2013 Toyota Prius problems

toyota logo

The Toyota Prius (/ˈpriːəs/ PREE-əss) (Japanese: トヨタ・プリウス, Hepburn: Toyota Puriusu) is a compact/small family liftback (supermini/subcompact sedan until 2003) produced by Toyota. The Prius has a hybrid drivetrain, combined with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Initially offered as a four-door sedan, it has been produced only as a five-door liftback since 2003.

The Prius was developed by Toyota to be the "car for the 21st century"; it was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, first going on sale in Japan in 1997 at all four Toyota Japan dealership chains, and subsequently introduced worldwide in 2000.

In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to include the Prius v, an MPV, and the Prius c, a subcompact hatchback. The production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid was released in 2012. The second generation of the plug-in variant, the Prius Prime, was released in the U.S. in November 2016. The Prius family totaled global cumulative sales of 6.1 million units in January 2017, representing 61% of the 10 million hybrids sold worldwide by Toyota since 1997. Toyota sells the Prius in over 90 markets, with Japan and the United States being its largest markets.

2013 Toyota Prius

Social links

Common 2013 Toyota Prius problems

The 2013 Toyota Prius has encountered several common problems based on owner complaints:

  1. Center Multi-Function Display Failure: The display may stop working due to poorly soldered internal connections. Repair involves specialized shops for this type of repair.
  2. Inaccurate Fuel Gauge: The fuel gauge may read inaccurately, requiring recalibration by a dealer.
  3. EGR Valve Issues: Carbon buildup in the EGR valve can lead to a check engine light with a specific code. Cleaning or replacement may be necessary.
  4. Water Pump Concerns: Symptoms may not include leaks or noise typical of water pump issues, but a check engine light could indicate a problem. Prompt replacement is crucial to prevent engine damage.
  5. Plate Light Bulb Socket Melt: The bulbs heat up the socket, causing melting and premature burnout. Replacing with LED bulbs can prevent this issue.

These problems highlight common issues faced by owners of the 2013 Toyota Prius, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any warning signs to ensure the vehicle's longevity and performance.

2013 Toyota Prius engine

Is the 2013 Prius a reliable car?

This is by far the most reliable & efficient vehicle. I had only had to change the oil & that is it. It regularly gets approximately 55/60 MPG. I absolutely love this vehicle & would not hesitate to get another Prius.

What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?

A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.

  • Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
  • Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
  • Unintended Acceleration. ...
  • Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
  • Prius Headlight Problems. ...
  • Prius Brake Defects. ...
  • Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.

How many miles does a 2013 Prius last?

between 200,000 and 250,000 miles

With regular maintenance, a Toyota Prius owner can expect to get between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their Prius, with some owners topping the 300,000-mile mark and going strong.

Do Toyota Prius have transmission problems?

As Toyota's flagship hybrid model, the Prius has helped drive the movement towards fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles. However, like any car, the Prius can develop issues over time – especially in the complex transmission system.

Is the 2013 Prius a reliable car?

This is by far the most reliable & efficient vehicle. I had only had to change the oil & that is it. It regularly gets approximately 55/60 MPG. I absolutely love this vehicle & would not hesitate to get another Prius.

What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?

A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.

  • Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
  • Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
  • Unintended Acceleration. ...
  • Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
  • Prius Headlight Problems. ...
  • Prius Brake Defects. ...
  • Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.

How long do 2013 Toyota Prius batteries last?

8 to 10 years

The expected lifespan of a Toyota Prius battery typically ranges from 8 to 10 years or around 100,000 to 150,000 miles. However, several factors can affect its longevity: Driving habits: Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy loads can put more strain on the battery and reduce its lifespan.

What is the best year of Toyota Prius?

Great choice, Priuses are known for their reliability and fuel efficiency. The 2012-2015 Prius models are often considered the sweet spot.

2013 Toyota Prius car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prius problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Engine problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Toyota Prius vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2013 Toyota Prius

The NHTSA has received 288 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Toyota Prius. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2013 Toyota Prius vehicles.

