2003 Toyota Prius XW10

Overview

Engines

1.5L hybrid

On record

1 warning, 1 recall

What changed for 2003

• Unchanged. Edmunds

Compare 2003 with 2002

Colors

• Golden Pearl An owners' registry (unofficial)057, 2003
• Black An owners' registry (unofficial)202, 2003
• Brilliant Blue Pearl8K8, 2002–2003
• Super White040, 2001–2003
• Silver Strata Metallic1C5, 2001–2003
• Electric Green Mica6R4, 2001–2003
• Aqua Ice Opalescent761, 2001–2003

Sources: Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)

Interiors in the generation, years not known: Gray Edmunds

Specs

Engines

• 1.5L hybrid 1NZ-FXE Toyota, Edmunds, a published reference

  Atkinson-cycle engine of 70 hp and 82 lb-ft, with a 44 hp motor; 97 hp together

Transmissions

• Planetary power-split (eCVT) Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

• Front-wheel drive A published reference

Trims

• Base Edmunds

Packages

• Navigation system (2002–2003) Edmunds
• Side airbags (2002–2003) Edmunds

Figures for the whole 1st gen

• Model codes: NHW11 A published reference
• Battery: Nickel-metal hydride, 1.78 kWh at 273.6 volts A published reference
• Where built: Motomachi, Japan, from May 2000 to June 2003; 33,411 NHW11 cars were made A published reference
• Economy: EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined Toyota
• Emissions: A Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) Toyota, a published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Power steering All years

  Check: Ask whether recall 11V304000 was done. On a straight road, let the wheel go for a moment and feel for vibration, and watch for the power steering warning.

  Toyota recalled 2001–2003 cars because the steering linkage nuts could loosen and cut assist in left turns. A separate program, ZTP, replaced steering racks that made the wheel shake when let go, but it ended in 2013. Jalopnik reports steering torque sensors wearing out early. Toyota, NHTSA, Jalopnik

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2001–2003 Recall 11V304000

  The steering linkage may loosen, reducing power assist in left turns. NHTSA

Checked against NHTSA records on November 2, 2026.

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  The battery lasts All years

  In 2011 Consumer Reports tested a 2002 Prius with over 200,000 miles and found little difference in fuel economy and acceleration from the 2001 it had tested new. SlashGear picks the 2003 as a used buy on a small budget. SlashGear, a published reference

Maintenance

No service schedule is added yet.

Warranty when new