This page covers 3 recalls, 392 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Toyota Prius.
48 mpg combined
4.9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
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 owner reports by a wide margin, accounting for nearly half of all filings. Owners most commonly describe the brake warning, ABS, and VSC lights illuminating together, often accompanied by a noticeably stiffer brake pedal that requires more effort to slow the vehicle. Many trace the issue to the brake booster assembly and actuator pump, with some reporting an audible pump noise cycling repeatedly, a pattern owners describe as a warning sign before the system degrades further. These symptoms appear across a broad mileage range, from under 100,000 miles up through higher-mileage examples. Electrical system and engine complaints are also present but at much lower volumes, and neither shows a dominant symptom pattern approaching the brake issue's concentration.
392
Total Complaints
37
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
18
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Toyota Prius has 3 recalls, all centering on the same inverter component: a module that can experience excessive voltage or heat damage and cause the hybrid system to shut down without warning while driving.
When the hybrid system cuts out unexpectedly, the vehicle can stall in traffic, raising the risk of a crash. In less severe cases, the same component failure can push the car into a reduced-power mode that limits how the vehicle responds, making it difficult to accelerate or maintain speed normally.
At a glance
What can fail
Excessive voltage in the inverter's power module may cause the hybrid system to shut down unexpectedly, stalling the vehicle while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the hybrid system software. If the inverter failed, they'll repair or replace it first. All work is free.
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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 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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Transistors in the inverter module's power component may overheat and fail, causing warning lights to appear and reducing engine power so the vehicle can only travel a short distance.
What the fix does
Dealers will update software in two engine control units to prevent overheating. If the inverter fails beforehand, dealers will repair or replace it at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
