Toyota Prius Recall Australia
June 3, 2006 by Alborz Fallah
Looks like all isn’t good with the Prius afterall! Toyota Australia has put out a recall for all Priuses NHW20 model vehicles produced in Japan during the period July 2003 through to November 2005 to come back to a Toyota dealership to have their steering fixed. According to Toyota:
On certain vehicles that are subjected to operating conditions where a large steering force is repeatedly applied (such as when the steering wheel is turned forcefully to full lock position or the tyre is in contact with the roadside curb) there is a possibility that the steering intermediate shaft may become loose or develop a crack.
Hmm that doesn’t sound very good? 2596 of the vehicles are going to be recalled in Australia. Given that I am sure the Pruis uses many of the same components as the other Toyota’s will the recall effect any other models? Apparently not
In addition to Prius… models of Corolla and Avensis [are also affected] that are not available in Australia because they use a different type of steering mechanism. As a result, Corolla and Avensis models in Australia are not affected.
Well I guess the only good thing is they will fix it for you free of charge! If you got a prius that is affected by this problem, expect a letter from Toyota around now. Otherwise, just take it in to a dealer and ask them if you are not sure.
Print it: 
There seem to have many Toyota recalls lately. Toyota to Recall Priuses also had been announced recently due to a possible faulty steering system component. Hmmm looks like Toyota has got some serious thing to do.
If you can help….I’m looking at perhaps purchasing a Toyota Pruis and am interested if the steering problem has been fixed and any other gliches that the car may be experiencing….I realize the car has not been our for long and its still trail and error but I would like some confirmation on any problems the car is still experiencing on the roads…
Thanks for your help & time..
Tanja
STEERING FAULT IN TOYOTA PRIUS
I own a 2002 model Toyota Prius for environmental reasons & fuel economy – it’s been a great car up until now. It’s displaying steering torque problems. Sadly, the cost to replace the steering rack will be $11,000 (probably close to the car’s current value)! Toyota Customer Services deny that there are any recalls in Australia & state that they are unable to assist in this matter – “Oh what a feeling” that brings! . Clearly there are recalls on the 2003-05 Prius overseas due to steering faults – which should be of great concern. I suppose the message I’m trying to convey is that, there are no guarantees here, & you may be left with an uncontrollable lemon.
We have just been quoted $14796 for a new steering rack for our 2002 Pruis – thought we were being responsible buying a 2nd hand Prisu 12mths ago…what a joke…surely Toyota must be able to do something…how many others does this ridiculous situation affect…I could not possibly sell it to someone else..though I suspect the previous owner knew what we were in for,,thanks mate! ‘Oh What a Feeling” Yeah, the feeling is one of being ripped off big time.
Is that True,$14796 for a steering rack WTF???I say BIN THE WHOLE CAR,there a Gimmik anyway.