YearToAvoid

2006 Toyota Prius Steering Problems

NHTSA has 22 owner complaints about steering problems in the 2006 Toyota Prius, 2% of all 1,439 complaints for this model year. That is #4 highest steering complaint count among 21 Prius model years. These complaints report 3 crashes and 4 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 81,689 miles.

Steering complaints
22
2% of 1,439
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Median mileage
81,689 mi
Related recalls
2

When 2006 Toyota Prius steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 15, 2008, latest Jul 17, 2024.

2006 Toyota Prius steering complaints: complaints filed per month4Feb 2008May 2010Oct 2012Jul 2013Nov 2015Aug 2017Jul 2024
22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2008 to Jul 2024; peak Feb 2010 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2006 Toyota Prius

  1. NHTSA 12V537000Nov 14, 2012Steering669,705 vehicles

    Steering:gear box:shaft sector

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.

    Risk: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

  2. NHTSA 06V188000May 31, 2006Steering170,856 vehicles

    Steering:electric power assist system

    The intermediate shaft and sliding yoke in the electric power steering system can crack when large forces are applied and the connection may separate or the sleeve may fracture.

    Risk: This could result in a loss of steering control of the vehicle.

    Remedy: Toyota will replace the steering intermediate shaft and inspect the sliding yoke and replace it if necessary. The recall began on june 9, 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Steering complaints by Prius model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200539 (4%)
  2. 200622 (2%)
  3. 200733 (2%)
  4. 200818 (1%)
  5. 200913 (3%)
  6. 201030 (1%)
  7. 20117 (1%)
  8. 201213 (3%)
  9. 20138 (2%)
  10. 20148 (4%)
  11. 20153 (2%)
  12. 20162 (1%)
  13. 20177 (8%)
  14. 20180 (0%)
  15. 20190 (0%)
  16. 20200 (0%)
  17. 20210 (0%)
  18. 20220 (0%)
  19. 20231 (5%)
  20. 20240 (0%)
  21. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Toyota Prius have steering problems?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints about the steering in the 2006 Toyota Prius, 2% of all complaints for this model year, including 3 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 81,689 miles.
Which Toyota Prius year has the most steering complaints?
The 2005 Toyota Prius has the most steering complaints (39), compared with 22 for the 2006.
Is there a steering recall for the 2006 Toyota Prius?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Toyota Prius concern the steering: 12V537000 and 06V188000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.