2012 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · DIA 1406

The vehicle remains roadworthy, though the maintenance history shows a developing trend regarding the steering assembly. While it passed its latest test in November 2025 at 100,285 miles, the tester flagged slight free play in the steering rack. This follows a report of a knock from the steering column during the November 2023 test at 84,099 miles, indicating that mechanical wear in the steering system is progressing over time rather than being an isolated incident. The mileage pattern is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,163 miles per year. Between November 2021 and November 2025, the car covered 37,942 miles, representing a steady rate of use. The lack of recorded defects in the 2022 and 2024 tests suggests that the vehicle was generally well-maintained during those periods, though the recent appearance of steering issues suggests components are failing as the car crosses major 10,000-mile intervals. A prospective buyer must conduct a physical inspection of the steering system to determine if the free play is limited to internal linkage joints or if the rack itself requires replacement. Given the recurring nature of the column and rack faults, the buyer should check for excessive play in the steering wheel and inspect the rubber boots for tearing. Since the record shows no structural corrosion or brake failures over the last five years, the focus remains on this mechanical steering wear to ensure it does not escalate into a more costly repair.