When did Toyota get power steering?
A landmark moment: when power steering first appeared in Toyota
The exact year Toyota introduced factory-installed power steering varies by model and region, but automotive history generally places the first widely documented adoption in the mid-1960s. Early hydraulic power steering was available on a limited number of Toyota passenger cars around 1964–1965, with Crown and Corona models frequently cited among the early adopters. Over the following decade, the feature gradually expanded across Toyota’s lineup.
Below is a look at the milestones that mark Toyota’s progression from rare hydraulic systems to broad availability and eventual transition to electric power steering.
- Mid-1960s: First factory-installed hydraulic power steering appears on select Toyota models, with early references to Crown and Corona around 1964–1965.
- Late 1960s–1970s: Hydraulic power steering becomes more widely available across Toyota’s passenger cars and light trucks.
- 1990s onward: The shift from hydraulic to electric power steering (EPS) accelerates, improving efficiency and enabling newer driver-assistance features.
These milestones illustrate Toyota’s gradual rollout of power steering and its evolution into the electric systems common today.
From hydraulic to electric: the modern era
In recent decades, Toyota has increasingly adopted electric power steering (EPS) across its lineup. EPS uses electric motors and sensors to provide steering assist, reducing mechanical losses and enabling tighter integration with hybrid systems and driver-assistance technologies. By the 2010s, EPS had become the standard in most new Toyota models, with continued refinement and compatibility with safety and efficiency features across the range.
- 1990s–2000s: Electric power steering (EPS) begins replacing many hydraulic units in Toyota models, delivering greater efficiency and smoother operation.
- 2010s–present: EPS becomes standard on a wide array of Toyotas, integrated with ADAS features and hybrid drivetrain requirements.
As a result, Toyota’s power-steering story reflects a broader industry shift toward electronically assisted steering systems that support modern safety and efficiency goals.
Summary
Toyota’s power-steering journey began with hydraulic systems in the mid-1960s, expanded across models in the following decades, and transitioned to electric power steering from the 1990s onward. Today, EPS is the norm on most Toyota vehicles, aligning with advances in efficiency, safety, and vehicle autonomy.
When did Toyota start using power steering?
Chassis
| Year | Technology developed and applied |
|---|---|
| 1967 | Integral hydraulic power-steering system installed |
| 1971 | Electronically controlled anti-skid brakes installed |
| 1974 | Drum-in-disk, four-wheel disk brakes installed |
| Speed-sensitive power steering installed |
When did power steering become normal?
Power steering became standard on most new cars by the 1970s, particularly in North America, where almost all new cars were equipped with it by 1975. While it was initially a luxury feature on models from companies like Chrysler and Cadillac in the 1950s, it gradually became more common as production technology advanced and consumer demand grew. By the 1980s, it was a standard feature on nearly all new cars globally, with only a few inexpensive models being the exception.
- 1950s: Power steering is introduced as a luxury option. Chrysler and Cadillac are among the first to offer it on high-end models.
- 1960s: The feature spreads throughout the American market, becoming standard on more models.
- 1970s: Power steering becomes a standard feature on nearly all North American cars, driven by consumer demand and rising oil prices.
- 1980s: The technology is widely adopted globally, with power steering becoming standard on almost all new cars worldwide.
Do Toyotas have power steering?
Newer Toyotas like the Prius, Camry, and Corolla use electric power steering (EPS) instead of hydraulic systems. Instead of fluid, EPS relies on sensors, wiring, and an electric motor to assist with steering. If you notice stiff steering and your Toyota has EPS, it could be due to: A failed EPS motor or module.
What year did they start power steering?
Chrysler Corporation introduced the first commercially available passenger car power steering system on the 1951 Chrysler Imperial under the name "Hydraguide".
