2013 Toyota Prius recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius and 414 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (242), electrical system (52), unknown or other (50). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 48–50 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2013 ranks #13 of 14 Prius model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (139). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Toyota Prius. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Hybrid propulsion system · inverter
Problem: 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.
Risk: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Hybrid propulsion system · inverter
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
On XXX, at approximately 152,570 miles, the brake, ABS, and traction-control warning lights illuminated at the same time on my 2013 Toyota Prius. The brakes felt spongy, and I heard a recurring buzzing sound approximately every 3 seconds. Because of the change in brake-pedal feel and concerns about braking safety, I stopped using the vehicle. I reported the problem to Longo Toy…
I experienced sudden unintended acceleration. While I was making a right turn from the street to my driveway, my car suddenly accelerated on its own and hit the side of the house and the garage door, causing significant damage to the house and the front of my car. My street is uphill, so my car was almost stopped when I made a turn. My car suddenly lurched forward passing the u…
While driving our 2013 Toyota Prius, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of braking effectiveness while the vehicle was in motion. This created an immediate safety risk because the vehicle did not respond to braking as expected. After the incident, the vehicle displayed the red BRAKE warning light, ABS warning light, brake-system warning light, and an audible warn…
Safety ratings
2013 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Toyota Prius.
Prius
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Prius c
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Prius have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius, most recently for hybrid propulsion system · inverter (06/24/2020). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?
Based on 414 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (242), electrical system (52), unknown or other (50).
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius safe?
The 2013 Toyota Prius earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Toyota Prius?
The 2013 ranks #13 of 14 Prius model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (139). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota Prius get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 Toyota Prius range from 48 to 50 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2013 Toyota Prius in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: PRIUS, Prius.