2013 Toyota Prius C problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 88 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Prius C year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 8 Prius C years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 25 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
88
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
18
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2013 compare to other Prius C years?
What are the most common 2013 Toyota Prius C problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 25 | 28% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 17 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 10 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 4 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Driver Assistance | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE SWITCHED OUT OF READY MODE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SWITCH BACK INTO READY MODE. BODY DAMAGE INCURRED DURING EMERGENCY STOP, DUE TO VEHICLE GOING AT ABOUT 35MPH WHEN THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED ON A SURFACE STREET.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL…”
“I was going on my way to work on the freeway at approximately 65 miles per hour, suddenly I felt as if my car shut off will driving and I lost power. I pressed on the gas Pedal as I was pulled into the emergency lane to the right of the freeway, the gas pedal did not work. I pulled to the side and…”
“TOYOTA IS TRYING TO COVER UP THE TRUE NUMBER OF VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THE HYBRID SYSTEM RECALL.. TOYOTA CLAIMS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT THE SUBJECT OF RECALL, YET THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS ALL THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL.. 1.) THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT FREEWAY SPEED ON WESTBOUND HWY 92 ON…”
“There was a driver side collision and the airbags did not deploy. Brakes do not slowly apply they slam down causing vehicle to slide/skid in emergency braking, ABS does not function properly. The dealership recently did an appraisal (4/2/25) on the vehicle that states âLost communication with…”
2013 Toyota Prius C — common questions
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius C reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 88 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 8 Prius C years. It is one of the Prius C years to avoid.
What are the most common 2013 Prius C problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (25 complaints), brakes (17 complaints), fuel system (10 complaints).
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius C have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 Toyota Prius C.
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius C under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Toyota Prius C years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius C years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Prius C years belongs to 2019.
How safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius C?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Toyota Prius C earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
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.