2013 Toyota Prius
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 165 |
| 2002 | 167 |
| 2003 | 99 |
| 2004 | 610 |
| 2005 | 1051 |
| 2006 | 1439 |
| 2007 | 2003 |
| 2008 | 1497 |
| 2009 | 502 |
| 2010 | 2819 |
| 2011 | 515 |
| 2012 | 419 |
| 2013 | 398 |
| 2014 | 202 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 154 |
| 2017 | 91 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
56% of complaints: service brakes — 222 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: electrical system — 48 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181111
9% of complaints: engine — 37 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181111
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130708
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130705
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A WOODEN STAIRCASE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130319
4% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles.
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.
Campaign 14V053000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles.
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.
Campaign 18V684000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system.
Campaign 20V369000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Brake Actuator Valve Wear
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (222 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V053000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V684000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V369000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Toyota Prius is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Prius have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.