The 2001 Toyota Prius has 5 recalls, the most serious involving oil leaking into the crankshaft position sensor connector, where heat can deform the connector and potentially cause the engine to run poorly or stall.
The remaining four recalls all concern the electric power steering system, which can fail in several ways. A faulty torque sensor can send incorrect signals to the steering assist system, causing the power steering warning light to appear and making the wheel noticeably harder to turn, particularly at lower speeds. Separately, the steering linkage can loosen and reduce power assist specifically when turning left. There is also a concern with the pinion shaft inside the steering gearbox: if the wheel is repeatedly turned to full lock, insufficiently tightened nuts can loosen over time, causing the shaft to become unstable and steering response to degrade. Across all of these steering issues, the practical result is that the driver may need to apply significantly more force to steer, raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The nuts connecting the steering linkage may loosen, reducing electric power steering assistance when turning left.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering linkage nuts at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The nuts securing the pinion shaft inside the steering gear box may not have been tightened enough during assembly. Repeated hard turning to full lock can cause these nuts to loosen, making the pinion shaft unstable and potentially causing loss of power steering during left turns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both pinion shaft nuts with improved versions that maintain proper tightness.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor's resin body may be molded improperly, allowing engine oil to seep past the seal into the sensor's wiring connector. The wire harness connector may not attach securely to the sensor's locking tab.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The torque sensor in the electric power steering system may lose electrical contact, causing the power steering warning light to appear and making steering harder to turn.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the electric steering box and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The torque sensor in the electric power steering gearbox may have weak electrical connections. This can cause the sensor to send incorrect signals that control the power steering assist.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the electric steering gearbox to restore proper electrical connections and sensor operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
