Total Complaints
18 filings
TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID · model year
18 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2013TOYOTAPRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID carries 18 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 6 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID is service brakes with 8 filings, followed by electrical system (3) and power train (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 51 investigation files overlapping the 2013 PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
18 filings
Crashes Reported
6 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT | 1 |
| TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| WHEELS | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
Brakes stopped functioning fully when i was driving and car started throwing ABS and Brake warning signs. I could not brake my car properly and had to stop the car and get it towed. The dealer said its a brake actuator failure. The error code is C1391.Its costing me around 2000 to get it fixed
On 5/23/24, the ABS, Traction, and Brakes lights came on the dash and the brakes were not responding. My car was picked up from the Toyota dealer on 5/22/24 afternoon. It passed their multipoint inspection after they replaced all 4 brake pads on 5/21/24. Code C1391 internal leak. The brake actuator and brake pump needed to be replaced. I was quoted $2700 for repairs after I already paid over $570 to replace brake pads.
Parts failed: accumulator/brake actuator and brake pump [XXX]: I dropped off my car at the Coggin Toyota dealer in Jacksonville, FL to replace all (4) brake pads [XXX]: I picked up my car during lunch and their multipoint inspection passed with no issues [XXX]: Maintenance lights came on the dash during lunch, brakes were not responsive, and my car was beeping non-stop. I dropped off my car to Coggin Toyota to check the issue. They estimated $2722.81 before tax to replace brake actuator and brake pump because there is an internal leak in the brake actuator. [XXX]: The Toyota advisor stated that my car did not qualify for their extended warranty to replace the parts. He also stated that if I pay for the repairs, they will only cover the parts for up to 12k miles or 1 year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Parts failed: accumulator/brake actuator and brake pump [XXX]: I dropped off my car at the Coggin Toyota dealer in Jacksonville, FL to replace all (4) brake pads [XXX]: I picked up my car during lunch and their multipoint inspection passed with no issues [XXX]: Maintenance lights came on the dash during lunch, brakes were not responsive, and my car was beeping non-stop. I dropped off my car to Coggin Toyota to check the issue. They estimated $2722.81 before tax to replace brake actuator and brake pump because there is an internal leak in the brake actuator. [XXX]: The Toyota advisor stated that my car did not qualify for their extended warranty to replace the parts. He also stated that if I pay for the repairs, they will only cover the parts for up to 12k miles or 1 year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The rear axle broke and the drivers side wheel sat sideways making the car undriveable. The car has been serviced by the dealer regularly in fact the rear wheel bearings were replaced recently.
The rear axle broke and the drivers side wheel sat sideways making the car undriveable. The car has been serviced by the dealer regularly in fact the rear wheel bearings were replaced recently.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In-Hybrid. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After the failure, the contact became aware that the brake pedal needed an excessive amount of force to be depressed while bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The brake and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Mileage: 140,000
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In-Hybrid. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After the failure, the contact became aware that the brake pedal needed an excessive amount of force to be depressed while bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The brake and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Mileage: 140,000
On [XXX], while driving on a highway with two young children, the dashboard lit up with multiple lights and error warnings. This appeared without warning and with no incident, and the warnings included the main hybrid screen reading âCheck PCS Systemâ, triangular Master Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light, Brake Warning Buzzer, ABS Warning Light, and Slip Indicator. We immediately pulled over to the side of the highway to check for any major damage or leaks, but found nothing unusual. We booked a diagnostic with a Toyota service center, where we were informed that brake system error code C1391 was discovered and the service recommendation was to replace the failed (leaking) brake booster and booster pump assembly. The service representative informed us that this exact system failure was previously covered by a Toyota Customer Support Program due to a known faulty part, but the primary coverage date ended in August 2021 and we just barely surpassed the 10-year secondary covera
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP AND I IMMEDIATELY SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. THERE WAS AMPLE DISTANCE TO STOP SAFELY BUT I ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE CAR AHEAD OF ME WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE SLOWDOWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SPONGY AND THE BRAKES DID NOT APPLY. THE CAR WOULD TYPICALLY JERK IF THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES WERE WORKING BUT THIS DID NOT OCCUR. THE FRONT STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN UP EITHER. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS BADLY DAMAGED AND THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER CONSIDERED THE CAR TOTALED.
Mileage: 186,000
GOT A 2014 PLUG IN.. I SMELL SOME ELCTRICAL BURN UNDER THE HOOD... IT FEEL LIKE COME FROM THE INVTER I SEE A 2ND RECALLED ON THE 2018 BUT I NEVER GOT A RECALLED LETTER.
Mileage: 800
THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. BRAKING SYSTEM FEELS INCONSISTENT. WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME ON, THERE IS NO WARNING SO YOU MIGHT GET AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT BEING PREPARED. THIS IS A REOCCURING SAFETY ISSUE AND FROM MY 10 MINUTE RESEARCH, IT IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM.
Mileage: 133,000
BATTERY HOLD DOWN BRACKETS FOR MAIN TRACTION BATTERY (21 KW) BROKE ALLOWING AN UNSAFE CONDITION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WHILE THE DEALER TRIED TO FIGURE OUT THE NOISE WE REPORTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW IN 88900 MILES. DEALER AND TOYOTA STATES THAT THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE OF A DIRT ROAD I DRIVE ON REGULARLY. THE "UNBREAKABLE" HOLD DOWN BRACKETS AS DESCRIBED BY THEIR ENGINEER, BROKE TWICE NOW.
Mileage: 88,900
I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH IN TOWN WITH PLENTY OF STOPPING ROOM IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IN FRONT STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND SO I STEPPED ON MINE. MY BRAKES WERE TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE. I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I DID IT AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE BRAKES WORKED FINE. I HAD IT TOWED TO TOYOTA. THEY CHECKED IT OVER AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THEY ARE FOLLOWING UP ON THE INCIDENT, BUT I WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT IT HAPPENED.
Mileage: 47,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE START/STOP BUTTON WAS BEING DEPRESSED AT THE TIME AND FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,922. UPDATED 11/09/16*LJ *TR
Mileage: 25,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE START/STOP BUTTON WAS BEING DEPRESSED AT THE TIME AND FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,922. UPDATED 11/09/16*LJ *TR
Mileage: 25,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE START/STOP BUTTON WAS BEING DEPRESSED AT THE TIME AND FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,922. UPDATED 11/09/16*LJ *TR
Mileage: 25,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE START/STOP BUTTON WAS BEING DEPRESSED AT THE TIME AND FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,922. UPDATED 11/09/16*LJ *TR
Mileage: 25,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.