steering wheel shaking violently

I just got a call from the service dept @ my local Toyota dealership. My steering wheel has been shaking violently, typically only when the car is cold (the weather has just gotten into the 30/40's here in Jersey). I have a 2003 model, with ~75,000 miles, so I've missed all warranty coverage according to the service dept. They are telling me that they need to replace the whole steering wheel carriage - $2500. Ouch. This seems unreasonable for 2 reasons, 1. this is the second major repair I've had - on a very new and tenderly cared for car. 2. Why would the steering carriage need to be replaced- what caused such a major malfunction- I wasn't expecting these kinds of expenses or problems until I had 200,000 miles on the car. I love Toyota and have been a dedicated buyer for years. Anyone else have an issue with the steering?
Thanks, Yvonne

I just got a 2007 and it's awesome. I've had no problems with steering. The only shaking I've encountered is at a stop light when the gas engine turns off (and it's minimal).

I just got a call from the service dept @ my local Toyota dealership. My steering wheel has been shaking violently, typically only when the car is cold (the weather has just gotten into the 30/40's here in Jersey). I have a 2003 model, with ~75,000 miles, so I've missed all warranty coverage according to the service dept. They are telling me that they need to replace the whole steering wheel carriage - $2500. Ouch. This seems unreasonable for 2 reasons, 1. this is the second major repair I've had - on a very new and tenderly cared for car. 2. Why would the steering carriage need to be replaced- what caused such a major malfunction- I wasn't expecting these kinds of expenses or problems until I had 200,000 miles on the car. I love Toyota and have been a dedicated buyer for years. Anyone else have an issue with the steering?
Thanks, Yvonne

Yvonne, my experience is similar -- 2003 Prius with about the same mileage when I noticed the problem. First cropped up in fall 2006 on a cold morning in MN. Now at 90k miles get slight shaking some days even when warm. Shaking is only noticeable when I turn the wheel suddenly just after starting the car. No dealer in my town in MO, so reported problem to my usual garage and have had no feedback as yet. Seems like a minor problem so far, but wondering what it means down the road.
Kevin

Be sure to check your wheels to make sure they are in balance, any tire service can do this. A wheel out of balance can cause a shake, particularly at speed. Since the power steering on a Prius is electric, I can't see how the whole steering wheel carriage would need to be replaced.

Have either you or Yvonne escalated this problem to Toyota corporate (telephone number in the warranty manual)?