Toyota Prius: Steering — shaft sector

Affects Toyota Prius · 2004–2009 — about 670K vehicles.

The hazard

Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

What to do

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational