CarBrief

Owners filed 426 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Prius, and brakes make up the biggest group[1][2]. The standard Prius is rated 48 MPG combined by the EPA[3].

426owner complaints[1]
4recalls[4]
48MPG combined (EPA)[3]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 426 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Prius[1]. 43 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 24 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

Brakes lead by a wide margin. 251 complaints name the brakes, with 21 crashes, 10 injuries and a median mileage of 93,000 at the time of failure[2]. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 8 describe a car that did not slow the way the driver expected[2]. Some describe weak pedal feel and some describe brakes that failed at parking speeds[2].

The next groups are much smaller. Here is how the component groups line up:

Component group Complaints Crashes Injuries
Brakes[2] 251 21 10
Electrical system[6] 55 1 1
Unknown or other[7] 51 5 2
Engine[8] 37 1 0
Speed control[9] 23 10 2
Air bags[10] 18 12 12
Fuel/propulsion system[11] 16 2 0
Power train[12] 15 1 1

Speed control has few complaints, but 10 of its 23 mention a crash, at a median of 12,000 miles[9]. In a sample of 12 we read, 9 describe the car moving, surging or accelerating when the driver did not ask for it[9]. Air bags has 18 complaints, with 12 crashes and 12 injuries[10].

In the electrical complaints we read, owners describe dash lights that all come on at once or go dark (5 of 12), and a loud cabin beep in reverse (2 of 12)[6]. In the engine sample, owners describe stalling or a sudden loss of power (6 of 12) and oil use between changes (2 of 12)[8].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year[4]. Three are about the hybrid system's inverter, and one is about a fuse in the plug-in hybrid's battery.

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the Prius with the 1.8L 4-cylinder engine at 49 MPG city, 46 highway and 48 combined[3]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $1,400[3].

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is rated 50 MPGe combined, with 540 miles of range[17].

Safety ratings

The Prius earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA[5]. Frontal is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 12.1%[5].

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid gets 4 stars overall[18]. Frontal is 4, side is 5 and rollover is 4, with a rollover risk of 12.4%[18].

Engine and size

EPA test cars list a 1.5L 4-cylinder rated 82 hp and a 1.8L 4-cylinder rated 98 hp for the 2013 Prius[19][20].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Prius 4-door liftback[21] 176 in 69 in 58 in 107 in 3,042 lb
Prius c 4-door hatchback[22] 157 in 67 in 57 in 100 in 2,502 lb
Prius Plug-in Hybrid liftback[23] 176 in 69 in 58 in 107 in 3,164 lb
Prius v 4-door hatchback[24] 182 in 70 in 62 in 109 in 3,274 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

2001: 165 complaints, 3 recalls20012002: 167 complaints, 2 recalls2003: 99 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 610 complaints, 6 recalls20042005: 1,051 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 1,439 complaints, 6 recalls2007: 2,003 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 1,497 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 502 complaints, 6 recalls2010: 2,829 complaints, 10 recalls20102011: 522 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 449 complaints, 7 recalls2013: 426 complaints, 4 recalls42620132014: 222 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 171 complaints, 2 recalls2016: 155 complaints, 5 recalls20162017: 91 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 37 complaints, 1 recalls2019: 30 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 14 complaints, 0 recalls2021: 6 complaints, 0 recalls2022: 24 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 21 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 27 complaints, 4 recalls2025: 18 complaints, 2 recalls20252026: 10 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Prius model year. The 2013 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20011653
20021672
2003991
20046106
20051,0516
20061,4396
20072,0034
20081,4974
20095026
20102,82910
20115226
20124497
20134264
20142224
20151712
20161555
2017913
2018371
2019303
2020140
202160
2022241
2023214
2024274
2025182
2026101

The 2013 model year has 426 complaints and 4 recalls on file[4]. Nine earlier years have more complaints, from 2004 to 2012. 2010 is the highest at 2,829 complaints and 10 recalls[4].

The neighboring years differ. 2012 has 449 complaints and 7 recalls[4]. 2014 has 222 complaints and 4 recalls, and 2015 has 171 complaints and 2 recalls, both well below 2013[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2013 Prius?

The 2013 Prius has solid fuel economy at 48 MPG combined and a 5-star overall NHTSA rating[3][5]. Its complaint count of 426 is lower than nine earlier years, though brakes account for 251 of those complaints[1][2][4]. Before buying, check the VIN for open recalls, especially the inverter recalls that cover certain 2013 Prius cars[13][14][16]. Ask for service records on the brakes and the hybrid system. Complaints are unverified, so a pre-purchase inspection tells you more than any count.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?
Brakes have the most complaints, with 251 of 426 on file with NHTSA[1][2]. Electrical system is second with 55 complaints[6]. Engine has 37[8].
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists four recalls, three for the hybrid system inverter (14V053, 18V684, 20V369) and one for the Plug-in Hybrid battery fuse (17V718)[13][14][15][16][4].
What MPG does the 2013 Toyota Prius get?
The EPA rates it at 49 city, 46 highway and 48 combined MPG[3]. The Plug-in Hybrid is rated 50 MPGe combined[17].
Is the 2013 Toyota Prius safe?
NHTSA gives the Prius 5 stars overall and the Plug-in Hybrid 4 stars overall[5][18].
Is 2013 a good year for the Prius?
It has 426 complaints, fewer than nine earlier years[4]. 2014 has 222 and 2015 has 171[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 426 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Toyota Prius (43 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 24 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 251 complaints name the brakes component group (21 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. EPA rating for Prius, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 49 city / 46 highway / 48 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Prius model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 55 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,575). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 51 complaints name the unknown or other component group (5 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,425). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 37 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 23 complaints name the speed control component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 18 complaints name the air bags component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 16 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 15 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,050). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 20V369, filed June 24, 2020: Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V684, filed October 4, 2018: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 17V718, filed November 15, 2017: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 14V053, filed February 12, 2014: Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Prius Plug-in Hybrid, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 50 MPGe combined, 540 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Toyota Prius with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 82 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Toyota Prius with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 98 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PRIUS 4DR LIFTBACK: length 176 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,042 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PRIUS C /TECHNOLOGY 4DR HATCHBACK: length 157 in, width 67 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 100 in, curb weight 2,502 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID 4DR LIFTBACK: length 176 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,164 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PRIUS V 4DR HATCHBACK: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 62 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,274 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.