2013 Toyota Prius Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Prius.

20122014
Complaints
522
Crashes
54
Fires
7
Injuries
31
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2013 Toyota Prius Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1212 complaints

Brakes

Avg mileage:72,563 mi
Crash-related:17
#247 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:65,028 mi
Fires:1
#337 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:79,531 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Toyota Prius.

Brakes
212
complaints
Crashes
17
Fires
Avg Miles
72,563
Electrical Faults
47
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
65,028
Engine Problems
37
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
79,531
Unintended Acceleration
21
complaints
Crashes
8
Fires
Avg Miles
26,577
Airbags
17
complaints
Crashes
12
Fires
Avg Miles
42,001
Fuel System
16
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
41,785
Transmission / Drivetrain
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
62,697
Headlight/Taillight Failures
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
77,359
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
10
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
58,989
Steering Defects
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
53,561
Wheel Issues
8
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
23,416
Electronic Stability Control
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
65,922
Hybrid Propulsion System
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
77,859
Seat Belt Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
42,362
Hydraulic Brakes
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
93,000
Wipers & Visibility
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
4,894
Tire Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Child Seat
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Electrical:Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota Prius. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2013 Toyota Prius

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,772,424 vehicles.

20V369000Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
~266,638 affected

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.

18V684000Hybrid Propulsion System
~807,329 affected

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.

14V053000Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter · Electrical System:software
~698,457 affected

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.

Other Toyota Prius Years

2013 Toyota Prius — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 Toyota Prius reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2013 Toyota Prius has 522 NHTSA complaints, 54 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Brakes with 212 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?
Top reported problems: Brakes (212 complaints, avg 72,563 mi); Electrical Faults (47 complaints, avg 65,028 mi); Engine Problems (37 complaints, avg 79,531 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Toyota Prius?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 64,937 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius?
NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Toyota Prius include 54 crash-related reports, 7 fire reports, 31 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,772,424 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2013 Toyota Prius?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota Prius reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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