Toyota · Canada · High
Toyota Prius: Steering
Affects Toyota Prius · 2001–2003 — about 940 vehicles.
The hazard
On certain vehicles, the nuts which secure the pinion shaft inside the steering gear box may not have received adequate tightening torque during the assembly process. If the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full-lock position, the nuts could loosen, allowing the pinion shaft to become unstable. This could cause a loss of steering power assist when making a left turn, which may result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace both pinion shaft nuts with improved versions.
What to do
Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.
Critical — crash/injury risk now
High — injury risk; see remedy
Moderate — fix at next service
Low — minor / informational