RoadVitals

2013 Toyota Prius V Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
124
Latest Jul 17, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Prius V, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

68
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My Prius had brake warning lights come on around December 2025. Turns out the brake accumulator had an internal leak. After doing some research, I discovered this was a known brake booster issue that Toyota has not issued a recall on. They do have an extended warranty program, but my vehicle did not qualify. The warning lights did not come on until after the 10 years or 150k miles cutoff for the warranty. Toyota's refusal to issue a recall and limits of their warranty program are clearly a move to avoid paying for repairs incurred as a result of defective manufacturing. Why should I be ineligible for reimbursement just because my vehicle is 13 years old rather than 10? Please make Toyota issue a recall or extend their Customer Support Program No. POL18-03.

NHTSA ID 11751147 · filed Jul 17, 2026

Suddenly Cars Brakes failed with vehicle almost lunged forward. I had to slam the brakes heavily for it to stop; Took the vehicle to Toyota Service and clearly its a QUALITY issue toyota acknowledged as a know problem with error code C1391. They even had customer support program 20TE07 acknowledging it as their issue; I almost got killed for this. The repair costs are abnormally high at 4900$'s putting me a financial burden also and currently unsafe car; Toyota - they literally KNOW THIS ISSUE and still put me at risk. They are refusing any kind of assistance to help too.

NHTSA ID 11735136 · filed May 1, 2026
All 68 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle overheated. Many other people have had this issue. So much so that mechanics tell me that this is normal for this engine to overheat after 110-130k miles.

NHTSA ID 11617559 · filed Oct 1, 2024

LOSS OF POWER, ENGINE RATTLE AT START. TOYOTA DEALER INSPECTED AND SAID THE HEAD GASKET IS COMPROMISED. WE HAVE ALWAYS TAKE CARE AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. I FOUND OUT THAT TOYOTA HAS A FAULT EGR SYSTEM THAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE COMPROMISE. TOYOTA NEVER NOTIFIED US.

NHTSA ID 11403166 · filed Mar 15, 2021
All 16 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Brake actuator failure requires actuator and master cylinder replacement. All dash lights came on while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed at Brian Easler Toyota in Hendersonville North Carolina. The brakes are still operational temporarily but spongy and expected to fail so the car is not drivable. I expect to have the actuator and master cylinder replaced in then next few weeks at a cost of $5600. I see there were previous recalls on the braking system that have now expired.

NHTSA ID 11699327 · filed Nov 14, 2025

2013 toyota prius V. 64,000 miles and ABS Light is on also VSC warning light and brake light. There has been many issues with this type of vehicle as i researched on internet. I didnt know there has been a recall on this vehicle. And i did not make it time. 10 yrs or 150,000 k whichever comes first. many other vehicles this year have this problem its common.. i cannot brake in time because now its using my back brakes. Dealership said brake booster pump and brake master cylinder.

NHTSA ID 11696708 · filed Oct 31, 2025
All 15 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Upon a hard (but not emergency) brake, my ABS and brake warning lights came on and my car began whirring once every few seconds. I immediately took the car to the Toyota dealership, who informed me that my master brake cylinder and booster had to be replaced, and that issues with the booster were something they had seen frequently in this generation of Priuses. I paid $5095 for repairs and inspection, but I had no other choice, as my brakes could have gone out at any moment whilst I was on the road and caused a very serious accident.

NHTSA ID 11713700 · filed Jan 27, 2026

The brake actuator and compressor is having repeated problems and causing the brakes to lock up completely while driving both in city and ON THE HIGHWAY. Abs/parking/normal brakes The lights on the dash all start flashing and beeping. ABS / emergency brake / exclamation warning / sliding / lights all on It also caused the speedometer to stop working and most of the lights of the computer part of my dash to not display information Problem code 1391 confirmed by mechanic This is a danger to me and other drivers and Toyota needs to take responsibility for these repairs because it can cost us our lives.

NHTSA ID 11712245 · filed Jan 20, 2026
All 12 reports naming driver assistance

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2013 toyota prius v has 3 recalls for the same issues but my vin # says there isn't any recalls associated with it. I need help. It stalled on me on my way home from work luckily not on the high way now it's throwing code c1310 c1259 c1241 it won't crank all it does is click. I replaced 12v batterychecked all connectors.

