I am the original owner of a 2001 Toyota Prius. In 2002, we experienced a shutter and loss of power steering when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. The electric motor-assisted power steering (emps) rack had failed at 13,396 miles. Toyota replaced the emps rack under warranty. In 2006 at 65,427 miles, we reported to Toyota that the power steering failed while making a turn and the instrument warning lights illuminated. Fortunately, we were able to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Toyota replaced the second rack at no charge. In 2008 at +105,000 miles, we experienced a noise in the front end that sounded like rubber bushings squeaking when the steering wheel was turned from left to right. Toyota informed us the emps rack had failed a third time. Toyota also told us that it is not their responsibility to correct the problem, but was willing to pay for the new parts and not the labor. A check of the internet blogs indicates that failure of the emps is a common problem with the first generation Prius, first introduced in 2001. Numerous owners have reported emps failure on their vehicles. Second owners of the Prius appear to be less likely to get a satisfactory resolution of this problem from Toyota than first owners. Unexpected loss of power steering while turning the vehicle can be a scary and unexpected event potentially leading to loss of control of the vehicle and personal injury. I strongly recommend that NHTSA investigate this situation.

- Pleasant Hill, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel vibrates. The failure worsens when making left and right turns. The failure has occurred ever since the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer. The current mileage was 69,110 and failure mileage was 69,012.

- Shelby, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota Prius. While driving between 2-5 mph, the steering wheel would intermittently shake. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000 and current mileage was 27,000. Updated 01/11/08. The consumer was told he would be charged for replacing the steering rack. Updated

- Chevy Chase, MD, USA

The contact stated that 2001 Toyota Prius was having trouble with the steering wheel. When the wheel was in certain position it shuttered violently. The problem was intermittent. This happened just a few times since 2001, and in the last week, it was happening daily. The contact had not taken the car to the repair shop prior to this week. The contact was taken vehicle to dealer for a check up on the steering. There has been no success in contacting Toyota as of now. She will contact Toyota soon. The contact stated that the vehicle was very unsafe to drive. There has been no near misses, but this condition was very scary. Updated 12/27/05.

- Lansdale, PA, USA

Consumer stated while driving at any speed and with no warning the steering bolts became loose and caused the steering wheel to jump around, which made the vehicle difficult to steer. Dealer notified. Vehicle pulled significantly while driving. The tires were inspected at 15,536 miles, but at 18,800 miles one of the tire blew revealing the tires were bald. Later, it was discovered the alignment was out and tire needed to be replaced again.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

Potenza 175/65/R14xl (oem tires) which are specifically made for the Prius, wear quickly and on the edges. This resulted in my tire tread having a 1/32 rating, while the middle of the tire still had a long life left. When making sharp turns at low speeds (especially when the car is cold), the steering wheel will vibrate (sometimes audibly, sometimes not). Were this to happen at even a slightly higher speed, accidents may occur. This problem has become more frequent in the last few weeks. It now occurs at least every other day.

- San Jose, CA, USA