VehicleVerdict

2013 Toyota Prius problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Toyota Prius carries two red flags at once: 533 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.5× the Prius norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Brake Actuator Valve Wear). It is one of the Prius years to avoid. Complainants reported 31 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 43% of all reports (230 of 533), far ahead of electrical system at 58. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

533

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

54

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

31

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Prius years?

Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted3,482 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 215 complaints2002: 201 complaints2003: 123 complaints2004: 737 complaints2005: 1,298 complaints2006: 1,690 complaints2007: 2,451 complaints2008: 1,894 complaints2009: 644 complaints2010: 3,482 complaints2011: 662 complaints2012: 537 complaints2013: 533 complaints2014: 273 complaints2015: 210 complaints2016: 215 complaints2017: 127 complaints2018: 45 complaints2019: 51 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 28 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 28 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Toyota Prius problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes23043%
Electrical System5811%
Other499%
Engine377%
Fuel System255%
Speed Control214%
Airbags183%
Transmission143%
Driver Assistance132%
Body & Structure122%
Lighting122%
Tires & Wheels122%
Visibility & Wipers82%
Steering82%
Seat Belts61%
Seats41%
Suspension31%
Latches & Locks20%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have recalls?

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

20V369000Fuel SystemJune 24, 2020 · 266,638 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. 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

An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.

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.

14V053000Fuel SystemFebruary 12, 2014 · 698,457 units

Defect

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

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 both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. 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.

“Brakes were applied in order to avoid a collision with a deer, but the brakes locked up, sending my family out of control across the oncoming lane and into an embankment. They were lucky they weren’t killed. Toyota knows this is an issue and have failed to address it. The ABS accumulator no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 27, 2021 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY ROAD AT 25-30 MPH AT DUSK (5:15PM), AND WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON. THE FIRST INDICATION OF A PROBLEM WAS THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER. ASSUMING THE PROBLEM WAS WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME, I TURNED OFF THE HEATER AND KEPT DRIVING. A MILE LATER,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 8, 2018 · fire

“Another vehicle jumped the light, cutting me off, and I hit him. My car sustained massive front end damage, and the radiator was leaking. I sustained a broken rib. The airbag failed to deploy. I was taken by ambulance to a hospital. My car was not inspected or impounded - the police had it towed to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 10, 2021 · crash

“Pulled out of the driveway drove about a 100 ft heard large clunking sound front end dropped down as if there was a flat tire pulled off the highway drove through the grass 100 ft back to my home the car started smoking from the engine compartment and burst into flames. Tried to extinguish with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 27, 2025 · fire

“THE RENTED 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS WITH ONE PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER, PULLED INTO A DIAGONAL PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF A STRIP MALL STORE. TRAVELING AT MAYBE 5 MPH TO PARK, THE CAR'S BRAKE PEDAL GAVE WAY AND HIT THE FLOOR FLAT, PROVIDING NO BRAKING AT ALL. THE CAR KEPT ROLLING TOWARD THE CORNER OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 27, 2014 · crash

2013 Toyota Prius — common questions

Is the 2013 Toyota Prius reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 533 complaints put the 2013 model at #10 of 27 Prius years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Prius years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Prius problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (230 complaints), electrical system (58 complaints), other (49 complaints).

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Toyota Prius. 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 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 Prius years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius years to avoid are 2010, 2007, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2011, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Prius years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius?

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