The 2013 Toyota Prius's elevated safety profile includes 3 recall campaigns and 384 owner-reported complaints. Make recall verification part of your pre-purchase checklist.

Recalls

384

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

18V6840002018-04-10

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. 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.

If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

14V0530002014-12-02

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. 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.

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.

View at NHTSA

20V3690002020-24-06

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. 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.

An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2013 Toyota Prius has accumulated 384 NHTSA complaints over 1 years, with service brakes leading the pack. Know what to look for before you buy.

01Service Brakes159

02Unknown Or Other24

03Engine13

04Air Bags13

05Electrical System12

384 total across 1 model years (2013–2013)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Toyota Prius Fuel Economy

41–50mpg combined

43-53city

39-49hwy

$900-$1,050/yr

With 4 configurations tested, the 2013 Toyota Prius ranges from 41 to 50 MPG combined. That's a 9 MPG gap that can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs.

By Trim

Prius c - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

50mpg

1.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

53 city46 hwy~$900/yr10/10 Clean

Prius Plug-in Hybrid - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

50mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

51 city49 hwy~$900/yr10/10 Clean

Prius - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

48mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

49 city46 hwy~$900/yr10/10 Clean

Prius v - Automatic (variable gear ratios)

41mpg

1.8L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

43 city39 hwy~$1,050/yr10/10 Clean

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2013 Toyota Prius

35States

33%in top 3

If you're near California, you're in luck: 18% of listings are there. But with 35 states represented, there's likely one near you too.

CACalifornia

75018%

TXTexas

3258%

FLFlorida

3057%

DCWashington DC

1955%

PAPennsylvania

1734%

GAGeorgia

1704%

MDMaryland

1624%

ILIllinois

1373%

MOMissouri

1333%

NCNorth Carolina

1263%

AZArizona

1243%

OROregon

1193%

DEDelaware

1153%

WAWashington

1052%

NYNew York

1042%

HI100

COColorado

892%

MNMinnesota

802%

NHNew Hampshire

782%

NJ71

MA68

OH64

MI60

OK49

TN48

UT44

IN43

RI39

AL38

WI38

NV27

KY26

CT26

VT24

NE22

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2013.

2013 Toyota Prius: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2013 Toyota Prius a good car to buy?

The 2013 Toyota Prius has its strengths and its watch-outs. 3 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report service brakes as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2013 Toyota Prius?

Yes, 3 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2013 Toyota Prius?

Depending on configuration, the 2013 Toyota Prius delivers 41–50 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius?

Out of 384 owner complaints, service brakes issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2013 compare to other Toyota Prius years?

Each Toyota Prius model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Toyota Prius overview page.