NHTSA investigating Toyota Prius hybrid for steering-shaft concerns

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday it will look into whether steering shafts in Toyota Prius models spanning from 2004 through 2009 model years are defective.

According to the Detroit News, NHTSA has already recalled the Toyota Prius twice for steering-shaft problems. In 2012, 669,000 Prius vehicles from 2004-2009 model years were recalled to replace the steering-shaft extension assembly. In 2006, a selection of 2004-2006 models were recalled because it was determined the intermediate shaft in the electronic power system could crack causing a loss in steering control.

At this time NHTSA is merely investigating the problem, and no official recall has been issued.

By Sherrice Gilsbach