2013 Toyota Prius Problems

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.

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.

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.

Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes inconsistent and requires significantly more effort to stop the vehicle. This is a known internal fluid leak within the brake booster assembly that causes the accumulator pump to run continuously and ultimately reduces braking performance — a direct safety hazard. Why This Requires Federal Attention: This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of 2013 Prius owners have reported identical symptoms, with associated diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Toyota acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0089-20 and a Customer Support Program (ZJB) providing limited extended warranty coverage. However, that program was not well publicized . I was never informed as a vehicle owner . And it has now expired, leaving thousands of owners with a dangerous defect and repair bills costing thousands . A safety defect of this magnitude — one that can result in sudden, significant loss of braking ability — should not have an expiration date on its remedy. Toyota has not issued a mandatory recall, and owners continue to unknowingly drive vehicles with compromised brake systems. Requested Action: I respectfully urge NHTSA to: 1.Open a formal investigation into this defect across all affected 2013–2015 Toyota Prius model years 2.Require Toyota to issue a mandatory safety recall 3.Compel Toyota to cover repair costs for all affected owners regardless of mileage or age of vehicle

Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius • Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30–40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes inconsistent and requires significantly more effort to stop the vehicle. This is a known internal fluid leak within the brake booster assembly that causes the accumulator pump to run continuously and ultimately reduces braking performance — a direct safety hazard. Why This Requires Federal Attention: This is not an isolated incident. Hundreds of 2013 Prius owners have reported identical symptoms, with associated diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253. Toyota acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin TSB-0089-20 and a Customer Support Program (ZJB) providing limited extended warranty coverage. However, that program was not well publicized . I was never informed as a vehicle owner . And it has now expired, leaving thousands of owners with a dangerous defect and repair bills costing thousands . A safety defect of this magnitude — one that can result in sudden, significant loss of braking ability — should not have an expiration date on its remedy. Toyota has not issued a mandatory recall, and owners continue to unknowingly drive vehicles with compromised brake systems. Requested Action: I respectfully urge NHTSA to: 1.Open a formal investigation into this defect across all affected 2013–2015 Toyota Prius model years 2.Require Toyota to issue a mandatory safety recall 3.Compel Toyota to cover repair costs for all affected owners regardless of mileage or age of vehicle

The brake actuator/ABS hydraulic system on my 2013 Toyota Prius failed. The component is available for inspection upon request, as it was replaced by a Toyota dealership. Prior to failure, the vehicle intermittently displayed ABS, Traction Control, and VSC warning lights while driving, which would sometimes clear on their own but eventually became persistent. This condition reduced or disabled ABS, traction control, and vehicle stability functions, increasing the risk of loss of control or reduced braking effectiveness, particularly in emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by a Toyota dealer, who diagnosed the failure using diagnostic code C1391 indicating internal brake actuator malfunction. The vehicle was inspected by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer, who replaced the brake actuator assembly after three days of repair at a cost of approximately $3,000. Warning lamps were present for months prior to the final repair and gradually progressed from intermittent to constant, indicating a worsening failure of a known issue affecting this generation of Prius vehicles.

Crack in the Engine. I had been following the recommended Maintenance schedule, but I suddenly had issues where the engine would stall/stutter on activation (switching from electric to motor operation). The check engine light came on, and I immediately took it to the dealer who replaced the battery and spark plugs saying that was the issue. That solution did not even last a month, as I had sometimes severe shaking in the engine along with the stutter. I again brought it to the dealership who told me that the actual problem was a cracked head gasket and that the vehicle was "mechanically totaled". I was lucky that I live close to the dealership and worry what would have happened if I had to drive on it further.

The hybrid braking systems on Toyota Prius' manufactured from 2010-2015 had a serious failure of the hybrid braking system that had additional long term warranties to repair, but never recalled in order to save the money from a total recall. The Sloan Toyota dealership in Glenside knew before I purchased the 2013 Toyota Prius I purchased that a serious brake system failure was very probable with my car but failed to tell me. If they did, i would not have purchased the car. I had the 5000 mile oil change in early August and three days later after the service and a clear 25 point inspection, and the system failed. I want full reimbursement or just pay for the repair.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle had not been inspected for damages. The contact was transported to the local medical center. The contact sustained injuries such as a fractured sternum and a fractured left foot. The contact received treatment and the local medical ctr for a total of four days and then transferred to a primary care facility. In addition, the contact was receiving continued treatment. A Police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,761.

Traveling approximately 15mph I collided with a full size truck the front end of my car totaled. I was wearing my seat belt and air bags did not deploy causing me to hit the steering wheel with enough force to fracture my sternum. This is the 2nd time a frontal impact occurred causing damage to the front bumper and air bags did not deploy.

