Classic Prius Repairs

[Prius313]

2003 bought new (when no one was buying them) 64,500 miles on it. Dash warnings came on once and stayed on. Dealer fixed it under warranty. They weren't even sure what it was, but it never happened again. Otherwise, no problems except I did change the 12volt battery myself after about 5.5 years.

[Chem_Geek]

I have a '02 Prius, bought new, with about 234,000 miles now.

What has gone wrong? Let me count the ways...

• Electric power steering has failed.
• Catalytic converter has failed.
• Wheel bearings are a routine replacement item for my car.
• Struts have failed.
• Every now and then, the ICE fails to start.

And, of course, Toyota's stealerships have been of no help whatsoever.

[tammy03]

HELP!
I'm new here, but I love my car and want to keep it running- so I need advice!-
I have a lovely 2003 Prius with 140k on it. It has been a little sticky with the steering lately, so I brought into my dealership, and they said I need a new power steering rack and an ECU- costing $2800. They also told me the steering could lock up on me at any time while I'm driving. I wasn't sure if they were trying to scare me into getting it fixed right away or if it was an actual danger. Has anyone else had to get this replaced? Is it a defect on Toyota's part or is it from wear and tear? I saw that there were power steering recalls on the '01 and '02s-and I was wondering if it should be something to be aware of on the '03.
Any info on this kind of repair would be an enormous help- I've had trouble finding online information on it.
Thank you all!

[beth524]

My 2002 Prius with 65000 miles on it has had the following:
Wheel bearings (both front- one under warranty, one not)
Rotors
Water pump (warranty)
Engine ECU (warranty)
Replaced 12 volt battery
Possibly now HV battery (hopefully still warranty-we'll see!)
On 3rd set of summer tires (use snows in winter)

[Early Fan Nora]

Originally Posted by tochatihu

Now, if they would be so kind as to offer the same information about transaxles...

2002 Prius bought new needed only multiple tire replacements and a brake job until the transaxle and inverter failed at 113,000 miles three weeks ago -- we overachieved with the maintenance schedule and there was no warning. My decision to make a $7,500 repair is waiting for Toyota's response to my plea to the national customer service people. Now there are 3 transaxle failures in your poll!