2024-10-22

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU8D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: Took car in for repair because all the warning lights are on. The repair shop quoted $1200 for Anti lock braking actuator system which is defective. This is a huge safety issue and a costly repair from Toyota.
2024-10-11

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-15
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU5D1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The car has been making an intermittent buzzing sound that I now have had diagnosed as a failing Brake Booster Actuator. This part is integral to safely stopping the car. Though the actuator has apparently been failing for months, there have not been any DTCs associated with it. I now find that there was a Customer Support Program regarding this issue which has since expired. It is referred to as "Customer Support Program ZJB" and it refers to T-SB-0024-19. Had I been notified of this, I would have had the brake issue corrected before the program expired.
2024-10-06

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-27
  • VIN: JTDKN3DUXD1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Brake Booster failed last February 2024 while driving. The mileage at that time was around 89,270. Found out there was customer service support program for this issue that run through 2023. Since I bought the car used from Honda of Capitola (2018), I didn’t get any notification or unaware of this CSP. And the issue came out only this year. Had I know about this letter, I could have this inspected by Toyota. This is very unusual to have a brake booster failed with less than 100K. Called Toyota for assistance but they said I’m passed the CSP service date. Paid $3343.22 to have the car fix last 3/27/24. There should be a recall of this problem as more and more Toyota owner are still having this same issue. Thank you.
2024-09-08

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
  • VIN: JTDKN3DUXD0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: While driving my brake light, ABS light, and traction(?) light all came on at once. The brake felt like it had resistance and I have to push it a lot harder than normal to stop. I took it to get a diagnostic ran and received the code C1391. After looking more up for this, this is a very known issue for Priuses and I was never made aware of it. This is a safety concern for all Prius drivers and nobody is made aware until it becomes an issue.
2024-09-07

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-20
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU4D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Getting a C1391 brake module /ABS failure
2024-09-03

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU6D1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: On the way home from a family vacation, the brake warning light, ABS warning, and swerve warning lit up on our 2013 Toyota Prius's dashboard. It was evening already, and with only a few miles to go we continued toward our home. While driving at approximately 50 mph, a red light appeared around a bend. I hit the brakes, a little hard, but certainly with enough time to safely stop. The brakes completely locked and the tired screeched and let off smoke, while the back of the car fishtailed around until we were sideways. It was terrifying. I believe the anti-lock brakes failed, and when they seized up it caused loss of control of the vehicle. Fortunately, no other vehicle was in the left turning lane, where we ended up, and we did not pass into the intersection. No one was hurt, but we could easily have been if not for good luck. I have noticed that the Toyota Prius has had a number of warning and warranty extensions due to brake actuator [XXX] ) and that several class-action lawsuits are underway. We would like to report our problem for the safety of others. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2024-09-02

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU2D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: C1391 code at 148000 miles - just as others have reported. Quoted 3,500+ for the fix, Dealership said it was out of warranty and thus no help could be provided. The Code reads for a bad Brake Booster Assembly.
2024-08-17

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-17
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU5D0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Brake actuator needs replaced. Yes please inspect. You have my permission for further review. My safety was put at risk since I was traveling 70-75 mph when my dashboard lit up with warnings. I tried braking and the brake was extremely hard to the touch and required a lot of force to even slow down and stop the car. Just making it home was dangerous. I almost ran into the garage wall since braking is extremely difficult and unresponsive. It hasn't been reproduced or confirmed yet with dealer or mechanic but everything suggests it's this from other accounts online. Toyota refuses to honor faulty part that is rampant in this generation model. The warning lights appeared as soon as it happened out of nowhere. All of these lit up on the dash all at once: brake, ABS, Skid, and the tire pressure icon. My car was making strange wheezing noises in the week or two prior to this happening. I think that is a symptom it will soon fail.
2024-08-12

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU5D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: malfunctions of the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies
2024-08-09