While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.

purchased tires at walmart auto care center in 2019 at 2770 E. Carson St. Lakewood, 90712, +15624298137. the warranty shows they should last at least 40000 miles. the tires worned out (by walmart auto care center staff on 11/2024) at 27000 miles. Walmart has not worked with me to replace these defective low quality tires (viva3 brand) and i am in a dilemma as i am unable to replace them now. I am [XXX] and [XXX] and i use my vehicle for doctors, pharmacy and errands for my daily survival. thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The brake actuator keeps buzzing every 3 seconds or so the entire time the car is on and even after I turn the car off and get out. The brakes make a wierd burping noise and the pedal depresses with each noise if I am stopped at a red light or stop sign with my foot on the brakes. All of the brake, abs, and traction control lights lit up. The regenerative braking is no longer working.

Hybrid battery overheats after an hour of driving at high speeds. Car battery shuts down and becomes immobile.

Entering the highway the car suddenly learched and stopped excelerating, creating an unsafe situation, and went into a slow mode. It limped along. Caused cars issue around having to slow merge and driving only 10-15 miles per hour. The dealer could find no codes and said it could be an air bubble in fluid line??? No warning lights.

"Cooling Performance of the Hybrid Battery is Low" warning light turns on every 4-5 months on my 2013 Toyota Prius. Apparently, Toyota issued a bulletin to Toyota Service Departments re: Engine/Hybrid System Section Hybrid/Battery Control System Market USA. This info was never disclosed and is costly to repair every 4-5 months due to excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery intake filter or cooling fan. When it first went off in June 2022 my vehicle was still under warranty up to the two additional repairs in December 2022 and May 2023 (for which the Toyota Dealership repair department didn't provide me a ticket either time but made the repair), and again now (August 2023). This is an issue that could cause the battery to fail while driving. Additionally, this issue is highly inconvenient, expensive and highly concerning. This ongoing issue affects the safety and value of my car if this issue must be repaired every 4-5 months or "every 5,000 miles). This information was never made public to Prius owners I don't believe as I never received notice. I would've sold my car sooner had i known. Here is the Toyota DOcument I received on 8.21.23 from Marina Del Rey Toyota T-SB-0062-20 dated June 18, 2020

While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.

The clear coat failed despite regular wax and optimal storage. I have seen a few Toyota vehicles of this same color with clear coat failures.

Replaced low beam on Right Lamp Headlight. Then replace high beam on Right Lamp Headlight. Then realized it is actually appears to be the power going to the Headlight does not appear to be strong enough? Looked to see if there was a recall and noticed several others have reported this same problem. It is so dim that it required high beam to see. When we purchased this car one thing was brightness of the headlights was very nice since we live in a rural area without street lights. The brightness does not meet the headlight safety standard. Currently try to only drive during daylight hours.

Hi, my dim lights don't light the road in front of me, I have a 2013 Prius and to drive it at night is taken my life and any on coming motorists at risk...I put expensive bulbs in and that doesn't help the problem, can you help?

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that after several days of torrential rainfall, the contact noticed there was water in the tire and 12-volt battery compartment. After having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic, while the contact was driving, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light illuminated after the failure. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and pull over to the side of the road. The contact called Roadside Assistance and was informed that there was a code for the hybrid battery system that needed to be checked. The contact noticed that water might have entered through the rear passenger’s side brake light. The contact removed the water with a sump pump. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

STEERING VIBRATES WHEN DRIVING ON SMOOTH ROAD BUT RATTLES LOUDLY ON SMALL BUMPS. TOYOTA INITIALLY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AND THAT IT WAS NORMAL. I THOUGHT IT WAS SUSPENSION BUT THE SUSPENSION IS STILL GOOD. ALL THE TIRES ARE GOOD. CONTROL ARMS AND ANYTHING VISIBLE IS GOOD. WHEN ELEVATED THE STEERING MAKES A BUT BUT NOISE WHEN TURNED.

MY SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED OUTWARDS WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. NO OBJECTS HIT ME OR THE SUNROOF. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS NEAR ME. I WAS NOT AROUND ANY OVERPASSES. THE SUNROOF JUST EXPLODED AND THE GLASS SHARDS ARE POINTING OUTWARDS TOWARDS THE SKY. *TR

THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY BROKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE LOCATION OF INCIDENT WAS IN WESTERN NEVADA WHERE TERRAIN IS FLAT AND NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE IN SIGHT EITHER IN FRONT OR BEHIND.

