2013 Toyota Prius V Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2013 Toyota Prius V has 153 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve service brakes and engine.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 153 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
SERVICE BRAKES
57 37.3%
ENGINE
15 9.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 9.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 5.9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 5.2%
Quick Insights
The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 37.3% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 24 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
Subscribe to Recall Alerts
Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2013 Toyota Prius V.
Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.
What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Toyota Prius V
The 2013 Toyota Prius V has 153 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 37% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2013 Toyota Prius V are SERVICE BRAKES (57), ENGINE (15), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 111 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Toyota Prius V?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 24 of 24 systems
SERVICE BRAKES
57 Reports37% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2013 PRIUS V - BRAND NEW. BRAKES MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN COLD. THREE DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS TOLD ME THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKES TO GRIND WHEN COLD. NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. VEHICLE NOW HAS 15,000 MILES ON IT AND IT STILL MAKES GRINDING NOISES WHEN COLD. I HAD A 2010 PRIUS AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT. FOUND ON THE TOYOTA OWNERS WEBSITE THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ONE OF THEM HAD THE SEATTLE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FIX THE PROBLEM: TOYOTA OF SEATTLE 1,379 SERVICE DETAILS REAR BRAKE NOISE WHEN COLD PRIUS V R&R BOTH CALIPERS, R. DSC 1-SD (ON-VEH) COMB: OPPOSITE SIDE THERE IS A FIX AND TOYOTA IS REFUSING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE GRINDING BRAKES BECOME A LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION AND ACCIDENTS OCCUR. *TR
4/21/2014
WAS GOING DOWN HILL AT 40MPH THE LIGHT TURNED RED I TRIED TO STOP I PUMPED THE BRAKES TWICE THEN TWICE AGAIN THE LAIN TO MY LIFE WAS FULL TO MY RIGHT WAS A CURB ABOUT 13IN HEIGHT AND BY THEN WE WERE IN THE BACK END OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF US AND NO AIR BAGS I DON'T KNOW WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOY OR AT WHAT SPEED I THANK GOD FOR OTHER CARS BACK ENDS THAT WE CAN HIT AND NOT KILL ANY ONE I GUESS. *TR
11/6/2014
ENGINE
15 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING IT SEEMED THE CAR JUST STOPPED LOUD BANG IN REAR AND QUICKLY MOVED AGAIN TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG DON'T FEEL SAFE IN CARE THIS IS SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED. THANK YOU *TR
5/13/2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V449000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
11/27/2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. THEY WERE SET TO REMAIN ON FOR A BRIEF PERIOD AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. SHE GOT BACK IN THE VEHICLE AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED; NO LIGHTS, THE DOOR LOCKS DID NOT WORK AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START, THE ONLY FUNCTIONING ITEM, WAS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES, TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START, SO EVENTUALLY THEY HAD A TECHNICIAN COME AND START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE T O FIND A PROBLEM. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE HAPPENED ON MAY 31, 2014. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE FOUR HOURS LATER, HE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR. EVENTUALLY, HE REMOVED THE PHYSICAL KEY FROM THE ELECTRONIC KEY FOB, AND OPENED THE DOOR, BUT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY SIGN OF ELECTRICITY WAS TWO GREEN TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FLASHING SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEN HE PUSHED THE POWER BUTTON. THE CONSUMER RETURNED HOURS LATER, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY. HOWEVER, THE CLOCK HAD ZEROED OUT CONFIRMING THE POWER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. *JB
7/9/2014
ALTHOUGH OUR VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED FOR A RECALL THE SYMPTOMS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME DESCRIPTION AS THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER14V053000. DEALER SAYS EVERYTHING IS NORMAL BUT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES CHILDREN. CONCERNED ABOUT TOYOTA NOT RESPONDING TO OUR CLAIMS AND THE RISK OF COLLISION AS A POSSIBILITY.
