2013 Toyota Prius

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. Minutes later, the vehicle started to brake and lurch forward with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle spun out and crashed into the median. The contact’s chest struck the steering wheel, causing bruising and chest pain. The contact was managing the pain with analgesics. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed, but the report number was not provided. The manufacturer was contacted and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11763340

Incident

Aug 12, 2026

Mileage

140,000 mi

My 2013 Prius has 86,500 miles on it. It has been regularly maintained. A routine state inspection revealed a severely rusted rear axle beam and a front axle that is heading in that direction. Other Prius' in [XXX] have had this issue, and in some cases, the wheels have detached from the axle while the car is in motion. That is documented. That is a major safety concern, as who would expect to see an axle issue, especially in a low mileage car. I found a similar NHTSA complaint, XXX, on a 2013 Prius in [XXX], as well as issues in [XXX] with 2010 and 2012 Prius vehicles. The Toyota dealership that found this issue deemed it to be "a major safety concern" as the beam is "rusted apart". There were no warning signs, no issues, until the visual inspection. My concern is not simply the cost of repairing an older vehicle. I am concerned that a structural component has corroded to the point of being describe as "rusted apart", creating a major safety concern on a vehicle with limited mileage. The threat of a wheel separation or loss of vehicle control is a serious risk that needs exploration. I called Toyota Headquarters and they indicated that the car was out of warranty and there had been no recalls. The case number for that contact is: [XXX]. Toyota has previously recognized that corrosion of structural rear components in salt-belt vehicles can create a safety problem, but I do not know if that commentary has been applied to Gen-3 Prius'. I respectfully request the NHTSA review its complaint records and manufacture submissions to determine any pattern of premature corrosion or structural failure involving the rear axle beam/rear cross-member of 2010-2015 Toyota Prius vehicles, particularly vehicles operated in states where road salt is routinely used. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760377

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

The break pump for my 2013 prius is going out and is a known issue with Toyota. I contacted toyota and they have stated because it is past the extended warranty they can not repair it and aren't liable for it. I bought the car used and was unaware that it has been a known issue for years. The previous owner did not have it replaced as they were probably unaware as well. It is a highly unsafe issue and has caused my breaks to suddenly go our while driving recently with my toddler. It is also $3000-$5000 to fix it and is almost more than the cars value. I need help resolving this as it isn't "normal wear and tear" or a mileage issue. It is a known, very public defect that toyota has admitted and I have been able to easily find information on all over Google. The warning lights came on out of no where on the freeway today.

NHTSA ID

11759613

Incident

Aug 25, 2026

I purchased a 2013 Toyota Prius from a reputable dealership in Omaha (O'Daniel Honda). 5 days after purchase the ABS, BRAKE, and Traction Control lights came on in the evening. When I took it to the dealership the next day they had cycled off and the dealership couldn't find anything wrong. A few days later it happened again so I got into the dealer right away and they said Toyota had issued a service bulletin C1391 in 2019, and that I would have to replace the brake booster, brake cylinder, and brake pump assembly. I'm still fighting with the dealership to make this right, because they should have caught this during their inspection before putting the car for sale on their lot. The indicator lights keep cycling on and off. Something that effects the braking system should be a recall and not a service bulletin.

NHTSA ID

11759367

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

Brake actuator failed

NHTSA ID

11758413

Incident

Jan 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and BRAKE warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off on the off-ramp and became aware that extra effort was needed to depress the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with brake booster and accumulator failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11756742

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

Mileage

120,000 mi

My vehicle has 105492 miles and ABS light, Trackion and Brake light went on. I could hear a buzzing sound from the brake actuator every 5 seconds. The brake actuator and master cylinder was failing. According to the dealership failure of brake actuator and master cylinder is a common safety issue with Toyota Prius. The failure of the actuator can lead to failure in the braking system and a crash. Online research shows that several customers have reported this issue. The Claremont Toyota quoted me $3646 to fix this issue. I contacted Toyota of America and they informed that they cannot cover these repairs case number 260515002576.I took my vehicle to a private mechanic. I paid $2312 for parts and labor to fix this safety issue. I would like to file a complaint against Toyota for not addressing this critical safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11755768

Incident

May 16, 2026

I am the first owner of a Toyota 2013 Prius that I purchased in Baltimore, MD, in 2013. I moved Georgia in 2014. The car currently has 130000 miles. I heard there were recalls on this vehicle type few years ago, but I was never notified. The brake has failed recently with code C1391. I spent $3,500 recently and the car is still in the repair shop.

NHTSA ID

11753299

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.