NHTSA Recall 12V537000: Shaft sector (steering) and steering
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 669,705 vehicles. It affects 2004–2009 Toyota Prius.
| NHTSA campaign | 12V537000 |
|---|---|
| Components | STEERING › GEAR BOX › SHAFT SECTOR; STEERING |
| Report received | November 14, 2012 |
| Owner notification | December 20, 2012 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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.
Safety 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 12V537000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.