VehicleVerdict

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid carries two red flags at once: 35 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 1.8× the Camry Hybrid norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Brake Actuator Valve Wear). It is one of the Camry Hybrid years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), steering (6), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Camry Hybrid years?

Camry Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted966 complaints2006: 3 complaints2007: 966 complaints2008: 225 complaints2009: 171 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 29 complaints2012: 76 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 32 complaints2015: 25 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 6 complaints2018: 37 complaints2019: 20 complaints2020: 9 complaints2021: 8 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 7 complaints2026: 101 complaints
Camry Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes720%
Steering617%
Electrical System514%
Speed Control39%
Body & Structure39%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Other26%
Seat Belts26%
Fuel System13%
Engine13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V505000Visibility & WipersOctober 17, 2013 · 9,795 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, model year 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV and model year 2014 Corolla vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper switch assembly may short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Consequence

A short circuit could cause inoperative windshield wipers, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper switch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Open NHTSA investigations

DP23005

Brake Actuator Valve Wear

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN MY 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID LE. IT WAS EARLY MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. ROADS WERE WET. TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO. I WAS PROBABLY GOING ABOUT 20 MPH WHEN VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I APPLIED MY BRAKES BUT MY VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. I HIT REAR OF VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 17, 2015 · crash

“AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (GREATER THAN 50 MPH) IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT IN MY LANE. IT'S VERY TIRING DUE TO THE NEED TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE RANDOM SIDE TO SIDE DRIFTING AND ALSO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE PROBLEM IS EXACERBATED WITH WIND, TURBULENCE WHEN BEHIND A LARGE TRUCK,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 30, 2013

“DRIVER SIDE BACKSEAT PASSENGER WINDOW SEAT THE SEATBELT IS LOOSE AND DOESN'T RETRACT BACK INTO PLACE. HYBRID BATTERY AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM STUTTERS AFTER SYSTEM FLUSH AT DEALER CAUSING THE HYBRID SYNERGY SYSTEM CHECK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESLAMATION LIGHT IN ORANGE TO STAY ON DASH. ERROR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 13, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AND SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED OVER A CONCRETE MEDIAN AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE BRAKE DID NOT FUNCTION. NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 26, 2014 · crash

“EACH TIME WE OPEN THE TRUNK TO THE CAMRY HYBRID, IT WANTS TO COME DOWN ON YOUR HEAD. IT'S A DANGER TO ANYONE WHO OPENS IT. WE NOW REGRET BUYING OUR FIRST TOYOTA. NO TELLING WHAT ELSE IS GOING TO GO WRONG WITH THE CAR. WE THOUGHT THAT TOYOTA HAD FINALLY FIXED ALL OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 24, 2013

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 2013 model at #7 of 21 Camry Hybrid years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Camry Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Camry Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), steering (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Brake Actuator Valve Wear). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Toyota Camry Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry Hybrid years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2009, 2026, 2012, 2018, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Camry Hybrid years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.