NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,439 reports163,690 miles · Jun 14, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
AFTERNOON 07/11/17 WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL @ 50 MPH MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS TURNED OFF- NO STEERING, EXTERIOR LIGHTS, DASH/COMPUTER LIGHTS, RADIO- EXCEPT FOR FRONT INTERIOR DOME LIGHT. NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO OR AFTER CAR TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE (VERY STIFF BRAKES) & PULL OVER. REPLACED 2015 12V BATTERY HOPING FOR QUICK F…
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AFTERNOON 07/11/17 WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL @ 50 MPH MY 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS TURNED OFF- NO STEERING, EXTERIOR LIGHTS, DASH/COMPUTER LIGHTS, RADIO- EXCEPT FOR FRONT INTERIOR DOME LIGHT. NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO OR AFTER CAR TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE (VERY STIFF BRAKES) & PULL OVER. REPLACED 2015 12V BATTERY HOPING FOR QUICK FIX. CAR STILL WOULD NOT TURN ON, COULD NOT BE TOWED ON FLAT BAD FOR FEAR OF DAMAGING TRANSMISSION. CAR WAS TOWED TO CLOSEST MECHANIC. ON 07/12/17 INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAID BOTH COOLANT PUMPS FAILED AND THE LEAKING SHORTED A FUSE AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. EVERY TIME THEY ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE FUSE IT WOULD POP FUSE AGAIN. MECHANIC REPLACED WATER PUMP (INCLUDING COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE) & INVERTER ELECTRIC PUMP (INCLUDING INVERTER COOLER WATER) & CHANGED AUTO TRANSMISSION FLUID & FILTER ($1,115). EARLY MORNING 07/14/17 DASH DISPLAY WOULD NOT LIGHT UP WHEN CAR WAS TURNED ON- NO SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, GAS GAUGE, REVERSE CAMERA. (HAPPENED COUPLE OF TIMES IN PAST BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE FOR DEALER.) WHILE DRIVING TO TOYOTA DEALER I NOTICED COMPUTER SCREEN STUCK @ 48 MPG & 61 MILES DRIVEN, BUT NEVER INCREASED MILES AS I DROVE 18 MILES OR UPDATED MPG CALCULATION. REFUSED TO TURN OFF CAR UNTIL SOMEONE FROM TOYOTA DEALER LOOKED @ DASH TO VERIFY CONDITION. TOYOTA DEALER SAYS COMBO METER (COMBINATION METER) FAILURE, WHICH IS NOT RECALL BUT "CAMPAIGN" THAT EXPIRED & REPAIR COSTS $1,111. MOTHERBOARD PART CAN TAKE UP TO 3 WEEKS BUT CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN WHILE TOYOTA "BURNS" MY COMPUTER'S INFORMATION INTO NEW COMPUTER PART. TOYOTA DEALER PROVIDED LOANER CAR UNTIL REPAIR IS COMPLETED. ON 07/14/17 CALLED TOYOTA & FILED COMPLAINT ABOUT WATER PUMP & COMBO METER. TOYOTA SAYS HYBRID ELECTRIC WATER PUMP CAMPAIGN DID NOT AFFECT MY VIN, WHICH I DO NOT BELIEVE. TOYOTA SAYS COMBINATION METER CAMPAIGN EXPIRED FOR MY VIN. PENDING CALL BACK FROM TOYOTA AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA ODI #10995227
61,500 miles · Jun 14, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
PURCHASED 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS USED ON AUG 17, 2013 (61,500 MILES). WITHIN A MONTH I WAS PULLED OVER BY POLICE FOR PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, BUT WHEN HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN THE HEADLIGHT CAME BACK ON, AND THE POLICE OFFICER THOUGHT HE WAS CRAZY SO HE JUST ISSUED A WARNING. THE HEADLIGHT CON…
