Automatic Transmission problems of the 2003 Toyota Prius

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.

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. Updated 09/28/10.