2002 Toyota Prius Service and Repair Manual

The 2002 Toyota Prius is a compact hybrid sedan whose 1.5L naturally aspirated inline-four (1NZ-FXE) works alongside an electric drive motor and a high-voltage battery pack. It was sold in Base trim. Diagnosis on a car built this way rarely stays inside one system, and the gasoline side and the hybrid side are held to different specifications.

Engines

• 1.5L 1500CC l4 HYBRID Naturally Aspirated

Trims

• Base

Known issues on the 2002 Prius. One recall is on federal record for this model year, and it falls under steering: electric power assist system. Toyota recalled certain model year 2001 through 2003 Prius passenger cars manufactured from January 28, 2000 through May 30, 2003; the steering linkage may loosen. The consequence on file is a loss of power steering, particularly when an operator is actively intending to steer the vehicle. Owners have filed 201 complaints against the 2002 Prius, and Toyota has issued 78 technical service bulletins for it.

Anyone buying or servicing one of these should confirm the steering recall was closed out against that specific VIN, since the campaign spans three model years and a production window running from early 2000 into 2003 rather than a single build date.