Recall 11V304 affects 52,377 2001-2003 Toyota Prius vehicles for loose steering linkage and reduced power steering assist. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 52,377 2001-2003 Prius passenger cars under recall 11V304 because the steering linkage can loosen and reduce electric steering assistance during left turns. Loss of power steering while the driver is actively steering can increase crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering linkage in a 2001-2003 Toyota Prius connects the steering wheel and steering gear to the front wheels. The electric power assist system adds motor-driven help, so turning the wheel does not require heavy effort. That assist matters most at low speed and during turns, when the driver is asking the front wheels to change direction.
On affected Prius cars, the steering linkage can loosen. When the driver makes a left turn, that looseness can reduce the electric steering assistance. The steering wheel then takes more effort to turn, which leaves the driver with less help from the system at the moment the car is already changing direction.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be heavier steering while making a left turn, when the electric assist drops off instead of helping the wheel move smoothly.
Who's affected?
Spans 3 Prius model years, with the same power steering system component listed for each year.
| 2002 Toyota Prius | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2001 Toyota Prius | power steering system |
| 2003 Toyota Prius | power steering system |
| Units affected | 52,377 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering while the driver is trying to turn increases crash risk because steering effort rises at the wrong moment. If steering assist drops out, slow down safely and contact the dealer before another trip. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2003 Toyota Prius is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask whether the free steering-linkage nut replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V304 when you call, and bring Toyota's owner notice if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Be ready for reduced electric steering assistance when making a left turn.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the nuts in the steering linkage, the hardware involved in the looseness described for campaign 11V304. Toyota's remedy lists the repair as free of charge. The safety recall began on July 8, 2011, but the current remedy status was not supplied here, so ask the Toyota service desk to confirm parts and scheduling before the visit. Toyota also listed 1-800-331-4331 for owner questions about this campaign.
Timeline
| June 1, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V304?
Recall 11V304 covers 52,377 2001-2003 Toyota Prius cars with steering linkage nuts that can loosen, reducing electric steering assistance during left turns. Toyota dealers replace the affected steering linkage nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2001-2003 Toyota Prius is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Prius is included in recall 11V304. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the steering linkage nut replacement. Reference recall number 11V304 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Toyota's remedy states that dealers replace the steering linkage nuts free of charge at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced electric steering assistance during a left turn. NHTSA campaign 11V304 links loss of power steering while the driver is actively steering to increased crash risk. The dealer repair fixes the steering linkage hardware for free.
What if I bought my Toyota Prius used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Prius is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall number 11V304.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V304000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V304 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V304000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →