Seven problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 2001 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Toyota Prius based on all problems reported for the 2001 Prius.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, an unknown warning light illuminated and the steering wheel immediately became stiff and hard to control. The failure would occur intermittently and when doing so, the steering wheel would also shake abnormally. The contact would shut off the vehicle and when restarting, the steering would resume normal operation. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 00v285000 (steering: gear box -other than rack and pinion) therefore they would not assist with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 205,000.
2001 Toyota Prius. Consumer states problem with the rack and pinion the consumer stated not long after she purchased the vehicle. She experienced problems with the rack and pinion steering system, including steering wheel shaking and loss of power steering. The consumer took the vehicle in for service and was informed the entire rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The consumer believed the repair may be related to the pinion shaft problem that was just recently identified under a recall. The consumer is seeking reimbursement for the previous repair. Updated 12/28/11.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the steering wheel shakes when turning it in any direction. The failure has been present since the summer of 2006. On July 16, 2007, the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the steering gear rack and pinion assembly has an internal gear that failed. The manufacturer stated that the contact could pay for the repair in full and they would reimburse him for the parts. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 33,837 and failure mileage was 30,000.
The vehicle lost power when the consumer attempted to accelerate. Also the vehicle pulled to the right the tires were replaced several times and the vehicle had numerous alignments. The rack and pinion was replaced and the fuel tank assembly was replace.
For the second time in less than 6 months another front tire blew out while driving. First blowout was in August 2002 with about 21,000 miles on vehicle. Second tire blowout occurred with 27,000 miles on an eighteen month old car. There was no accident, but it was very scary, and it felt unsafe. Wheels vibrated for a few months, small amount, but dealer said nothing was wrong. Finally, dealer informed consumer that something was wrong with rack and pinion steering, and it needed replacement.
Suspected quality issue resulting in premature wear of front driver's side tire, leading to potentially unsafe driving/handling situations.
Consumer stated the steering rack was replaced.