NHTSA ID 11671768 · filed Jul 7, 2025

WE WERE DRIVING IN THE CITY AND AFTER GOING ON A SLIGHT INCLINE ROAD THE CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER. NOTICED A FEW WARNING INDICATORS CAME ON THE DASH THEN I LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE THE CAR SO I HAD TO PULL OVER WHILE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES TILL IT COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO DRIVE DUE TO LOST OF ACCELERATION. VERY SCARY SITUATION AND IT SEEMS LIKE ITS DUE TO THEIR INVERTER ISSUES THEY WERE TRYING TO FIX WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE. IF THE SHOP CONFIRMS, ITS DUE TO THE INVERTER ISSUES, NOT SURE IF ID FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR EVEN IF THEY REPLACE THE WHOLE INVERTER ASSEMBLY. IT'S OUR FAMILY CAR FOR ROAD TRIPS AND I WOULDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE UNTIL THEY FIND A SOLID FIX FOR THIS ISSUE. 3 RECALLS FOR THE SAME ISSUE? THAT'S RIDICULOUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 11326622 · filed May 30, 2020
All 9 reports naming fuel system

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The left low-beam headlight repeatedly fails, even with new bulbs. If it were just me, I'd assume a fluke, but there are lots of complaints about Prius V (and 3rd gen regular prius) lights, and they're all about the low beams.

NHTSA ID 11582210 · filed Apr 10, 2024

Headlights lenses progressively cloudy. Tail light lenses are perfectly clear. Problem progressive over past 5 years.

NHTSA ID 11564300 · filed Jan 8, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear driver’s side tire became flat. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to rusting and corrosion, and had punctured the rear passenger’s side tire. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear axle was rusted and corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11731045 · filed Apr 14, 2026

Driving 2013 Prius V multiple lights suddenly came up on dash Brake System, ABS, Master Warning, SLIP indicator Safety put at severe risk while driving. These defective parts installed were never disclosed, or notified, by Toyota and put in severe risk for consumers to drive as a National Recall was NEVER issued. Toyota was called since this and refused to fix. Toyota acknowledges parts are defective yet refutes liability despite acknowledgment of defective parts. Defective parts never disclosed to me by any entity of Toyota including Dealerships/Corporate despite willful knowledge of national defective parts in model 2013 Prius V. This is a liable safety situation that can cause irreparable human life damage.

NHTSA ID 11546021 · filed Sep 22, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The harness webbing/strap on the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim tore without any known incident or accident causing the damage. The defect was discovered on April 15, 2026 when the seat was temporarily removed from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the harness strap was found to be nearly completely torn through and would likely not have restrained the child occupant in the event of a crash. The seat had been in regular use and had not been involved in any collision. No unusual event or misuse is known to have caused the failure. It is suspected that the rotating mechanism of the seat placed repeated stress on the harness webbing over normal use, causing it to deteriorate and tear. The seat has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives, but is available for inspection upon request. The seat has been taken out of service and is not being used.

NHTSA ID 11733333 · filed Apr 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH in stop-and-go traffic and applying the brake pedal to decrease in speed, the vehicle hesitated to decrease in speed. The contact had to apply an excessive amount of pressure for the vehicle to decrease in speed. The Slip indicator light, brake system failure, and anti-lock brake failure warning lights are illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that code C1391 which showed on the diagnostic machine. The dealer stated the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to the Customer Support Program 20TE07 with the NHTSA ID Number 10184564 (Service Brakes, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the warranty coverage was associated with the Customer Support Program. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA ID 11625057 · filed Nov 13, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A PICKUP TRUCK. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. *LN*JB *DT*JB

NHTSA ID 11278605 · filed Nov 7, 2019

OFTEN REFERRED CLOCK SPRING AS IT IS REFERRED TO PART NUMBER 84307-47020 IT AFFECTS A MULTITUDE OF THINGS ON MY CAR THAT ARE SAFETY RELATED INCLUDING THE HORN, THE BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT CONTROL THE RADIO AND TRICKS ODOMETER, THE AIRBAG, MAYBE BE AIRBAGS PLEARLE, BE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL AND MAYBE OTHER THINGS. MY KNOWLEDGE MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED OR HAD AIRBAGS BLOWN AND THIS IS VERY PREMATURE FOR THIS PART TO FAIL. BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SAYS IN THE MANUAL THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. DO NOT HAVE A CLUE WHY IT FAILED. THE TOYOTA DEALER REPAIR IS CLOSE TO $900 WHICH IS RIDICULOUS.

NHTSA ID 11142395 · filed Oct 24, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS and brake lights suddenly turned on and brake pedal effectiveness changed dramatically. When pressing brake pedal the brakes barely work now. Just got quoted $5161 for ABS accumulator repair, $2336 for major suspension concern, and total $8386 estimate for repairs from Toyota service department. I see many similar complaints from Toyota owners online, this seems to be a common issue with Prius vehicles. The Kelly blue book value is only $5450 for trade-in and $7318 for sale to private owner, so the repair doesn’t even seem worthwhile given a replacement would be cheaper, and the ABS failure happens so frequently in this vehicle, and could happen again.

