DANGEROUS issue for Gen2 prius re steering!

Hi. Just thought I'd give a warning. I have a 2004 prius I got from my dad with fairly minimal miles for age (135K)
Yesterday, I was driving about 15 miles an hour beginning a turn and I heard a 'click' and steering wheel began to spin like a roulette wheel totally disengaged from wheels. I hit some rocks on side of road with minimal bumper damage. First thought: I was very lucky. If this occurred on highway likely would have rolled over....or could have hit a baby carriage of something. Went to local dealer and they started with 'normal wear and tear' [ya, at 135K steering disengages from wheels while driving- no biggy] so I'm going direct to toyota...they are looking into it now. Just a heads up. BTW.....my dad did have both steering related recalls addressed: steering shaft and steering extension.

 

appreciate all the feedback. So Toyota states they will call back today with their decision. I did notice prior to steering failure, the car slightly swayed a bit on the highway. I distinctly recall the day prior checking the trees to see if strong wind might be the cause. ............I also checked into NHTSA.gov records. Surprise, surprise a very recent investigation into "intermediate steering shaft separation". The conclusion was that when recall remedy installed, botched repair job (just as many noted above-thanks!). When my incident happened, I had it towed to the nearest repair place which happened to be VERY good. (communication, price, competence) The mechanic stated: "found bolt at intermediate steering shaft & steering rack disconnected" ...." "check shaft and splines for damage -found none" ....."re-attach resecure main bolt- car test driven". The same 'intermediate shaft' that was the issue for the NHTSA investigation. .....................So.......pondering hiring counsel, but only damage was to the bumper and my wits. (can I sue for wit damage?) I'm not litigation-happy, but am annoyed by the initial "normal wear & tear" response from dealer (like it was a worn %$#@&!! wiper blade issue!)- granted it was a low level employee. I think my request is super reasonable: repair/replace bumper, reimburse me what I paid mechanic to fix it -$175, and check the whole assembly . if anyone here has any legal knowledge/ advice...I'm open to it and appreciative. As mentioned, my first thought when this happened is that if it happened 10 minutes later ,I would have been going 70 on the hwy and cannot quite envision how it would be possible NOT to rollover. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From NHTSA:
February 21, 2013 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP13001
Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation
NHTSA Action Number: DP13001

Components STEERING

Opened From: February 21, 2013–April 8, 2020

Summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.

During the defect petition evaluation, ODI:1. Reviewed the petition and its enclosures;2. Reviewed the subject steering system layout;3. Examined the Petition Vehicle’s history, including its repair history;4. Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints;5. Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and,6. Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.

ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.....................

 

Small claims looks like good path -if it gets to that. I see replacing a bumper from dealer is $400- $1000 + my cost of repair $175..... the small claims filing fee for that amount in MA is $50. Well worth it. Thanks for the advice!

 

you mean my handle 'priusrust'? happy to do that (now that my rusted battery well issue is solved)...how?

 

1) plug in your VIN # Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment | NHTSA
2) not sure, have a couple different people look at it?

 

So I heard back from Toyota. Since I was involved in a minor car accident in 2013 they are washing their hands of the issue. I rear ended someone, needed a new front bumper, and radiator.
I am no mechanic, but in this accident the steering was not altered / damaged - the allegedly damaged steering took 7 years to show up?
Anyway, I had forgotten about this incident.....wonder if it is worth proceeding now....(?) I have yet to talk directly to the manager at the dealership and plan to soon. Wonder if I should consult a mechanic and simply question whether a hit in the front bumper that nicked the radiator could cause the steering shaft bolt to come undone.

 

You may be right, I think the only possible leverage I have is the fact many of my family have bought from this dealership- my dad just got a prius in 2016. They may determine it cost effective to keep the buyers in pleasant frame of mind. Not sure though.

 

Great advice, thanks.
As far as brand loyalty angle, good point about a weak hand from a G2 driving angle....my emphasis would be on extended family who have purchased Prii (plural) and Rav4 's in the past inc recent past.

Besides all this....as the events have settled in..... two things stand out: 1) being told this type of thing was normal wear & tear as if I had suffered a traumatic brain injury moments before walking into the dealership...& 2) going thru records of past repairs and finding not one , but two $275 bills for electronic keys (not smart version) due to plastic shell being worn.

To summarize: It is personal Sonny, it's not business. (Think those Wild Kingdom videos of lions vs. hyenas )

I've learned from Judge Judy : "yes, your honor" & "no, your honor" is half the battle.

p.s. saved by previous owner (attached) Almost a historical artifact.