MYRModel Year Report

2013 Toyota Prius

◆ Worse than typical
2013 Toyota Prius
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Prius Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2001: 165 complaints 2002: 167 complaints 2003: 99 complaints 2004: 610 complaints 2004 2005: 1051 complaints 2006: 1439 complaints 2007: 2003 complaints 2008: 1497 complaints 2008 2009: 502 complaints 2010: 2822 complaints 2011: 517 complaints 2012: 422 complaints 2012 2013: 408 complaints 2013 2014: 205 complaints 2015: 163 complaints 2016: 154 complaints 2016 2017: 91 complaints 2018: 36 complaints 2019: 30 complaints 2020: 14 complaints 2020 2021: 6 complaints 2022: 24 complaints 2023: 19 complaints 2024: 23 complaints 2024 2025: 16 complaints 2026: 5 complaints 2026
2013: 408 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20004
2001165
2002167
200399
2004610
20051051
20061439
20072003
20081497
2009502
20102822
2011517
2012422
2013408
2014205
2015163
2016154
201791
201836
201930
202014
20216
202224
202319
202423
202516
20265

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 59%

59% of complaints: service brakes — 239 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The brake light, abs light, and traction control light is on. This was a known issue with Toyota Prius. They extended the warranty but failed to adequately notify user.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260710

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show 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

Also filed under ENGINE and STRUCTURE

ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 37 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

AIR BAGS 4%

4% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front passenger.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2013 — complaint volume: 408
R 20140321 — electrical system, hybrid propulsion system

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

R 20190122 — hybrid propulsion system

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

I 20190930 — DP (closed 20210121)

Brake Actuator Valve Wear

R 20200724 — hybrid propulsion system

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

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

I 20231122 — DP (open)

Brake Actuator Valve Wear

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Toyota Prius — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (239 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (51 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2019 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2017

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2007 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

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 "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Prius have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.