Prius (XW10)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
INZ-FXE + motor
1.5L 4-cyl / 70 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota Prius Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
2ZR-FXE+3JM
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
5VZ-FE
3.4L 6-cyl / 190 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius
That's near the typical rate for hybrids in this dataset (median 7.1 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 35 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Sample complaint excerpts
Electric Propulsion
- [2001] 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH THE RACK AND PINION *TGW 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 B
- [2001] I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS. IN 2002, WE EXPERIENCED A SHUTTER AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS. THE ELECTRIC MOTOR-ASSISTED POWER STEERING (EMPS) RACK HAD FAILED AT 13,396 MILES. TOYOTA REPLACED THE EMPS RACK UNDER WARRANTY. IN 2006 AT 65,427 MILES, WE REPORTED TO TOYOTA THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE MAKING A TURN AND THE INSTRUMEN
- [2001] IN 2007 I HAD A SIDE IMPACT WITH MY VEHICLE. I TOLD TOYOTA TO CHECK FOR ANY DAMAGE WITH THE COMPUTER COMPONENTS IN THE CAR. THEY SAID THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING OUT AND SAID IT WAS FINE. MONDAY I HAD THE COMPUTER AND INVERTER GO OUT ON MY 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS AND I ASKED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AAA TO CHECK IF IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT. THERE RESPONSE SAID IT WAS INTERNAL SHORTS IN THE SYSTEM
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2001] THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE DRIVING 65+ MPH ON THE FREEWAY. THE CHECK HYBRID WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR BECAME DANGEROUSLY UNRESPONSIVE, LUCKILY WE WERE NEAR AN EXIT AND WERE ABLE TO COAST TO SAFETY. THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS EXPECTING INFORMATION FROM THE ACCELERATOR, AND WHEN IT DOESN'T RECEIVE IT, EITHER THE GAS ENGINE, OR THE ELECTRIC ENGINE, OR BOTH ENGINES FAIL TO O
- [2001] (1) NORMAL DRIVING, NO ABNORMALITIES WHATSOEVER (2) AT FREEWAY SPEED, IN BUSY TRAFFIC, WITHOUT WARNING: THE CAR LOST ALL MOTIVE POWER (NEITHER GAS NOR ELECTRIC WORKING); THE HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING ICON DISPLAYED ON THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY. LUCKILY, IN BOTH INSTANCES, WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER WHILE DECELERATING. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, WE REFERRED TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL WH
- [2001] THE 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS A FAULTY ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE 8-YEAR HYBRID SYSTEM WARRANTY. NOT ONLY ARE THERE SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS PROBLEM (E.G. SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION THAT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS, INCORRECT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND THE HYBRID SYSTEM, ETC.) BUT THERE IS A LACK ON TOYOTA'S PART TO ADMIT THAT THE ACCELERATOR IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF
High-Voltage Battery
- [2001] HV BATTERY FAILURE, PRIOR TO FAILURE OF HV BATTERY VEHICLE EXHIBITED ERROR CODES INDICATING THAT AT LEAST TWO BATTERY MODULES HAD A GREATER THAN 1.2 VOLTS BETWEEN MAX MODULE VOLTAGE AND MIN MODULE VOLTAGE (HV BATTERY CONSIST OF 38 BATTERY MODULES 7.2 VOLTS EACH). HOWEVER, VEHICLE STILL OPERATED ALTHOUGH IN A FAIL SAFE MODE (NO CRUISE CONTROL IN FAIL SAFE MODE, ETC). UPON ATTEMPTING TO START VE
- [2001] ON JUNE 6, 2006 I TOOK OUR 2001 TOYOTA PRIUS TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE PRIUS MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WAS "NORMAL" AND THAT THERE WAS "NOTHING WRONG." I RESPONDED THAT I KNEW THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON JUNE 15, 2006 ON THE WAY INTO WORK, THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE A
- [2001] MY CAR (2001 PRIUS) WAS AT A DEALERSHIP (MARINA DEL REY TOYOTA) FOR SERVICE. WHILE PARKED, WITH NO ONE INSIDE AND THE IGNITION OFF, THE MAIN PROPULSION BATTERY CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE VEHICLE INTERIOR, CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS. TOYOTA BLAMES THE FIRE ON A BATTERY DEFECT. *JB
Thermal Events
- [2001] 2001 PRIUS WAS PARKED IN GARAGE ~6HRS, FIRE STARTED AND SMOLDERED, APPARENTLY USING UP OXYGEN INSIDE THE CAR. I WENT IN THE GARAGE FOR SOMETHING ELSE, NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON AND OPENED THE CAR DOOR TO TURN THEM OFF. WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, ACRID SMOKE POURED OUT, AND THE FIRE WAS GIVEN FRESH OXYGEN, AND IT TOOK OFF. WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM HEAT, LEFT FRONT DASH MELTED. FIRE DEPT PUT
- [2001] MY CAR (2001 PRIUS) WAS AT A DEALERSHIP (MARINA DEL REY TOYOTA) FOR SERVICE. WHILE PARKED, WITH NO ONE INSIDE AND THE IGNITION OFF, THE MAIN PROPULSION BATTERY CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH THE VEHICLE INTERIOR, CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS. TOYOTA BLAMES THE FIRE ON A BATTERY DEFECT. *JB
- [2002] WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE TRUNK WHERE THE BATTERY WAS LOCATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK THE HYBRID BATTERY PACK CAUGHT ON FIRE. *NM
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2001] AUXILIARY BATTERY ON TOYOTA PRIUS 2001 AND TOYOTA PRIUS 2004 FAIL IF THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN AT LEAST EVERY 7-10 DAYS. THIS PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. WE PURCHASED A 2001 PRIUS USED MARCH 2004, AND A NEW 2004 PRIUS IN JUNE 2004. THE AUXILIARY BATTERY FAILED ON THE 2001 PRIUS TWICE, AND WE REPLACED IT ONCE. RECENTLY THE DEALER SERVICE REP TOLD US THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT THE BATTERY W
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Prius, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2000-2003 Toyota Prius
On a used 2000-2003 Toyota Prius, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (164), the wheels and tires (62) and the electrical system (60). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius about the steering.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 62 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius about the wheels and tires.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius about the brakes.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius about the engine.
- Accelerate hard once from a stop and once from 40 mph, and hold a steady highway speed.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius (hybrid and electric versions only) about the electric drive system.
Recalls (3)
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2003 PRIUS PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 28, 2000, THROUGH MAY 30, 2003. THE STEERING LINKAGE MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN REDUCED ELECTRIC STEERING ASSISTANCE WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER MOLDING OF THE RESIN BODY OF THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENOR INSTALLED ON THE ENGINE BLOCK, ENGINE OIL MAY PENETRATE THE SEAL AND ENTER THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY ATTACHED TO THE LOCKING TAB OF THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL CONTACT CAN OCCUR IN THE TORQUE SENSOR THAT CONTROLS THE POWER ASSIST OPERATION OF THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEAR BOX. THE TORQUE SENSOR COULD SEND IMPROPER ELECTRICAL SIGNALS.
Alternatives in Compact Hatchback
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2003 Toyota Prius complaints?
Owners have filed 433 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius. The systems they name most often are the steering, the wheels and tires and the electrical system.
Is the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 433 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA has 433 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2000-2003 Toyota Prius vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Prius?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the wheels and tires and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Prius have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2003 Toyota Prius. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 433 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.