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PURCHASED 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS USED ON AUG 17, 2013 (61,500 MILES). WITHIN A MONTH I WAS PULLED OVER BY POLICE FOR PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, BUT WHEN HEADLAMPS ARE TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN THE HEADLIGHT CAME BACK ON, AND THE POLICE OFFICER THOUGHT HE WAS CRAZY SO HE JUST ISSUED A WARNING. THE HEADLIGHT CONTINUED TO GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY AND I REPLACED THE BULBS MYSELF IN NOVEMBER 2013 (PHILIPS HID HEADLIGHT BULBS $95). THE HEADLIGHT STILL WENT OUT INTERMITTENTLY AND I FINALLY REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES IN JULY 2016 BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (APPROXIMATELY $1000 AT 143,000 MILES). PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT STILL GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY. NHTSA LAUNCHED A PROBE IN APRIL 2009, BUT THEN DROPPED THE INVESTIGATION AFTER TOYOTA SAID IT WOULD INITIATE A "CONSUMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN" TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THEN THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT IN 2011, ALL OF WHICH THE PREVIOUS CAR OWNER MISSED. TOYOTA USES "CAMPAIGNS" TO AVOID RECALLS. TOYOTA'S WEBSITE (HTTPS://WWW.TOYOTA.COM/RECALL) DOES NOT LIST PREVIOUS "CAMPAIGNS" RELATED TO THE VIN SO BUYING THE CAR USED I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING OF PREVIOUS "CAMPAIGNS" THAT STILL NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED. UPON PURCHASING IN AUGUST 2013 I TOOK THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN SAN MARCOS, TX FOR A STEERING WHEEL RECALL BUT WAS NOT ALERTED TO ANY OTHER RECALLS OR "CAMPAIGNS" AT THAT TIME.
NHTSA ODI #10995207
13,800 miles · Jun 6, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY TURNS OFF AND ON. THE LIGHTBULB IS STILL FUNCTIONAL. THIS WILL HAPPEN WETHER I'M DRIVING OR STATIONARY.
NHTSA ODI #10993342
176,000 miles · Apr 5, 2017
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WILL FLICKER AND TURN OFF. IT CAN BE TURNED BACK ON BY TURNING OFF AND ON THE HEADLIGHTS. I GOT PULLED OVER LAST NIGHT BECAUSE I COULDN'T TELL IT HAD TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AT NIGHT. I CAN TELL WHEN IT GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE COUNTRY AND GET IT TO TURN BACK ON. I HAVE READ MANY O…
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WHILE DRIVING THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WILL FLICKER AND TURN OFF. IT CAN BE TURNED BACK ON BY TURNING OFF AND ON THE HEADLIGHTS. I GOT PULLED OVER LAST NIGHT BECAUSE I COULDN'T TELL IT HAD TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AT NIGHT. I CAN TELL WHEN IT GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING IN THE COUNTRY AND GET IT TO TURN BACK ON. I HAVE READ MANY ONLINE FORUMS THAT DEALERSHIPS WILL REPLACE MANY EXPENSIVE THINGS TRYING TO FIX IT BUT IT STILL DOES NOT FIX IT.
