Steering intermediate extension shaft may fail
Defect Summary
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 Consequence
Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing or involving N/A.
FAQ: Recall 12V537000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 12V537000?
NHTSA recall 12V537000 was issued by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing on November 14, 2012. It addresses: Steering intermediate extension shaft may fail. The recall affects approximately 669,705 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 12V537000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.