2002 Toyota Prius: common problems and reliability
One of the better Prius years.
193 owner complaints, most about steering. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2002 Prius?The 2002 Toyota Prius has 193 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and service brakes.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Toyota Prius vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Prius years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Prius?
Across the 26 Prius model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2000) to 5,652 (2010). With 193 complaints, the 2002 Prius sits below the model's median of 502.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Prius
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 11V304000TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2003 PRIUS PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 28, 2000, THROUGH MAY 30, 2003. THE STEERING LINKAGE MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN REDUCED ELECTRIC STEERING ASSISTANCE WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN.
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 06V266000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Prius consistently praised as the quintessential rational transportation appliance.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Prius. See the full Prius owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Prius listings typically run $12,797–$27,748.
Other Prius model years
Compare every Prius year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Prius against its rivals
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