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-08
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU4D1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Dashboard lights came on today, 8-9-24, indicating Brake Accuator Failure in my 2013 Prius. When I took my 2013 Prius to a dealership for service in April 2024 with mileage of 118,000, I informed them of the noise symptoms I experienced which apparently are a precursor to Brake Accuator failure. I even played them a video in which you can clearly hear these noise symptoms. I was not aware of this issue as I have never received correspondence from Toyota regarding this problem, although I now know a Warranty Enhancement Notification ZG-1 was supposedly sent out. I have not moved in 20 years and should have received this notice. Because the dashboard lights were not on at the time of the April 2024 service visit, and having no idea that the extended warranty window of under 150,000 miles or 10 years had closed on 12-31-23, the dealership would not even consider repairing the Brake Accuator issue. Even though this was a known issue by Toyota, and a dangerous safety issue, they will not provide unlimited free warranty repair. Add to that the prohibitive and unreasonable cost to repair this issue (anywhere from $2000 to $4000) for a car which is 10 years old, and for many is completely out of their monetary reach, is absurd. Even more importantly are the lives put in danger if the brakes go out while at high speed. Toyota should be forced to address this problem and resolve it immediately!
2024-08-05

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-03
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU3D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: On August 3rd, 2024 my 2013 Toyota Prius lost power brakes at INTERSTATE SPEEDS. This put a number of lives, including my own, at risk. The computer program on the car appears to have been programmed to give operators a "death threat" by initiating a PROGRAMMED LOSS of power braking on the vehicle. There were a number of brake warning lights and an Audible Continuous beeping. When I moved over into the exit ramp from the interstate and applied my brakes this is when it was evident that power brakes were no longer available. I drove the car to a parking lot very close by and let it sit and checked my brake fluid but the brake fluid level was good. After this occurrence the power brakes returned to sufficient operation and have been in operation for approximately 2 days now with many display lights about brakes on the dash and the same audible beep is present. The brakes lights on the dash have been on since approximately November 2021 (2013 model car not even 10 years old of usage at that point). This is a safety risk that Toyota appears to have attempted to mitigate financial losses by having the customers that were not covered by their "customer care" program be the ones to pay exorbitantly high prices for the repair of this item in order to better balance and reduce their own financial loss for this mechanical problem. Toyota appears to have conscientiously reduced the number of cars that they offered to help repair financially under their customer care program. Their repair program went to 10 years since the date of first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. It is unreasonable to expect that these cars will end their usage life at 150,000 miles and can be reasonably expected to be non-usable at that point. There are many vehicles that go past 150,000 miles of use and also past 10 years of use.
2024-07-17

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-11
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU2D0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Traveling approximately 15mph I collided with a full size truck the front end of my car totaled. I was wearing my seat belt and air bags did not deploy causing me to hit the steering wheel with enough force to fracture my sternum. This is the 2nd time a frontal impact occurred causing damage to the front bumper and air bags did not deploy.
2024-07-17

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-31
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU0D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 2013 with 128000 miles, brake pump and accumulator for ABS failed, all sensors are on. Pedal is shaking when pressed, called Toyota South Coast in California, have told the extended warranty expired on 28 December 2022, what a joke, right on 10 years it means. But car has been driven less than 12k miles until today. This brake issue is a safety problem, cant use a used part which more likely will have the same issue. Not speaking of the labor of Dealership service, but having the original updated parts for over $1000 is a lame and Toyota USA should be shamed for this. Code C1391, T-SB 0024-19
2024-07-09

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU0D1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The brake booster and actuator assembly has failed at 130000 miles, within mileage and outside of time frame of limited recall bulletin. No help from dealership with repair costs exceeding value of the vehicle and vehicle is unsafe to drive.
2024-07-08

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-04
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU2D1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: As I was driving my vehicle, all lights related to ABS system came on and stayed on. This included the traction light, the ABS light, and the brake light. My brake pedal became much less responsive and took more pressure to activate the brakes in the car. If I had needed to brake suddenly, I don't know that my car would have stopped. I took it to the dealer and they said there is an abnormal leak inside the ABS accumulator.
2024-06-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-13
  • VIN: JTDKN3DUXD1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: While driving on the highway, ABS, "Brake"/E-Brake, Traction Control Lights lit up all at the same time out of the blue. No prior engine lights/codes before this incident. During that trip, brakes felt more difficult to press, loss all brake regeneration for the hybrid battery but was still about to brake for that entire 100 miles trip. As of now, the car is still able to brake but it looks like it's just primarily using the mechanical brakes all the time now. It still has that different brake feel compared to when before all those engine lights went on. Regenerative braking is no longer working. Brought the car to the shop at was given the error codes C1391 and C2315.
2024-06-27

