2002 Toyota Prius Base
JT2BK18U620048940
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Toyota Prius Base (VIN JT2BK18U620048940). Blue, sedan/saloon, 1.5L 4-cyl 70 hp, gasoline. 134,077 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 2 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2002 Toyota Prius worth?
What comparable 2002 Toyota Prius vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2002 Toyota Prius.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN JT2BK18U620048940
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 2
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
TOYOTA 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.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE NUTS IN THE STEERING LINKAGE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign #11V304000 · 01/06/2011ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Campaign #06V266000 · 19/07/2006We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Toyota Prius, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 193
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Toyota Prius.
STEERING
I was driving on the 91 freeway west exit ramp to merge into the 57 freeway in Orange County ca. when suddenly I lost all power steering on the car . We managed to get out the freeway on the first exit
NHTSA ODI #11529952SERVICE BRAKES
Anti-lock brake failure. Failing to pressurize.
NHTSA ODI #11452342VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING SPEED LESS THAN 25MPH ON FAMILIAR SURFACE STREET WITH NEED TO STOP FOR A CAR ABOUT 75 FEET (ESTIMATE) IN FRONT; SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN EASY STOP; APPLIED BRAKES BUT CAR ACCELERATED (I THINK ONLY ELECTRIC MOTOR); FURTHER BRAKE PRESSURE DID NOT STOP THE CAR, CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE (ESTIMATE 30 MPH); FENDER BENDER CRASH OF DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER INTO PA…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11360482STEERING
DRIVING UP AND DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE, POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES OUT. ONLY HAPPENED TWICE SO FAR BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. PROBABLY GOING ABOUT 15-20MPH UPHILL AND MAYBE 20-25MPH DOWNHILL. HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET.
NHTSA ODI #11360535STEERING
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND FELT A JERKING AT MY STEERING WHEEL A FEW MONTHS BACK, I THOUGHT OK MAYBE THE STEERING WHEEL LOOSE OR SOMETHING, I WAS GOING AROUND 65 MPH. FAST FORWARD TO TWO WEEKS AGO AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKS UP ON ME DRIVING TO A DR APPOINTMENT I HAD TO GO TO. I WAS GOING AROUND 30 MPH IN TRAFFIC THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND …
NHTSA ODI #11306536EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES COVERS REPEATEDLY CLOUDS OVER TO THE POINT I CAN HARDLY SEE THE ROADWAY AT NIGHT. DEALER HAVE CLEANSE THE LENSES HOW HAS LAST FOR ABOUT A MONTH. THE DEALER NOW SAYS THESE NEED TO BE REPLACE AT A COST TO ME FOR $750. I BELIEVE THIS IS MANUFACTURE'S DEFECT AND IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR A RECALL. THE DEALER SHOULD DEVELOP A FIX A…
NHTSA ODI #11301782STEERING
MY STEERING WHEEL STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING UNDER 32 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND LOCKS UP THE ABILITY TO STEER WHICH CAN BE DEADLY ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH I DON'T DRIVE MUCH LUCKILY AND TOYOTA HAS NO OPEN RECALLS EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS. I'VE HAS TO HURT MY HANDS WRESTLING WITH IT TO PULL OVER WHICH IS DANGEROUS ON SOME ROADS!!!! VERY DAN…
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11281901STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE RIGHT, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE OVER A CURB. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V304000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE E…
NHTSA ODI #11208587+ 185 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN JT2BK18U620048940 valid?
JT2BK18U620048940 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Japan. It decodes to the 2002 Toyota Prius.
Does the 2002 Toyota Prius have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 2 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 2002 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What is a fair price for a 2002 Toyota Prius?
Comparable 2002 Toyota Prius listings run roughly $950–$4,100, typically around $2,258 (from 24 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What fuel economy does the 2002 Toyota Prius get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Toyota Prius at about 41 mpg combined (42 city / 41 highway).
Data last checked 8 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.