the recall notice associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11v304000 (steering:electric power assist system). An authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that they would inspect the vehicle before performing repairs. The contact stated that according to the recall notice, the dealer was supposed to repair the vehicle if it was included in the recall. The manufacture was notified and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not yet taken to the dealer to find out whether or not repairs were needed. The failure mileage was 140,000.

While driving into a freeway our 2001 Toyota Prius experienced a violent shaking of the steering wheel and the ps and eclamation warning lights came on. My wife pulled over and shut the vehicle off and the error cleared. I decided to drive the vehicle to the dealer the previous owner done all the service and repair. As I pulled into the service area the violent shaking happened again. I researched the issue online and found the there was a recall of the power assist steering unit due to a faulty sensor. When I questioned the dealer regarding the recall the service guy became defensive and said it is not covered under recall and warranty is expired so it is a chargeable repair. I reviewed the recall notice and warnings but my vehicle is not in the VIN range but the problem is exactly the same and cost $4000 to repair. I don't believe this is a fair process if some vehicles were repaired while others have to be paid for by owners.

Steering wheel, uncontrollable shudder, will literally rip itself out of your hand or grip. Usually happens during the first of the day when it's relatively cold. While slowly moving the vehicle, the steering wheel will start to vibrate violently, in an un controllable manner. Sometimes the power steering will just error out while driving down the street during the day, loosing all power steering as well.

My 2001 Toyota Prius steering 'groans' when the wheels are turned far left or right. This defect occurs more often in warm weather and after the car has been driven. The vehicle has not been in any accidents.

The steering wheel on my 2001 Toyota Prius suddenly starts shaking violently when I start up the car. It seems to occur during cold weather. I have to stop the car when it happens because steering is no longer possible when the shaking happens. This shaking has occurred at least 5 times. If I let the car warm up for a few minutes before driving it seems to reduce the occurrence of the shaking.

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. While driving between 2-5 mph, the steering wheel would intermittently shake. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000 and current mileage was 27,000. Updated 01/11/08. The consumer was told he would be charged for replacing the steering rack. Updated.

The contact stated that 2001 Toyota Prius was having trouble with the steering wheel. When the wheel was in certain position it shuttered violently. The problem was intermittent. This happened just a few times since 2001, and in the last week, it was happening daily. The contact had not taken the car to the repair shop prior to this week. The contact was taken vehicle to dealer for a check up on the steering. There has been no success in contacting Toyota as of now. She will contact Toyota soon. The contact stated that the vehicle was very unsafe to drive. There has been no near misses, but this condition was very scary. Updated 12/27/05.

Consumer stated while driving at any speed and with no warning the steering bolts became loose and caused the steering wheel to jump around, which made the vehicle difficult to steer. Dealer notified. Vehicle pulled significantly while driving. The tires were inspected at 15,536 miles, but at 18,800 miles one of the tire blew revealing the tires were bald. Later, it was discovered the alignment was out and tire needed to be replaced again.