2013 Toyota Prius problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 414.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Service brakes
Electrical system
Unknown or other
Safety recalls (3)
Recalls that cover the 2013 Toyota Prius. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
Hybrid propulsion system › inverter
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Hybrid propulsion system
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Electrical system › software; hybrid propulsion system › inverter
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Questions to ask the seller
When were the brakes last serviced? On the test drive, check for pulsing, grinding, a soft pedal, or ABS warnings.
232 owner complaints mention the brakes, half of the reports with mileage are between 21,892 and 115,250 miles.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
52 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 5,943 and 119,000 miles.
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
37 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 24,966 and 118,000 miles.
Any unexpected acceleration, surging, or cruise control problems? Test cruise control on the highway.
22 owner complaints mention the throttle or cruise control, half of the reports with mileage are between 837 and 47,750 miles.
Has the airbag warning light ever stayed on? Was any airbag replaced after a crash?
18 owner complaints mention the air bags, half of the reports with mileage are between 10,500 and 64,800 miles.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year.
Other Toyota Prius years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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