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-27
  • VIN: JTDKN3DUXD1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: The clear coat failed despite regular wax and optimal storage. I have seen a few Toyota vehicles of this same color with clear coat failures.
2024-06-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-20
  • VIN: JTDKN3DUXD1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I was driving and suddenly the car started beeping and the brake, e-brake, abs, and traction control lights came on. As soon as I found an opportunity I tried to brake but the car would not stop and the brake pedal became really hard. I had swerve to avoid hitting cars in front of me. It was the scariest moment of my life. I shifted the car from D to B to use the engine braking. I finally was able to slow down enough to turn right on a side Street and pushed on the brake pedal with all my strength and it finally came to a stop. I was lucky I didn't have a collision or strike a pedestrian, that I also drive defensively and leave enough space in front of me, and that I was on a surface street and not on a freeway which I frequently use because if I was I would have surely crashed. This is NOT right. Brakes should NOT suddenly fail! Under any circumstances. It was confirmed by a mechanic that it's the BRAKE BOOSTER AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLIES had failed and had the following codes C1252, C1253, and C1256 were found. The same issue and codes reported in tsb pol18-03.
2024-06-20

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-15
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU6D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: ABS brake failure (code c1391) occurred at less than 98,000 miles. Toyota will not cover cost despite being a commonly known failure.
2024-06-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU0D5
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 to 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the battery on two occasions, but the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 173,699.
2024-05-29

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-28
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU6D1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 2013 Prius lit up like a Christmas tree last night. Traction control, brake, and abs warning lights all came on at once. The brake feel really weird and luckily I was like 3 miles away from home
2024-05-10

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-03
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU2D5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Lost brakes on the freeway. Managed to pull over and get the car to a mechanic. He diagnose d the problem as the brake actuator pump.We then took the car to a Toyota dealership that confirmed the Diagnosis. I understand that the NHTSA is revisiting a complaint about the failure of this part. It cost me $3600 to have it repaired. I personally believe that Toyota should cover this as they have known the part was a problem.
2024-05-08

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-20
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU1D1
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Problem 1. Both curtain airbags on the passenger side deployed while no one was sitting in those seats, no injuries sustained to anyone. This happened one time as it happened in a car accident, nothing indicated that the air bags were on or active at the moment. Problem 2. ABS system failure has caused the brakes on the prius to lock and not work while driving, almost causing an incident. The car has not been driven since for the fear of that happening again. The vehicle has been seen by a mechanic to determine it is the abs system. The ABS light has been on as well, it appeared a couple of weeks before the brakes locked up back in March of this year.
2024-05-06

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-03
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU5D1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Brake booster failure; actuator and pump replacement needed.
2024-04-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-15
  • VIN: JTDKN3DU5D1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? **Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT The passenger side seat belt became folded and stuck. It would not enable the person to pull it and attach it to the clasp. When my little boy did pull it in the clasp it was an extremely snug fit. I had 3 people try to unfold it. Finally someone had to slice it so that we could at least get part of it to work and go into the clasp. The shoulder strap did attach properly it is just the stomach strap that is not working properly. I brought it to the Toyota dealership to see: 1. If there were any recalls on it. 2. To see about getting it repaired. The dealer said that there were no recalls on that item and that it was indeed broken and it would cost over $500 to repair. I have not brought it the manufacturer. I don’t know where the manufacturer is located. Are they in Japan? The only warning signs were when the seatbelt was not properly attached because it did not properly fit on my passenger.

2013 Toyota Prius recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2013 Toyota Prius.

2020-06-24
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
  • 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.
2018-10-04
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • 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.
2014-02-12
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
  • 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.

Negative 2013 Toyota Prius car reviews

  1. Lenny Cummings 2024-08-26

    The car is a great gas saver and is reliable. However, the driver seat is not very comfortable and the power steering can be a bit sluggish.

  2. Cruz Kutch 2024-07-04

    If you're looking for a car with reliable navigation, I would suggest considering options other than the Prius. Unfortunately, I've had some trouble with the navigation system in my 3-month-old car, and despite taking it in for repairs twice, Toyota has been unable to resolve the issue. However, I do want to emphasize that the car's mileage is fantastic and overall I'm quite satisfied with my purchase. That being said, I do wish I had explored other car brands before making my decision.

  3. Johnathan Stokes 2024-06-01

    Although the car runs well and provides good service, I am disappointed with the sales department at the Toyota dealer. The front door is difficult to use and the screen is hard to view during the day. Additionally, animals can enter the A/C filter and nest. However, I am very satisfied with the dealer's maintenance department. I leased the Prius for 39 months, but I will not lease again due to the high residual value set by the dealer. This makes it difficult to purchase the car at the end of the lease, as it is worth much less. Overall, I am confident in my decision not to purchase another Toyota due to my experience with the sales department.

  4. Clinton Parisian 2024-05-26

    I purchased a Prius 8 months ago with the intention of saving fuel, but unfortunately, it has not lived up to my expectations. Recently, my wife hit a truck tire retread on the highway, causing significant damage to the right front of the car. This was a new experience for me, as I have never encountered such an incident in my 35 years of driving. The repair cost was $1250, but to my surprise, Toyota fixed it for free and assured me that it should not have happened. However, I encountered another incident where a small animal ran in front of the car, causing more front-end damage. Although the animal survived, the build quality of the car is not up to par, and I am disappointed that Toyota put their name on it. If you are considering purchasing a Prius, I would advise against it.

  5. Marquis Stiedemann 2024-02-26

    In 2019, I updated my Prius and it has grown on me over the years. Although I have had some complaints, overall the car has been fairly easy to maintain. During my last service at 80,000 miles, I had to get a few things done with the brakes as they were feeling like they were slipping. The dealership quoted me a high price, so I got a second quote at Hyundai and they did it for less than half of what Toyota wanted. As someone who drives a lot of city miles, I appreciate the savings with high gas prices. While I still find the car feels cheaply made and too low to the ground, I realize that’s what keeps it affordable. Would I buy another Prius? I’m not sure, but I doubt it. I'm hoping more cars will go hybrid over the next few years so the choice opens up. Prior to my 2013 Prius, I owned a Hyundai SUV that got at best 14 miles to the gallon. I was tired of paying and pumping gas every week, so I wanted a more economical car. The Prius had a great reputation here in the desert, so I popped by the dealership and did some damage when I first bought a used Prius C. That car was far too small and cost me a 6 grand loss to trade it in only after 1 week. But back to the current Prius, it serves its purpose, gets good mileage, and allows for parking in smaller spots. However, understandably, the components are so cheap and the car sits so low to the ground that I find myself driving with a bit of fear with all the other larger and more sturdy cars on the roads and highways. I realize a lot of this has to do with keeping the car as lightweight as possible for the mileage. All four tires were replaced after three years. The car AC leaves a very stale odor in the car, which I have noticed with other Toyota models as well. The rear bumper corner has been detaching and popping out for the entire four years I have had the car, and I have read numerous complaints about this issue.Lastly, the other disappointment is the second battery. First of all, it's located in the way back where you have to lift the entire contents of the trunk to get to it. Once you get to it, it cannot be replaced by a regular battery. You have to go to the dealer to purchase a new one. The worst part is that the battery gives no warning before it fails. I happened to be on vacation when it decided to die, and I was lucky there was a dealer nearby. So, once I had it jumped with Auto Club, I headed immediately to Prius. Over $200 later, I had my new Auxiliary battery. Would it have been too difficult to add a warning light for when the battery is getting low? What would I have done if there was no dealer within miles of where it decided to die? I imagine a huge cost to have it towed. Four years later, I think I would have gone with a different car. The only pro for me is the mileage and low maintenance other than oil changes, tire rotation, and filters, so far.

Positive 2013 Toyota Prius car reviews

  1. Stephen Luettgen 2025-01-09

    I researched the Prius for 12 months before buying it. During my research, I came across negative reviews about the car that I found to be untrue. The Prius is not slow and has no problem keeping up with other cars on the road. You don't have to drive like a 'grandma' to get good mpg's, just go easy on the gas pedal and try to stay in eco mode. The car is very quiet and comfortable for long drives. It is not a compact sedan but a mid-size vehicle. The Prius might not be for everyone, but if you have a long commute and want to save on gas with a nice car, go for it!

