2013 Toyota Prius Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the 2013 Toyota Prius, 13% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 65,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “brake abs” (12% of reports).
- 52electrical system complaints
- 65,000median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brake ABS: mentioned in 6 of 52 complaints (12%)
- Traction control: mentioned in 5 of 52 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 29 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 52 complaints, 2 a fire, 1 an injury.
Toyota Prius electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Prius | 2 | 33% | — |
| 2025 Prius | 6 | 38% | 12,450 |
| 2024 Prius | 4 | 15% | — |
| 2023 Prius | 5 | 25% | — |
| 2022 Prius | 6 | 25% | 114,000 |
| 2021 Prius | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2020 Prius | 2 | 14% | 1,325 |
| 2019 Prius | 4 | 13% | — |
| 2018 Prius | 2 | 5% | 19,100 |
| 2017 Prius | 11 | 12% | 5,000 |
| 2016 Prius | 20 | 13% | 25,500 |
| 2015 Prius | 27 | 16% | 21,000 |
| 2014 Prius | 33 | 16% | 19,483 |
| 2013 Prius | 52 | 13% | 65,000 |
| 2012 Prius | 52 | 12% | 36,600 |
| 2011 Prius | 68 | 13% | 81,482 |
| 2010 Prius | 192 | 7% | 65,000 |
| 2009 Prius | 60 | 12% | 89,761 |
| 2008 Prius | 235 | 16% | 81,500 |
| 2007 Prius | 248 | 12% | 66,945 |
| 2006 Prius | 152 | 11% | 61,500 |
| 2005 Prius | 178 | 17% | 100,000 |
| 2004 Prius | 177 | 29% | 30,000 |
| 2003 Prius | 13 | 13% | 108,000 |
| 2002 Prius | 18 | 11% | 88,500 |
| 2001 Prius | 27 | 16% | 61,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Hybrid propulsion system: inverter; electrical system:software
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving and pulling into a parking lot, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle but saw no fault with the vehicle. The contact was then notified by another person that the vehicle had caught…
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…
Year/Make/Model: 2013 Toyota Prius ⢠Component: Brake Booster Assembly with Master Cylinder (Part #47070-47060) Description of the Defect: After approximately 30â40 minutes of driving, my dashboard illuminates with the Brake, ABS, and VSC warning lights simultaneously. The brake pedal becomes…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2013 Toyota Priuss have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints about electrical system for the 2013 Toyota Prius (13% of the 412 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Toyota Prius electrical system?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do electrical system problems start?
The median reported mileage is 65,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the 2013 Toyota Prius?
The most frequent phrase is “brake abs”, in 6 of 52 complaints, followed by “traction control” (5).
Other 2013 Toyota Prius problems
- Service Brakes problems (231)
See all 2013 Toyota Prius problems or electrical system problems across all Prius years.