Steering Column problems of the 2002 Toyota Prius

Severe shaking in steering of 2002 Prius. Also encounter loss of power steering for a short time 4 different times. Taken to dealer 3 times !st two times I was told it just needed grease on the steering column. 3rd time was told it needed $3400 of working and that the car was dangerous to drive. Car had approximately 107,000 miles the third time I took it in. After I contacted Toyota corp. The dealer called to say he would work with me on the price, but I can not trust him to do the work. It has not been fixed yet I had ask the service manager if the car was safe to take on a long trip the 2nd time I took it in and he said yes. It was on the way back from the trip that I loss power steering driving on i95. Thankfully I was able to control the vehicle until power steering resumed.

I purchased 2002 Prius in June, 2005. In September 2005 power steering warning light came on 3 times while driving on freeway between tucson and phoenix. Dealer said the power steering torque sensor was malfunctioning and would cost $1450. 00 to replace. Took to my own mechanic (authorized Prius mechanic) who confirmed the dealers assessment and also told me that Toyota does not provide parts to repair the power steering so entire unit must be replaced. Problem disappeared for about 1 yr. Then in July of this year, power steering warning light started to come on while driving from tucson to las cruces. Also, steering wheel started to shake uncontrollably when backing up or turning while car was in motion. Battery also failed when attempting to leave nm and had to replace battery at a cost of $140 with only a one year warranty and no one except Toyota sells the battery. After discussing problems with my mechanic I called Toyota to see if they would replace power steering column - they told me my car was too old and had too many miles on it (only 59k). I own a 1975 celica that has 265k miles and it has never needed any steering column work - how come a car 30 years later needs one after only 59k? I used to think Toyota made a good product and stood by their cars, but I guess I was wrong. The 2002 Prius in not a road-worthy car and the savings in gasoline consumption does not come anywhere close to paying for a $1450 repair on an obviously defective steering column. I do not feel safe taking the Prius out on the freeway and steering wheel continues to shake uncontrollably. I will replace the power steering unit only when repair parts become available or the part breaks down completely. I doubt I will keep this car very long and I know I will not buy another Toyota in the future. Now when I am asked how I like my Prius I tell people to buy a Honda civic instead.