  2. Chesley Williamson 2024-11-25

    This is my first hybrid vehicle and I must say, I'm quite pleased with it! The gas mileage is just as advertised, averaging at 50 mpg (although it's a bit less in colder temperatures). The performance is solid and has more pickup than I expected. I haven't had any mechanical issues and I'm still using the original brakes with 110K miles! However, I do have to admit that the ride comfort is less than desirable, especially on long trips. The driver's seat is quite uncomfortable. Additionally, road noise can be a bit of a problem, especially on freeways. Overall, I'm satisfied with my Prius and would recommend it to others!

  3. Reagan Doyle 2024-11-11

    Before deciding on a Prius, I did a lot of research and found that there are both raving fans and detractors. I read reviews about uncomfortable seats, excessive road noise, lack of power, and poor driving experience. However, after test driving the new Persona model, which comes with a few upgrades like 17

  4. Irving Walsh 2024-11-04

    A reliable little car with tons of room inside.

  5. Reggie Schiller 2024-10-10

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 2013 Prius and my new plug-in Prius Prime. I don't drive aggressively or for the thrill of speed, but I do enjoy a comfortable and reliable ride. The Prius definitely delivered on that front, and I was very happy with it. The only issue I had was with the air conditioning in stop-and-go traffic during the summer, as I was worried it might tax the battery too much. However, I recently upgraded to the plug-in Prius Prime and I couldn't be happier! The Toyota cashback, State rebate, and Federal tax credit for plug-ins made it an offer I couldn't refuse. Now I can enjoy a comfortable and eco-friendly ride without breaking the bank. Thanks for listening!

Leave your review of 2013 Toyota Prius

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2013 Toyota Prius problems:

Is the 2010/2013 Prius really that bad? : r/prius
Is the 2010/2013 Prius really that bad? : r/prius
https://www.reddit.com/r/prius/comments/zts7h8/is_the_20102013_prius_really_that_bad/

Dec 23, 2022 ... 2013 developed 2 problems. The braking system failed. Known problem on some 2013 Prius. Got the notice but didn't pay attention. Big fix. And at ...

Thinking to pick up 2013 Prius V (Five) have some questions ...
Thinking to pick up 2013 Prius V (Five) have some questions ...
https://priuschat.com/threads/thinking-to-pick-up-2013-prius-v-five-have-some-questions.242890/

1) hybrid battery, brake actuator and blown head gaskets are common. inverter is a problem if you have to go to a dealer, but if you can diy, a ...

Thoughts on 2013 Toyota Prius C? : r/prius
Thoughts on 2013 Toyota Prius C? : r/prius
https://www.reddit.com/r/prius/comments/12a3mfk/thoughts_on_2013_toyota_prius_c/

Apr 3, 2023 ... Gas mileage is a huge incentive for me. Wanted to know what you all think? It had 72,000 miles on it which I'm happy with. Any major issues? Not ...

2013 Toyota Prius Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
2013 Toyota Prius Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2013-toyota-prius/problems

Problem with your 2013 Toyota Prius? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2013 Toyota Prius.

3 Reasons To Steer Clear Of A 2010-2013 Toyota Prius | Torque News
3 Reasons To Steer Clear Of A 2010-2013 Toyota Prius | Torque News
https://www.torquenews.com/8113/3-reasons-steer-clear-2010-2013-toyota-prius

Apr 2, 2021 ... Owners loved these cars, at first. Then the issues started rolling in. The first significant problem people began to encounter was a failing ...

Other years of Toyota Prius

toyota prius 2014 photo
Prius 2014
Toyota

178

3

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius 2015 photo
Prius 2015
Toyota

91

1

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius 2016 photo
Prius 2016
Toyota

170

5

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius 2017 photo
Prius 2017
Toyota

94

3

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius 2018 photo
Prius 2018
Toyota

28

1

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota prius 2019 photo
Prius 2019
Toyota

22

3

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2013 Toyota Prius?

Add car complaint
2013 Toyota Prius photo