1.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
92,186 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Toyota Prius:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #4

May 052011

Prius 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 284,998 miles
Customer states vehicle began racing wildly, acting like transmission was not engaged. Driver stated as not depressing the accelerator during the alleged event. Customer was driving on steep uphill grades at approximately 45 mph. Vehicle was shut off and restarted. Vehicle proceeded to operate with 6-7 reoccurrences throughout 100 miles of driving at highway speeds. Customer states that this has never happened before however 6 months earlier the vehicle would not start and would stall repeatedly. Customer states vehicle as relatively trouble free with a history of routine maintenance as well as replacement of the rear wheel bearings. (note: This record was received via telphone by an ODI investigator rather than through our hotline or online form. It has been added to our complaint file in response to a third party request.) updated 05/03/12 updated 05/04/12

- Chambersbburg, PA, USA

problem #3

Dec 152007

Prius

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Prius. While driving at a low speed four times, the vehicle accelerated over the speed limit. Twice the vehicle accelerated on an ice covered road. The vehicle also accelerated twice while driving over a pot hole. The vehicle was never taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. Routine maintenance was performed and up to date prior the vehicle accelerating. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 40,000.

- Mundelein, IL, USA

problem #2

Sep 072007

Prius

  • miles
2003 Toyota Prius with acceleration and brake problems. Customer stated when she released her foot from the brake pedal the vehicle raced forward while making a loud noise. The brakes were reapplied but it did not stop the vehicle. The consumer was able to veer slightly to the left to avoid an accident. The vehicle finally stopped after lurching about 30 to 40 feet well beyond the stop sign and into the intersection. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.

- Creswell, OR, USA

problem #1

Oct 172005

Prius

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,745 miles
While driving at 25-30 mph vehicle lost power and stalled due to electronic throttle module failure. Updated 12/6/2005 - the dealer replaced the fuel relay.

- Potomac, MD, USA