VehicleVerdict

2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Prius Plug-In Hybrid years?

Prius Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted31 complaints2010: 8 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 18 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 13 complaints2018: 1 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes950%
Electrical System422%
Other16%
Speed Control16%
Suspension16%
Tires & Wheels16%
Transmission16%

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

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

17V718000Fuel SystemNovember 15, 2017 · 39,915 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.

Consequence

The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH IN TOWN WITH PLENTY OF STOPPING ROOM IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IN FRONT STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND SO I STEPPED ON MINE. MY BRAKES WERE TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE. I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I DID IT AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I REAR ENDED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 7, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 7, 2016 · crash

“The rear axle broke and the drivers side wheel sat sideways making the car undriveable. The car has been serviced by the dealer regularly in fact the rear wheel bearings were replaced recently.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 5, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 7, 2016 · crash

“The rear axle broke and the drivers side wheel sat sideways making the car undriveable. The car has been serviced by the dealer regularly in fact the rear wheel bearings were replaced recently.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 5, 2023

2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 Prius Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (9 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), other (1 complaints).

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In 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 Prius Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2012. The cleanest record among Prius Plug-In Hybrid years belongs to 2016.

How safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid 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.