NHTSA ODI #10970661
19,077 miles · Apr 2, 2017
Electrical System
CAR WAS BROUGHT TO TOYOTA OF HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA FOR A NEW BATTERY. WHEN IT WAS RETURNED NONE OF THE DASHBOARD WAS WORKING: NO SPEEDOMETER, NO GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR, NO FUEL GAUGE, NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS, NO BACKUP INDICATOR BEEPER. ADDITIONALLY IT TAKES MANY TRIES OVER MINUTES TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND IT LOCKS THE REAR HATCH WHI…
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CAR WAS BROUGHT TO TOYOTA OF HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA FOR A NEW BATTERY. WHEN IT WAS RETURNED NONE OF THE DASHBOARD WAS WORKING: NO SPEEDOMETER, NO GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR, NO FUEL GAUGE, NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS, NO BACKUP INDICATOR BEEPER. ADDITIONALLY IT TAKES MANY TRIES OVER MINUTES TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND IT LOCKS THE REAR HATCH WHICH CANNOT BE OPENED WITH THE INSIDE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH I EXPECTED THAT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, TOYOTA, WOULD TAKE CARE OF IMMEDIATELY. THEY CLAIM THAT THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WON'T FIX IT. IT SHOULD BE PART OF A VEHICLE SAFETY RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10970032
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
FOR APROXIMADAMENTELY TWO YEARS THE BRAKES AVE NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY AND WE TOOK IT TO GET EVALUATED AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR. NOW I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A SECURITY PROBLEM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SELLS THE PART FO A LITTLE OVER $1,700 I WAS ALSO TOLD IT SHOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SINCE IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERE…
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FOR APROXIMADAMENTELY TWO YEARS THE BRAKES AVE NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY AND WE TOOK IT TO GET EVALUATED AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE BRAKE ACTUATOR. NOW I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A SECURITY PROBLEM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SELLS THE PART FO A LITTLE OVER $1,700 I WAS ALSO TOLD IT SHOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SINCE IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL BECAUSE OF THIS BEING A SECURITY PROBLEM. I RUN THE RICK TO RUN OUT OF BRAKES AT ANY MOMENT AND I CAN NOT DEIVE MY VEHICLE LIKE THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10966420
85,000 miles · Mar 16, 2017
EngineVehicle Speed Control
THE COMPUTERIZED THROTTLE CONTROL ON THE PRIUS CAN GET YOU INTO TROUBLE. A PRIUS WILL NOT REVERSE UP A STEEP DRIVEWAY. NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE WILL NOT GO ABOVE ABOUT 1000 RPM, AND THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE. NOW, IF BASED ON SOUND OF THE ENGINE, YOU PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN FORWARD WITHOUT FIRST…
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THE COMPUTERIZED THROTTLE CONTROL ON THE PRIUS CAN GET YOU INTO TROUBLE. A PRIUS WILL NOT REVERSE UP A STEEP DRIVEWAY. NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE WILL NOT GO ABOVE ABOUT 1000 RPM, AND THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE. NOW, IF BASED ON SOUND OF THE ENGINE, YOU PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN FORWARD WITHOUT FIRST REMOVING FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WILL ROCKET FORWARD (AND LIKELY CRASH). IT IS QUITE EASY TO DO THIS, AS THE ENGINE IS STUCK AT IDLE, THEN FURIOUSLY REVVING WITH NO CHANGE OF DRIVER INPUT. FATHER-IN-LAW, AND VARIOUS PEDESTRIANS, WERE MIRACULOUSLY UNINJURED, BUT A VERY NEAR THING INDEED.
NHTSA ODI #10966412
187,000 miles · Mar 1, 2017
Exterior Lighting
CAR I PURCHASED FOR MY DAUGHTER, HAD ITS HEADLIGHTS GO OUT LAST NIGHT IN THE RAIN AS SHE WAS TAKING AN EXIT OFF ROAD. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT BUT SHE IS VERY SHAKEN UP. SHE SAID THE LIGHTS JUST WENT OUT LEAVING HERE IN ALMOST COMPLETE DARKNESS.
NHTSA ODI #10957831
196,000 miles · Feb 1, 2017
Air BagsService BrakesCrash
TRAVELLING 30-35 MPH. TRIED TO STOP-BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND CAR ACCELERATED. HIT A STEEL SIGN WHICH TOTALLED THE CAR. AIRBAGS FAILED TO ACTVATE EVEN THOUGH THE FORCE OF HITTING THE SIGN DROVE THE ENGINE BACK TO THE DASHBOARD.CITY STREET.
NHTSA ODI #10948914
196,000 miles · Feb 1, 2017
Air BagsEngineService BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT COA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND AN INSURANCE LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
NHTSA ODI #10948860
Official recalls
6Nov 14, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.
Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Nov 14, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Oct 5, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
May 31, 2006
THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND SLIDING YOKE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM CAN CRACK WHEN LARGE FORCES ARE APPLIED AND THE CONNECTION MAY SEPARATE OR THE SLEEVE MAY FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND INSPECT THE SLIDING YOKE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Apr 3, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP13001 · Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Apr 8, 2020
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column; Steering:linkages
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
Additional source detail variants (3)
Steering:column
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
Steering:linkages
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606
PE09019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Apr 17, 2009 · Closed Aug 27, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT, OR EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS THAT OPERATE ON INDEPENDENT LAMPS AND ECU'S (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS) FOR EACH HEADLIGHT, MEANING THAT EACH HEADLIGHT RUNS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE OTHER, AND A FAILURE IN ONE LAMP OR ECU DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE OTHER.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, A RANDOM SAMPLE OF FORTY CONSUMERS WAS CONTACTED BY ODI IN A TELEPHONE SURVEY TO VERIFY THEIR EXPERIENCES.THE CONSUMERS STATED IN COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME.ODI DISCOVERED THROUGH TALKING WITH THESE COMPLAINANTS THAT IN FACT ONE HEADLIGHT WOULD BEGIN TO FLICKER AND THEN CUT OFF.THE OTHER HEADLIGHT WOULD STILL BE OPERATIONAL.IN A FEW CASES WHERE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, SOME COMPLAINANTS STATED THAT AFTER A FEW MONTHS BOTH HEADLAMPS WOULD BEGIN TO FAIL RESULTING IN NO HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER NONE REPORTED THAT BOTH LAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY.COMPLAINANTS ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD TOGGLE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ON AND OFF TO TEMPORARILY RESTORE LIGHTING WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURRED, EVEN IN CASES WERE BOTH HEADLAMPS WERE EXTINGUISHED.THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY ARE LARGELY CONSISTENT WITH ODI'S ASSESSMENT OF THE REPORTS AND WARRANTY DATA.TOYOTA SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER THAT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, ONLY ONE LAMP FAILED AT A TIME, AND THAT TOGGLING THE SWITCH RESTORED THE LAMP.TOYOTA REQUESTED A MEETING WITH ODI AND ON AUGUST 6, 2009, PRESENTED THEIR ASSESSMENT OF HEADLAMP FAILURE.TOYOTA CONFIRMED THAT A HEADLAMP COULD EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A BULB FAILURE, AND THAT IT COULD BE TEMPORARILY RESTORED BY TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, AND THAT SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLAMPS WAS RARE AND UNLIKELY.TOYOTA ALSO BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THEIR INTENTION TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CONSUMER DISSATISFACTION WITH HID BULB FAILURES.SINCE THERE IS STILL ONE HEADLIGHT OPERATING WHEN THE OTHER ONE CUTS OFF, THERE IS STILL LIGHTING AVAILABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY.THUS, A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:headlights
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT, OR EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS THAT OPERATE ON INDEPENDENT LAMPS AND ECU'S (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS) FOR EACH HEADLIGHT, MEANING THAT EACH HEADLIGHT RUNS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE OTHER, AND A FAILURE IN ONE LAMP OR ECU DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE OTHER.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, A RANDOM SAMPLE OF FORTY CONSUMERS WAS CONTACTED BY ODI IN A TELEPHONE SURVEY TO VERIFY THEIR EXPERIENCES.THE CONSUMERS STATED IN COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME.ODI DISCOVERED THROUGH TALKING WITH THESE COMPLAINANTS THAT IN FACT ONE HEADLIGHT WOULD BEGIN TO FLICKER AND THEN CUT OFF.THE OTHER HEADLIGHT WOULD STILL BE OPERATIONAL.IN A FEW CASES WHERE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, SOME COMPLAINANTS STATED THAT AFTER A FEW MONTHS BOTH HEADLAMPS WOULD BEGIN TO FAIL RESULTING IN NO HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER NONE REPORTED THAT BOTH LAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY.COMPLAINANTS ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD TOGGLE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ON AND OFF TO TEMPORARILY RESTORE LIGHTING WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURRED, EVEN IN CASES WERE BOTH HEADLAMPS WERE EXTINGUISHED.THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY ARE LARGELY CONSISTENT WITH ODI'S ASSESSMENT OF THE REPORTS AND WARRANTY DATA.TOYOTA SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER THAT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, ONLY ONE LAMP FAILED AT A TIME, AND THAT TOGGLING THE SWITCH RESTORED THE LAMP.TOYOTA REQUESTED A MEETING WITH ODI AND ON AUGUST 6, 2009, PRESENTED THEIR ASSESSMENT OF HEADLAMP FAILURE.TOYOTA CONFIRMED THAT A HEADLAMP COULD EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A BULB FAILURE, AND THAT IT COULD BE TEMPORARILY RESTORED BY TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, AND THAT SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLAMPS WAS RARE AND UNLIKELY.TOYOTA ALSO BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THEIR INTENTION TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CONSUMER DISSATISFACTION WITH HID BULB FAILURES.SINCE THERE IS STILL ONE HEADLIGHT OPERATING WHEN THE OTHER ONE CUTS OFF, THERE IS STILL LIGHTING AVAILABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY.THUS, A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT, OR EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE (HID) HEADLAMPS THAT OPERATE ON INDEPENDENT LAMPS AND ECU'S (ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS) FOR EACH HEADLIGHT, MEANING THAT EACH HEADLIGHT RUNS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE OTHER, AND A FAILURE IN ONE LAMP OR ECU DOES NOT NECESSARILY RESULT IN A FAILURE OF THE OTHER.DURING THE INVESTIGATION, A RANDOM SAMPLE OF FORTY CONSUMERS WAS CONTACTED BY ODI IN A TELEPHONE SURVEY TO VERIFY THEIR EXPERIENCES.THE CONSUMERS STATED IN COMPLAINTS TO TOYOTA THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME.ODI DISCOVERED THROUGH TALKING WITH THESE COMPLAINANTS THAT IN FACT ONE HEADLIGHT WOULD BEGIN TO FLICKER AND THEN CUT OFF.THE OTHER HEADLIGHT WOULD STILL BE OPERATIONAL.IN A FEW CASES WHERE NO ACTION WAS TAKEN, SOME COMPLAINANTS STATED THAT AFTER A FEW MONTHS BOTH HEADLAMPS WOULD BEGIN TO FAIL RESULTING IN NO HEADLIGHTS; HOWEVER NONE REPORTED THAT BOTH LAMPS FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY.COMPLAINANTS ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD TOGGLE THE HEADLAMP SWITCH ON AND OFF TO TEMPORARILY RESTORE LIGHTING WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURRED, EVEN IN CASES WERE BOTH HEADLAMPS WERE EXTINGUISHED.THE RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY ARE LARGELY CONSISTENT WITH ODI'S ASSESSMENT OF THE REPORTS AND WARRANTY DATA.TOYOTA SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER THAT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, ONLY ONE LAMP FAILED AT A TIME, AND THAT TOGGLING THE SWITCH RESTORED THE LAMP.TOYOTA REQUESTED A MEETING WITH ODI AND ON AUGUST 6, 2009, PRESENTED THEIR ASSESSMENT OF HEADLAMP FAILURE.TOYOTA CONFIRMED THAT A HEADLAMP COULD EXTINGUISH WHILE DRIVING DUE TO A BULB FAILURE, AND THAT IT COULD BE TEMPORARILY RESTORED BY TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF, AND THAT SIMULTANEOUS FAILURE OF BOTH HEADLAMPS WAS RARE AND UNLIKELY.TOYOTA ALSO BRIEFLY DISCUSSED THEIR INTENTION TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS CONSUMER DISSATISFACTION WITH HID BULB FAILURES.SINCE THERE IS STILL ONE HEADLIGHT OPERATING WHEN THE OTHER ONE CUTS OFF, THERE IS STILL LIGHTING AVAILABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY.THUS, A SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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