2013 Toyota Prius: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 58% about brakes.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2013 Toyota Prius
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2013 Toyota Prius recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 Toyota Prius. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Hybrid Propulsion System
An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Details 20V369000
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.
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.
- Hybrid Propulsion System
If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Details 18V684000
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.
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.
- Hybrid Propulsion System
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle.
Details 14V053000
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.
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 safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Brake actuator valve wear since Nov 2023
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Brakes: Warranty Enhancement Program: Toyota has received reports indicating various brake system related warning lamps illuminate due to internal malfunctions.
- Warranty extension: Warranty Dealer Package: Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for repairs related failure of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
- Warranty extension: In these vehicles, Toyota has received some reports where the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the inverter assembly of the hybrid system may fail.
- Warranty extension: Electronic Communication: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for repairs related to failure of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
- Warranty extension: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for repairs related failure of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM).
1 more in the full VIN report.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2013 Toyota Prius safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
409 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Toyota Prius years
2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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