This page covers 2 recalls, 123 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Toyota Prius V.
41 mpg combined
5.7 L/100km
Midsize Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake system complaints dominate the 2013 Prius V owner reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe a spongy or unresponsive brake pedal, often accompanied by hissing or popping sounds when braking. Many report the brake booster pump cycling on its own without the pedal being touched, and multiple warning lights illuminating, including brake, ABS, and traction control indicators, sometimes all at once. Several owners note that heavy pedal pressure was needed to bring the vehicle to a stop in situations where normal braking felt insufficient. The electrical system and engine each drew a small cluster of complaints, but neither approaches the volume of brake-related reports. Among the brake complaints, the pump actuator and brake booster assembly are the components owners most consistently point to as the source of the spongy pedal and noise symptoms.
123
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Toyota Prius V has two recalls, both involving the hybrid inverter, with the more serious being a voltage spike that can shut the hybrid system down entirely and stall the vehicle while driving.
The second inverter recall involves a component that can overheat and force the hybrid system into a reduced-power mode, leaving the driver with only limited range before the car can no longer be driven normally. Both issues originate in the inverter assembly and affect the same core hybrid propulsion hardware, though they produce different results: one can cut power without warning at speed, while the other degrades output gradually until the vehicle limps to a stop.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage problem in the inverter's Intelligent Power Module may cause the hybrid system to shut down unexpectedly, stalling the vehicle while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the motor/generator control and hybrid control software at no cost to restore proper system function.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, reducing hybrid system power output. This limits driving distance and may cause the hybrid system to shut down while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
