2013 TOYOTA PRIUS Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Prius. This model year has 389 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2013 Toyota Prius Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Toyota Prius. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 221 | 17 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 49 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 48 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 37 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 21 | 8 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 12 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 12 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
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.
Showing 389 most recent complaints
Brake booster failed. We were driving on the freeway and almost got into a pile up. Brakes completely stopped working and pedal became very stiff. The more I look it is this is an extremely common issue
My 2013 Toyota Prius with only 99,000 miles is experiencing a brake system failure. The brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light all illuminate. The brake actuator pump runs every 10 seconds, indicating loss of hydraulic pressure. Safety concern: This issue aff…
While driving my 2013 Toyota Prius, the red brake warning light, traction control, and ABS warning light suddenly illuminated on the dashboard. The brake pedal became spongy and required significantly more effort to stop the vehicle, indicating reduced braking power. The vehicle …
This vehicle qualifies for a repair under T-SB-0024-19. However, this TSB expired in 2023 but the defect and responsibility shouldn't. The car didn't qualify for the repair before the TSB expired, but does now. Because the bulletin was issued and Toyota as acknowledged the rep…
My 2013 Prius brake booster aassembly with aster cylinder had to be replaced for the sum $3996.75. Milage on the vehicle was 109,541. The car 's brake light went on and the engine area a buzzing occured. The car was very difficult to stop and I was concerned enough to drive th…
This is the 3rd time I have had to address this issue. The ABS system fails, resulting in increased braking distances. The dealership refuses to warranty or recall this dangerous defect, replacing the parts which fail again. Symptoms include increased braking distance, extreme…
While driving my 2013 Toyota Prius (110,691 miles), multiple warning lights suddenly illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS, Brake, and Stability Control lights. I initially took the vehicle to an independent specialist (DC Line), but the mechanic there suggested I take …
I was driving and notice ABS light and other light came on, then noticed that when I tried to brake it felt weak, had to pump brake, then later noticed a leak on brake fluid. I took car to Toyota and they checked it and said brake booster and booster pump needed replacing and th…
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. The ABS warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle wa…
ABS warning light illuminated and the system failed while driving, causing longer braking distance and reduced steering control during braking. I am concerned this ABS malfunction increased the risk of a crash for me and other road users.
The brake actuator/ABS hydraulic system on my 2013 Toyota Prius failed. The component is available for inspection upon request, as it was replaced by a Toyota dealership. Prior to failure, the vehicle intermittently displayed ABS, Traction Control, and VSC warning lights while dr…
I was driving on Saturday January 10th, 2026, when out of nowhere all of my dash warning lights came on and the brakes felt spongy and unresponsive. I had to limp home with 20% of my brake capacity which was very scary. Did some research and it was my brake actuator that went out…
Crack in the Engine. I had been following the recommended Maintenance schedule, but I suddenly had issues where the engine would stall/stutter on activation (switching from electric to motor operation). The check engine light came on, and I immediately took it to the dealer who…
Red brake light came on, traction control light came on, ABS light came on, Toyota says my brake pump needs replaced. That my brake will fail.
On [XXX], we were driving from Coalinga, CA to Phoenix, AZ for Thanksgiving. As we began to descend into Los Angeles on [XXX], three warning indicators suddenly went on: the ABS warning light, the traction control light and the brake warning light. The brakes still worked but t…
The Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly have failed. They have caused the following warning lights to go on: ABS, Brake System waring light, Slip Indicator Light, and the Electric Power Steering light.
brakes had no stopping power. Normally when braking it was smooth. All the lights went on. Toyota dealer confirmed that the brake booster Pump Assembly and Brake Master Assembly needs to be replaced.
My daughter was driving the 2013 Toyota Prius on the interstate in Chattanooga, TN. The brakes did not feel right and the car was very difficult to stop. (It did not brake at a normal distance) My daughter was able to get someone safely, and she had the car towed to the dealer.…
My 2013 Prius Plug-In Hybrid with 131k miles on it showed the ABS, Brake, and Traction Control lights while driving last week. Diagnostics from auto shop showed DTC code C1391. System is available for inspection upon request. Safety is definitely at risk, since I am needing to dr…
Brake actuator went out on 2013 Toyota Prius Gen 5. The part is very expensive and in my opinion is a part that should not have to be replaced. The care has 120,000 miles. It is driven very softly, meaning not fast and hard but commuting to work and grocery store as needed. …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Toyota Prius.
Recalls for 2013 Toyota Prius
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Toyota Prius. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2013 Toyota Prius — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2013 Toyota Prius has 389 NHTSA owner complaints, 37 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Brake System (221 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?▾
#1: Brake System (221 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (49 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (48 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Toyota Prius?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Toyota Prius?▾
The 2013 Toyota Prius has 37 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 389 total NHTSA complaints. 22 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Toyota Prius. The largest issue: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Toyota Prius?▾
The 2013 Toyota Prius has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Brake System issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Prius reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2013 Toyota Prius
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.