Two problems related to steering column have been reported for the 2004 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Toyota Prius based on all problems reported for the 2004 Prius.
For the last couple of years there is a clunking sound from the steering column when turning the steering wheel from side to side, either stationary or when moving.
My daughter borrowed my Prius for a drive from layton, utah to seattle. Within an hour of leaving my home in layton, utah she called concerned about a vibration in the front end of my Prius as she approached 80mph. When she returned to utah, I had the tires checked, rebalanced, and the front end realigned. Soon after that, my husband and I left for the tahoe area. We experienced a vibration whenever we eased the steering from either a left or right pressure to neutral. Then at low speed going over a rough road with potholes, it sounded as if the steering column was going to fall apart. I have a recording of the rattling noise it made. I returned to the dealership I purchased my Prius from. They found that the intermediate shaft was loose and recomended replacing it. Parts #45260,45209, and 45221 were replaced. The vibration and rattling noise have been eliminated. The cost to me was $1003. 84. According to my VIN number, there has been no recall for the parts used to assemble my Prius. I urge you to look further into the quality of the parts used to assemble the steering mechanism in my Prius.