2013 Toyota Prius problems
Owners have filed 543 complaints about the 2013 Toyota Prius with NHTSA. Service brakes account for 41.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 9.4%.
Complaints543
Crashes57
Fires7
Injuries31
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes 41.6% · 226
Electrical system 9.4% · 51
Unknown or other 8.8% · 48
Engine 6.8% · 37
Vehicle speed control 3.9% · 21
Air bags 3.3% · 18
Fuel/propulsion system 2.9% · 16
Power train 2.6% · 14
Severity
Of those complaints, 57 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 31 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota Prius in this data, 2013 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2010 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 208 in the last three years against 84 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 45,000 miles.
In owners' own words
brake booster and brake actuator internal leaks the brake pedal goes to the floor with firm press when trying to stop the car yes, the problem has been reported to two toyota dealership and report to toyota brand engagement multiple times yes, vehicle was inspect by toyota dealship and independent service center yes, the following (traction control lamp, brake lamp and ABS lamp) warn lamp was and still is ON Service brakes
While driving on the highway at ~70 mph, the brakes just gave out and I narrowly escaped crashing into someone as I drove into the median having been unable to stop in the expected distance. The ABS light just came on and apparently itâs a very known issue that Toyota is refusing to fix or intimate owners. I have been going to the same dealership for 12+ years and never had this brought up by them. Service brakes
Actuator needs replacing, currently at 127k miles and displaying traction control, brake and ABS warning lights. The repair will be a few thousand dollars, the cars market value is only around $6k. This is a known Toyota defect for this generation of Prius but Toyota hasnât recalled these vehicles. I think Toyota should have to pay. The vehicle is out of warranty at 127k miles and itâs a 2013 Service brakes
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…