NHTSA ID 11692778 · filed Oct 11, 2025

Vehicle was in for routine service at dealer. Dealer reported "Rear axle beam starting to have heavy rust build up metal is getting thin. Will need replacement in the future, approx $3,000.00 depending on what is needed at that time." This is the first warning we have received, The vehicle has gotten Toyota dealer service since new every 5,000 miles. Since we learned of this defect, we have discovered 6 similar reports in our small town including 2 actual axel failures while the vehicle was being driven. These were all Priuses and Prius Vs in the 2013 and 2014 model years. This seems to be a design failure and poses serious risks as axle failure at highway speed seems a formula for death or serious injury.

NHTSA ID 11582976 · filed Apr 15, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD MOLD GROWING INSIDE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SECTION OF THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10705774 · filed Apr 15, 2015

DRIVER PULLED INTO PARKING STALL. FOOT ON BRAKE AT CURB. PUSHED THE "P" BUTTON FOR PARK FUNCTION ON DASH BOARD. THE CAR REVED AND LURCHED OVER THE CURB TOWARD THE BUILDING. DRIVER CONTINUED TO PRESS BRAKE PEDAL AND SWERVED TO AVOID THE BUILDING, YET SCRAPED THE SIDE WITH SIDE PANEL AND RUNNING OVER TW0 RECENTLY PLANTED TREES. THE CAR CONTINUED LURCHING FOR APPROXIMATELY 30-40 FEET, BACK OFF OF THE CURB, PAST TO TWO PARKED CARS (WHICH SUSTAINED NO DAMAGE). THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO A REST ON ITS OWN. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING UNTIL THE "START/OFF" BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. *JS

NHTSA ID 10608480 · filed Jul 6, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT JAMS FREQUENTLY. ISSUE STARTED ~3YRS INTO OWNERSHIP BUT SINCE USING LATCH CAR SEATS FOR MY KIDS IN THAT SEAT DIDN'T NEED TO USE OR WOULD USE OTHER SEATS IF UNABLE TO RELEASE THE SEATBELT. I TOOK INTO DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT 5YR / 80,000 MARK (NOV 2018) AND THEY TUGGED AND WERE ABLE TO GET FUNCTIONAL, BUT PROBLEM QUICKLY CAME BACK. NOW AT 7YR/100,000 MARK, BELT IS COMPLETELY NON-FUNCTIONAL AND REQUIRING A $400 REPLACE COST (OUTSIDE OF ANY WARRANTY PER DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA CORPORATE SO NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN). MY CASE ID IS [XXX] WITH TOYOTA AND I AM CURRENTLY INCURRING THE COST TO REPLACE AS MY DAUGHTER IS NOW OUTSIDE NON-LATCH CAR SEATS. I WOULD FEEL SICK TO MY STOMACH IF ANYONE ELSE HAS SIMILAR ISSUE AND DECIDED TO NOT REPLACE AND IN COURSE OF AN ACCIDENT WOULD BE INJURED OR DIE BECAUSE OF IT. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM IF THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THE PART AND FEEL SINCE THIS IS BEING CONSIDERED OUTSIDE OF ANY WARRANTY MAKE ME HESITATE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA AGAIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11327947 · filed Jun 9, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY DECELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED WITHOUT BEING USED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000....UPDATED 04/11/16 *BF *TR

NHTSA ID 10850066 · filed Mar 16, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

LOOKS LIKE THE METAL PIECE THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT TO THE FLOOR OF THE CAR IS RESTING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I THINK THAT TOYOTA COVERS REST FOR 10 YEARS. THEY SAY NO LOOKS LIKE THE METAL PIECE THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT TO THE FLOOR OF THE CAR IS RESTING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT IS IT'S ONLY BY A FEW MONTHS.

NHTSA ID 11142397 · filed Oct 24, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

STARTED HEARING FAINT POPPING/THUD SOUND WHEN TURNING WHEEL TO LEFT AT SLOW SPEEDS LIKE BACKING UP OR IN THE PROCESS OF PARKING THAT INVOLVES TURNING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY SOME LOOSE FEEL ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN IT MAKES THAT SOUND. INITIALLY STARTED HEARING/FEELING IT WHEN IT HAD 9K MILES ON IT. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER FOR 10K SERVICE AND COMPLAINED ABOUT IT. THEY/I COULD NOT REPLICATE IT. STILL HEARING THE SOUND AND FEELING IT ON STEERING WHEEL. SOUND AND FEEL GOT WORSE WITH STEERING AS MILEAGE WENT UP. BROUGHT TO LOCAL DEALER AT 20K MILES FOR SERVICE AND COMPLAINED ABOUT IT AGAIN. WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE SYMPTOM WITH SERVICE MANAGER ON BOARD BUT SERVICE MANAGER SAYS IT WAS NORMAL. HAD TO BRING VEHICLE BACK AT 23K MILES AND INSIST THERE IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE I CAN REPLICATE THE PROBLEM CONSISTENTLY. ONCE IN A WHILE THE SOUND AND FEEL IS AFFECTING STEERING TO THE RIGHT NOW. *TR

NHTSA ID 10605808 · filed Jun 25, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .