Model year guide

2003 Toyota Prius

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Toyota Prius is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 13 on record.

2003 Toyota Prius — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Toyota Prius at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints111
Combined41 mpg
Typical price$2,027

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Toyota Prius recalls 1

Steering:electric Power Assist System NHTSA Campaign #11V304000 · 01/06/2011

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Toyota Prius common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2003 Toyota Prius MPG & running costs

Combined41 mpg
City42 mpg
Highway41 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Toyota Prius worth?

Low
$1,200
Typical price
$2,027
High
$3,100

From 13 comparable 2003 Toyota Prius listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Toyota Prius costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$7,500
Fuel only$7,500
Per mile$0.10

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Toyota Prius trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl 70 hp

2003 Toyota Prius vehicles on record

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Other Toyota Prius model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001

2003 Toyota Prius — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Prius have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2003 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Prius?

Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, service brakes, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota Prius get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Toyota Prius at about 41 mpg combined (42 city / 41 highway).

How much is a 2003 Toyota Prius worth?

Comparable 2003 Toyota Prius listings run roughly $1,200–$3,100, typically around $2,027 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.