2013 Toyota Prius V recalls and problems

The 2013 Toyota Prius V has 2 safety recalls and 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
125
Crashes / fires
9 / 1
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Toyota Prius V recalls

Recall 18V-684: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Oct 4, 2018 · 807,329 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

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.

Recall 15V-449: Hybrid Propulsion System

Reported Jul 15, 2015 · 108,624 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.

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 the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

2013 Toyota Prius V problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes64
Electrical System16
Engine15
Unknown or Other9
Fuel/Propulsion System9
Power Train7
Exterior Lighting7
Vehicle Speed Control6
Air Bags6
Suspension4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Forward Collision Avoidance4

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 4
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
  • Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter — 1
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 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 V complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Jul 17, 2026
My Prius had brake warning lights come on around December 2025. Turns out the brake accumulator had an internal leak. After doing some research, I discovered this was a known brake booster issue that Toyota has not issued a recall on. They do have an extended warranty program, but my vehicle did not qualify. The warning lights did not come on until after the 10 years or 150k miles cutoff for the warranty. Toyota's refusal to issue a recall and limits of their warranty program are clearly a move to avoid paying for repairs incurred as a result of defective manufacturing. Why should I be…
Service Brakes · reported May 1, 2026
Suddenly Cars Brakes failed with vehicle almost lunged forward. I had to slam the brakes heavily for it to stop; Took the vehicle to Toyota Service and clearly its a QUALITY issue toyota acknowledged as a know problem with error code C1391. They even had customer support program 20TE07 acknowledging it as their issue; I almost got killed for this. The repair costs are abnormally high at 4900$'s putting me a financial burden also and currently unsafe car; Toyota - they literally KNOW THIS ISSUE and still put me at risk. They are refusing any kind of assistance to help too.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 120,000 miles · reported Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking space at approximately 15 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongy, but the vehicle responded as intended. The brake, the ABS, the traction control warning lights, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with a code reader and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes for the brake booster and brake accumulator systems failure. The contact related the failure to the Toyota Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07 (Certain 2012 - 2014 Model Year…
Power Train · reported Apr 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear driver’s side tire became flat. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to rusting and corrosion, and had punctured the rear passenger’s side tire. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear axle was rusted and corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service Brakes · reported Apr 5, 2026
When I'm in the car, the brake booster keeps recharging with out touching the brake pedal. Also, the car has problems when I apply the brakes while driving. They make a hissing and popping noise and the braking is spongy. I have had braking warning lights come on as well. It is similar to what others have been describing as the brake booster and pump actuator issue with these Prius V cars. This has been happening ongoing for about two years or so. I called the Toyota dealership and they would not check it out for free or remedy the issue that was part of their Customer Support Program (Policy…

Other Toyota Prius V years

Compare all Toyota Prius V years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius V have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius V: 18V-684 (hybrid propulsion system), 15V-449 (hybrid propulsion system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Toyota Prius V?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (64 reports), followed by electrical system (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 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.