2013 Toyota Prius: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Toyota Prius: 3 recalls, 411 owner complaints and up to 48 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Hybrid system, Electrical Vehicle recall #14V053000 · 2014 · 698,457 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #18V684000 · 2018 · 807,329 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #20V369000 · 2020 · 266,638 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down May increase the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (230): the most common themes are warning light on (67), brake failure / soft pedal (39).
- Electrical (52): the most common themes are warning light on (21), electrical failure (16), stalls / loses power (14).
- Other / unknown (49): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), warning light on (9), stalls / loses power (6).
- Engine (37): the most common themes are warning light on (13), noise or vibration (6), stalls / loses power (6).
The 2013 Toyota Prius has 411 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 27 Prius model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 464). Complaints peaked in 2025 (80 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 54,425 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (424 complaints, 6 recalls), 2014 (208 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 | 46 | 48 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Toyota Prius.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Toyota Prius problems?
Owners have filed 411 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (230), electrical (52), other / unknown (49).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota Prius get?
EPA ratings run up to 48 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Toyota Prius repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.