Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Service Brakes — runs 7.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.
399Complaints
3Recalls
37Crashes
3Fires
22Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Service Brakes (55.9% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Service Brakes complaints here are 7.6× the median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Service Brakes
223 · 55.9%
not available
—
Electrical System
48 · 12%
not available
—
Engine
37 · 9.3%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
21 · 5.3%
not available
—
Air Bags
17 · 4.3%
not available
—
Fuel/propulsion System
16 · 4%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 399 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“UNUSUAL LOUD CLICKING AND SCREECHING SOUND AS WELL AS VIBRATION FEELING UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKES DON'T FEEL POWERFUL…”NHTSA complaint 11161417 — filed 12/14/2018 · SERVICE BRAKES
“I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A DRY CLEAR DAY TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS ILLUMINATED MY BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO PRESS AND COME TO…”NHTSA complaint 11156466 — filed 12/05/2018 · SERVICE BRAKES
“SUDDENLY THE ABS, BRAKE AND THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL GO WAY AFTER 20MIN. WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME ON THERE'S NO WARNING SO…”NHTSA complaint 11149716 — filed 11/06/2018 · SERVICE BRAKES
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?
Service brakes issues are the most-reported category, cited in 223 of 399 NHTSA complaints (55.9%), followed by electrical system (48), unspecified/other issues (48), engine (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2013 Toyota Prius have?
399 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 37 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 22 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V684000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Toyota Prius's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.