VehicleVerdict

2013 Toyota Prius V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 164 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median Prius V year — the 2013 model ranks #2 of 8 Prius V years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 42% of all reports (68 of 164), far ahead of electrical system at 17. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

164

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Prius V years?

Prius V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted289 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 289 complaints2013: 164 complaints2014: 118 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 24 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 3 complaints
Prius V NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius V years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Toyota Prius V problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes6841%
Electrical System1710%
Engine1610%
Fuel System127%
Other117%
Transmission74%
Lighting74%
Speed Control64%
Airbags53%
Driver Assistance42%
Suspension42%
Body & Structure32%
Seat Belts21%
Steering11%
Seats11%

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius V have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V684000Fuel SystemOctober 4, 2018 · 807,329 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.

Consequence

If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.

15V449000Fuel SystemJuly 15, 2015 · 108,624 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

13E070000LightingDecember 12, 2013 · 409 units

Defect

Genera Corporation (Genera) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement tail lights, model 11-6468-00 (driver-side), and model 11-6467-00 (passenger-side), sold for use on 2012-2013 Toyota Prius V vehicles. The brake light and tail light circuits are switched causing the brake lights to be illuminated continuously until the brake pedal is pressed, when the brake lights will go out.

Consequence

The reversed tail lamp function reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Genera will notify owners and provide replacement aftermarket tail lamps, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact Genera at 1-888-963-9888. This recall is being conducted by Genera Corporation, not by Toyota Motor Corporation.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WAS GOING DOWN HILL AT 40MPH THE LIGHT TURNED RED I TRIED TO STOP I PUMPED THE BRAKES TWICE THEN TWICE AGAIN THE LAIN TO MY LIFE WAS FULL TO MY RIGHT WAS A CURB ABOUT 13IN HEIGHT AND BY THEN WE WERE IN THE BACK END OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF US AND NO AIR BAGS I DON'T KNOW WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOY OR AT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 30, 2014 · crash

“MAY 3, 2019, APPROXIMATELY 33 DAYS AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATED DUE TO RECALL (TO PREVENT STALLING) VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. DUE TO LOCATION OF EVENT, ALL PROPERTY DAMAGE AND INJURIES WERE MINOR. EVENT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO TOYOTA AND OWNER'S AUTO INSURANCE PROVIDER. VEHICLE WAS IN A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 2, 2019 · crash

“THE ENGINE OIL RUNS LOW BETWEEN OIL CHANGES AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ARE DISPLAYED. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND SHAKING AND JERKING OCCURRED. THE CAR WAS ON A CITY STREET. I ADDED THE APPROPRIATE TYPE AND WEIGHT OF OIL. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE FIRST TIME BUT I CHECK IT REGULARLY. I KNOW ONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2018

“MAY 3, 2019, APPROXIMATELY 33 DAYS AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATED DUE TO RECALL (TO PREVENT STALLING) VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. DUE TO LOCATION OF EVENT, ALL PROPERTY DAMAGE AND INJURIES WERE MINOR. EVENT HAS BEEN REPORTED TO TOYOTA AND OWNER'S AUTO INSURANCE PROVIDER. VEHICLE WAS IN A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 2, 2019 · crash

“I had just dropped off my daughters at school. On my drive back home, this trip is roughly an 8 mile round trip distance . I heard (then saw) an explosion coming from the rear passenger side of the car. I noticed flames and proceeded to steer the car (car shutdown) towards a side street. Shortly…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 29, 2024 · fire

2013 Toyota Prius V — common questions

Is the 2013 Toyota Prius V reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 164 complaints put the 2013 model at #2 of 8 Prius V years. It is one of the Prius V years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Prius V problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (68 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), engine (16 complaints).

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Toyota Prius V. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Prius V years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius V years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Prius V years belongs to 2011.

How safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius V?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Toyota Prius V earned an overall rating of 5 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.