2001 Prius Steering Failure

nitewolfgtr · 10-14-2009, 04:03 PM

I own a 2001 Toyota Prius with 125,000 miles on it with absolutely no issues until recently. Whenever I take a sharp turn for extended period of time such as driving on a 30mph rated interstate exit loop, the Prius power steering fails and I get a big PS failure light on the MFD. Do you know what could be causing this and whether it is a relatively easy fix or not?

Patrick Wong · 10-14-2009, 05:51 PM

The electric steering gear, which is a known problem area, has failed. The fix is to replace the gear which will probably cost around $1,500 plus labor time, at the Toyota dealer.

ceric · 10-14-2009, 06:02 PM

I usually offer three words when anyone experiences a major repair with their older vehicles.
"trade it in". Most dealers don't keep old trade-ins. They sell them to auctions (dealer auction -> public auctions). If the condition of the trade-ins are good, they may decide to keep them in their used car lot.
If they don't intend to keep them, most likely they don't even test-drive them at all.
People who buy from auctions are fully aware of the risk involved. Therefore, I don't see any ethical issue here. When I traded in my 2001 Odyssey, the guy just look around the van, took down mileage, and gave me his offer. (oh, he also asked me how much other dealer offered me...) I was so shocked that he did not even test-drive it.
(assuming that your Prius is still drivable - good enough to get to the dealerships.)

nitewolfgtr · 10-15-2009, 12:35 PM

Guess i'm in the market for a new car. How's trade-in value on 2001 Prius? w/ 125k miles.

tochatihu · 10-15-2009, 08:00 PM

KBB says $4500 in good condition. Expect a lot-guy to offer less.

The steering assemblies are available used (<$500), and it is possible for a generalized shop to do the work.

Another option is to call Toyota Customer experience and see if their phone staff is having a great day. It is possible for them to agree to split the cost.

10-14-2009, 04:03 PM	#1
nitewolfgtr Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 51 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	2001 Prius Steering Failure I own a 2001 Toyota Prius with 125,000 miles on it with absolutely no issues until recently. Whenever I take a sharp turn for extended period of time such as driving on a 30mph rated interstate exit loop, the Prius power steering fails and I get a big PS failure light on the MFD. Do you know what could be causing this and whether it is a relatively easy fix or not?

10-14-2009, 05:51 PM	#2
Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Green Valley, AZ Posts: 4,046 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: #9 Thanks: 21 Thanked 212 Times in 183 Posts Friends: 44	Re: 2001 Prius Steering Failure The electric steering gear, which is a known problem area, has failed. The fix is to replace the gear which will probably cost around $1,500 plus labor time, at the Toyota dealer.

10-14-2009, 06:02 PM	#3
ceric Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 1,040 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 16 Posts Friends: 0	Re: 2001 Prius Steering Failure I usually offer three words when anyone experiences a major repair with their older vehicles. "trade it in". Most dealers don't keep old trade-ins. They sell them to auctions (dealer auction -> public auctions). If the condition of the trade-ins are good, they may decide to keep them in their used car lot. If they don't intend to keep them, most likely they don't even test-drive them at all. People who buy from auctions are fully aware of the risk involved. Therefore, I don't see any ethical issue here. When I traded in my 2001 Odyssey, the guy just look around the van, took down mileage, and gave me his offer. (oh, he also asked me how much other dealer offered me...) I was so shocked that he did not even test-drive it. (assuming that your Prius is still drivable - good enough to get to the dealerships.) __________________ 2005' Tideland Prius (Dec, 2004) Mods Done: body-side moldings, wood dash kit, rear bumper applique, ultrasound backup sensors, backup camera, signal mirrors, BT stiffening plate, 205/60R15 tires, leather-trim interior, all-weather mats, shark-fin antenna Last edited by ceric; 10-14-2009 at 06:14 PM.

10-15-2009, 12:35 PM	#4
nitewolfgtr Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 51 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: 2001 Prius Steering Failure Guess i'm in the market for a new car. How's trade-in value on 2001 Prius? w/ 125k miles.

10-15-2009, 08:00 PM	#5
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 2,408 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: Pioneer #1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 38 Times in 38 Posts Friends: 14	Re: 2001 Prius Steering Failure KBB says $4500 in good condition. Expect a lot-guy to offer less. The steering assemblies are available used (<$500), and it is possible for a generalized shop to do the work. Another option is to call Toyota Customer experience and see if their phone staff is having a great day. It is possible for them to agree to split the cost.

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