2002 Toyota Prius: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Toyota Prius: 2 recalls, 167 owner complaints and up to 41 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #06V266000 · 2006 · 34,771 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper molding of the resin body of the crankshaft position senor installed on the engine block, engine oil May penetrate the seal and enter the sensor wiring connector. The wire harness connector May not be sufficiently attached to the locking tab of the sensor wiring connector.
Why it matters: Engine oil inside the sensor wiring connector could cause expansion due to the heat of the engine and could deform the sensor wiring connector. The connector May become disconnected, which could cause the engine to stall while driving and not be able to be restarted increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2006.
Steering Vehicle recall #11V304000 · 2011 · 52,377 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering linkage May loosen, resulting in reduced electric steering assistance when making a left turn.
Why it matters: Loss of power steering, particularly when an operator is actively intending to steer the vehicle, May increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace the nuts in the steering linkage free of charge. The safety recall began on July 8, 2011.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 5 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (80): the most common themes are steering problems (79), warning light on (16), noise or vibration (15).
- Electrical (18): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), warning light on (6).
- Tires (18): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (18).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (14): the most common themes are warning light on (3), leaks (2), brake failure / soft pedal (2).
The 2002 Toyota Prius has 167 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 27 Prius model years for complaints (well below the 464 average). Complaints peaked in 2010 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 70,200 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (165 complaints, 3 recalls), 2003 (99 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 41 | 41 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Toyota Prius.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Toyota Prius problems?
Owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (80), electrical (18), tires (18).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Toyota Prius get?
EPA ratings run up to 41 mpg combined (1.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Toyota Prius repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.