**What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? **Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT The passenger side seat belt became folded and stuck. It would not enable the person to pull it and attach it to the clasp. When my little boy did pull it in the clasp it was an extremely snug fit. I had 3 people try to unfold it. Finally someone had to slice it so that we could at least get part of it to work and go into the clasp. The shoulder strap did attach properly it is just the stomach strap that is not working properly. I brought it to the Toyota dealership to see: 1. If there were any recalls on it. 2. To see about getting it repaired. The dealer said that there were no recalls on that item and that it was indeed broken and it would cost over $500 to repair. I have not brought it the manufacturer. I don’t know where the manufacturer is located. Are they in Japan? The only warning signs were when the seatbelt was not properly attached because it did not properly fit on my passenger.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WAS LOOSE AND DID NOT HAVE ANY TENSION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GERMAIN TOYOTA OF NAPLES (13315 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34110, (239) 301-3156) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL VEHICLE DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTION CORRESPONDENCE. *SMD THE CONSUMER RENTED A TOYOTA PRIUS AND A FORD FOCUS ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE ELECTRONICALLY OPERATED LOCKS ON THE VEHICLES DOORS CAUSED THE INTERIOR DOOR-OPEN LEVERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE CONSUMER USED THE WIRELESS REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS AND SAT IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE PRIUS. THE DOORS LOCKED WITH NO EFFORT FROM THE CONSUMER. THE DOOR LEVERS ON THE BOTH REAR DOORS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONSUMER CRAWLED TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RENTED A 2013 FORD FOCUS ON DECEMBER 30, 2014. THE ELECTRIC WINDOW CONTROLS WERE INOPERABLE, AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR DOOR-OPEN LEVER. UPDATED 03/28/2017 *JS

I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN A BOX TRUCK DROVE INTO MY CAR, PUSHING IT INTO THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, OVER A CURB, AND THEN OFF THE ROAD. THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO EACH SIDE OF MY CAR; INCLUDING THE CRUMPLED BACKEND. THE DIVERS SEAT GAVE OUT AND FELL BACKWARDS SOMEHOW CAUSING THE HEADREST TO TWIST OFF LEAVING THE LEG OF IT BENT TOWARDS BY MY HEAD. THERE WAS NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN THE ACCIDENT. THE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE CAR DEEMED IT TOTALED. HOW IS IT THAT THERE WAS SEAT, HEADREST, AND AIRBAG FAILURE?

While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the passenger’s side rear wheel was touching the frame of the wheel well. Additionally, the wheel was leaning inward. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear wheel assembly. The contact was informed that the rear wheel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that two similar vehicles had been repaired with similar failures, within the week. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH ON I95 ABOUT A MILE FORM EXIT 89 IN CT. I LOST THE TREAD OF THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. FROM THE TIME I NOTICED THE ROAD FEELING A LITTLE ROUGH TO REALIZING THAT I HAD WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A BLOWOUT TOOK MAYBE 10-15 SECONDS. (ONCE I EXITED THE CAR I WAS SURPRISED THE ENTIRE TIRE HAD SEPARATED AT BOTH SIDEWALLS.) I FELT I WAS REAL LUCKY TO HAVE ESCAPED HAVING AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY AS WHEN THE TIRE CAME OFF I HAD LITTLE CONTROL OF THE CAR AS IT HEADED RIGHT TOWARD THE GUARDRAIL THEN BACK LEFT CROSSING THE INTO THE HIGH SPEED LANE BEFORE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP. *TR

FIRST, UNDERSTAND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, NO ONE GOT HURT, AND IT DIDN'T COST ME A DIME. THE DEALER AND WARRANTY PICKED UP THE FULL TAB. ALL IT COST ME WAS A LITTLE AGGRAVATION. HOWEVER, I FEEL IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. IT STARTED WHEN I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I REMOVED THE FLAT AND PUT ON THE SPARE, NO PROBLEM. THE TIRE HAD A SIDEWALL PUNCTURE SO FIRST THING MONDAY I TOOK IT TO GK TIRE & AUTO FOR REPLACEMENT. THEY MOUNTED A NEW TIRE AND PUT THE SPARE BACK IN THE TRUNK. THAT IS WHERE THINGS WENT WRONG. MY PRIUS WOULD NOT START. I CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER SENT A TOW TRUCK AND HAULED THE PRIUS OFF. THE NEXT DAY THEY CALLED TO SAY IT WAS FIXED. THE SERVICE TICKET SAID "PULLED CODE P0A0D...CLEARED CODES, AND CHECKED SERVICE PLUG. FOUND PARTIALLY PULLED OUT." ... "INSTALLED SERVICE PLUG ALL THE WAY AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE. GOOD, DONE". BECAUSE GK TIRE HAD NO REASON TO BE ANYWHERE BUT IN THE TRUNK I ASSUME THAT IS WHERE THE 'SERVICE PLUG' IS AND THEY KNOCKED IT OUT OF PLACE WHEN THEY RE STOWED THE SPARE. MY PROBLEM IS THAT IF THE TIRE PEOPLE COULD DO THAT, THEN I MIGHT HAVE DONE THAT. AND, IF I HAD DONE THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, OR EVEN WORSE, THE CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY. I WOULD NOT EXPECT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TREAT THE TIRE COMPARTMENT OF A TRUNK LIKE A FINE SWISS WATCH. IF THAT WAS THE PROBLEM, I CONSIDER IT A DESIGN DEFICIENCY. WHEN GK TIRE PUT IT ON THE LIFT? STILL A DESIGN DEFICIENCY. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR