There are no safety recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius C, but owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA.
2013 Toyota Prius C problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 23 | |
| Service Brakes | 17 | |
| Engine | 7 | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Steering | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
- Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2013 Toyota Prius C complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · reported Nov 2, 2026
November 2, 2026 approximately 1:37pm I was coming to a stop intending to take a left turn onto a Highway. As I applied the brake the car suddenly lunged forward almost throwing me into oncoming traffic at very high speeds. I was far too close to colliding or being thrown in front of a car that was traveling in the nearest lane. They took a lane change that was thankfully clear for them to do. This specific part of the highway had a fatality crash just 3 days prior. Suddenly, lights show up on the dashboard including ABS, brake, traction control and the warning light. The brake actuator…
Electrical System · reported Aug 28, 2026
While I was driving on the freeway the dash lit up with multiple lights. Simultaneously, I lost power to the car and could not accelerate and only break. The steering was tight and I could not steer correctly. Then a message that said, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY. The was slowing down and I had to pull over on the side of the freeway. There were no fluids leaking from the car.The car did not power back on nor run for over 10 minutes. The incident put my safety and other safety at risk by turning off while driving highway speeds. I was afraid for my life.…
Hybrid Propulsion System · at 150,000 miles · reported Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to cold-start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was started; however, the instrument cluster and other electrical devices failed to operate as needed. The contact replaced the auxiliary battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the…
Service Brakes · reported Jan 2, 2026
Car suddenly needed a jump start and again after a day or two of non-use. On the third day Brakes, ABS and traction control warnings were lighted up and remains. Brakes are mostly ineffective. My own scan returns the code C1252 and C1256 that says brake booster system failing. Took it to the dealer who charged $290 again to scan and came up with failed brake booster and pump assembly. The dealers is quoting total $4000 to fix. Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin dated 8/2018 and revised on 8/2019 extends the warranty on for this issue (for Toyota Prius C 2013) for 10 years or 150000…
Service Brakes · reported Dec 20, 2025
Warning lamps for ABS and others and the chiming dings came on while pulling away from the bank drive through and parking for a second. I shut the engine off and turned back on with no success. I was barely able to park in a spot because of difficulties braking. My car had been making an electric noise every 15 seconds or so previously, at different times when parked, but I thought it was the hybrid engine. Now I think it was the brake pump trying to build up pressure due to a faulty, leaking brake actuator.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius C have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius C as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Toyota Prius C?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (23 reports), followed by service brakes (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.