2013 Toyota Prius recalls and problems
The 2013 Toyota Prius has 3 safety recalls and 414 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2013 Toyota Prius vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2013 Toyota Prius recalls
Recall 20V-369: Hybrid Propulsion System
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.
Recall 18V-684: 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.
Recall 14V-053: Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System
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.
2013 Toyota Prius problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 232 | |
| Electrical System | 52 | |
| Unknown or Other | 50 | |
| Engine | 37 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 22 | |
| Air Bags | 18 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | |
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Structure | 13 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 12 | |
| Wheels | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 11
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 11
- Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter — 2
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) — 1
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,425 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Prius years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius: 20V-369 (hybrid propulsion system), 18V-684 (hybrid propulsion system), 14V-053 (electrical system, 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?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (232 reports), followed by electrical system (52). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,425 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.