2013 Toyota Prius Problems
What owners have reported about the 2013 Toyota Prius, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 412 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, electrical system and engine.
412 complaints 3 recalls, 1 can stall 6th worst of 13 Prius years
Top 2013 Toyota Prius problems
Brake problems
241 complaints (59%) name the brakes, most often the antilock and ABS warning light.
Electrical problems
52 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the wiring and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
Engine problems
37 complaints (9%) name the engine.
Acceleration problems
22 complaints (5%) name the acceleration and speed control.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (165 of 412). The amber line is the middle value, about 65,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2013 Toyota Prius recalls
Inverter
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. 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.
Recall 20V369000 · Jun 2020Hybrid System
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. 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. 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.
Recall 18V684000 · Oct 2018Software, Inverter
Can stallIn 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. 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.
Recall 14V053000 · Feb 2014Get an email when your 2013 Toyota Prius gets a new recall
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Prius years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2013 Toyota Prius problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 412 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, electrical system and engine.
What are the most common 2013 Toyota Prius problems?
Owners most often report problems with the brakes, electrical system, engine and acceleration and speed control. 241 complaints (59%) name the brakes, most often the antilock and ABS warning light.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Prius brakes problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 25,000–120,000 miles, with a middle value near 93,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Prius have?
3. Inverter (20V369000); Hybrid System (18V684000); Software, Inverter (14V053000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2013 Toyota Prius?
Ask for service records covering the brakes, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2019 and 2018 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.