6/1/2015
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WE RENTED A TOYOTA PRIUS FROM ENTERPRISE IN SHREVEPORT LA AT THE AIRPORT. WE DROVE TO KILGORE TX FOR THE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL. IN KILGORE, THE DRIVER WITH ONE PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO ENTER A DIAGONAL PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF A STRIP MALL. UPON APPROACH, GOING APPROXIMATELY FIVE MILES PER HOUR OR LESS, THE CAR'S BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, WITH NO BRAKING HAPPENING. THE CAR THEN SURGED INTO THE PARKING SPACE, UP OVER THE CURB, AND INTO THE CORNER OF A STORE, CAUSING EXTENSIVE INJURY TO PASSENGER SIDE AND PASSENGER, MINOR INJURY TO DRIVER, AND EXTENSIVE INJURY TO THE BUILDING. POLICE RECORDS STATE THAT "AT THE SCENE, I CHECKED THE BRAKES OF THE VEHICLE BOTH RUNNING AND NOT RUNNING AND FOND THERE WAS LITTLE OR NO RESISTANCE WHILE THREATENING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. I OBSERVED THE BRAKE PEDAL GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND HEARD A METALLIC GRINDING. THIS LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AT THE TIME OF, OR IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT." *TR
1/21/2015
1ST - EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION...BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2013, NEVER HAD TO REFILL ENGINE OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES OF EVERY 10,000 MILES (SYNTHETIC OIL 0W 20). AT APPX A LITTLE OVER 100,000 MILES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK, NO OIL IS REGISTERING. WENT TO A GAS STATION AND PURCHASED 1 QT OF MOBIL 1 0W20 AND AFTER POURING IT IN, STILL NOT SHOWING ANY OIL IN THE DIPSTICK. PURCHASED ANOTHER QUART AND FINALLY SHOWED CLOSED TO HALF ON THE DIPSTICK. I AM NOW AVERAGING APPX 1 QT OF ADD ON OIL EVERY 1200 MILES OR SO, AGAIN USING 0W20. 2ND - POOR MPG...FROM BRAND NEW TILL APPX 70,000 MILES OR SO, WAS AVERAGING 40 - 42 MPG. TOOK THE CAR IN 2015 FOR A SOFTWARE RECALL AND IMMEDIATELY, MPG WENT TO 35 - 36 MPG. DEALER CLAIMS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL AND BLAMES IT ON MY NEWLY PURCHASED ALL SEASON PIRELLI TIRES. WAS TOLD MPG WILL IMPROVE ONCE TIRES HAS MAYBE 1000 MILES OR SO ON IT. ITS BEEN APPX 60,000 MILES NOW AND MPG HAS NOT IMPROVED AT ALL. ALWAYS ON ECO MODE AND GENTLY DRIVES THE CAR JUST LIKE WHEN IT WAS BRAND NEW IN PRETTY MUCH SAME PLACES / CONDITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. IT SOUNDS LIKE RPM IS TOO HIGH....ITS ALWAYS ON DRIVE AND NOT ON LOWER GEAR (B) AND NO HEAVY LOAD OR TRAILER BESIDES USUAL PASSENGER OF APPX 2 TO 3 (KIDS + ADULT)
11/13/2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
7/6/2014
ALTHOUGH OUR VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED FOR A RECALL THE SYMPTOMS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME DESCRIPTION AS THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER14V053000. DEALER SAYS EVERYTHING IS NORMAL BUT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES CHILDREN. CONCERNED ABOUT TOYOTA NOT RESPONDING TO OUR CLAIMS AND THE RISK OF COLLISION AS A POSSIBILITY.
6/1/2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
HEADLIGHT TURNS ITSELF OFF. REPLACED BULB MULTIPLE TIMES. HEADLIGHT WORKS FOR A FEW HOURS THEN TURNS OFF AGAIN.
7/20/2018
AFTER THE ORIGINAL LIGHT BULBS FOR THE HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT WE BOUGHT HIGH-QUALITY REPLACEMENTS ONLY TO HAVE THEM BURN OUT RATHER QUICKLY. IT'S NOW BEEN A YEAR-AND-A-HALF AND THE LIGHT BULBS ARE BURNING OUT AN AVERAGE OF EVERY TWO MONTHS AT MOST. WE'VE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A WIRING HARNESS RECALL FOR ALL SORTS OF OTHER PRIUS MAKES AND YEARS BUT TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM WITH OUR CAR. A VERY CURSORY AND 15-MINUTE GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MY MODEL YEAR AND SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAS GONE UNADDRESSED. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WE DISCOVERED THAT ARE HEADLIGHTS HAD BURNED OUT BECAUSE WE WERE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ON A LIT BUT DARKISH ROAD, WHEN SUDDENLY PEOPLE STARTED PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF US AT THE INTERSECTIONS WE WERE CROSSING. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN. THE PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 60,000 MILES ABOUT A YEAR-AND-A-HALF AGO.
2/28/2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A METAL GATE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
6/3/2014
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
7/6/2014
POWER TRAIN
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT FENDER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
10/12/2016
ON OCTOBER 31, MY WIFE AND SON WERE IN THE CAR APPROACHING A PARKING SPACE AFTER COMPLETING A 360 DEGREE TURN INTO THE PARKING SPACE. CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND JUMPED A 7" HIGH CURB BLOWING OUT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND DAMAGING THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE TEAM TOYOTA IN GLEN MILLS WHO TOLD ME TO NOTIFY TOYOTA OF THE INCIDENT. TOYOTA CALLED ME ON NOVEMBER 2 AND GIVEN A COMPLETE DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE INCIDENT. ON NOVEMBER 3, TOYOTA SENT AN AUTHORIZATION FORM TO DOWNLOAD THE EDR DATA WHICH WAS RETURNED ALONG WITH DIAGRAMS OF THE INCIDENT. ON NOVEMBER 4, BOSCH CONTACTED ME REQUESTING THE INFORMATION ALREADY SENT TO TOYOTA WHICH WAS SENT TO THEM. ON NOVEMBER 22, THE BOSCH REPRESENTATIVE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DOWNLOADED THE EDR DATA. ON 11/26/16 - RECEIVED REPORT FROM EAA ENGINEERING ANALYSIS. INDICATES THAT THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 2.5 MPH TO 7.5 MPH IN 1.8 SEC. ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED TO 100% AND AT 98% AT IMPACT. THERE WAS NO POST CRASH INFORMATION IN THE REPORT . I HAVE CALLED TOYOTA THREE TIMES SINCE RECEIVING THE REPORT AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SPEAK WITH THE CASE MANAGER NOR THE CLAIMS DEPARTMENT TO DATE. THEY INDICATE THAT I WON'T HEAR ANYTHING UNTIL JANUARY 5. IN THE MEANTIME I AM DRIVING A RENTAL CAR. *TR
12/5/2016
AIR BAGS
5 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WAS GOING DOWN HILL AT 40MPH THE LIGHT TURNED RED I TRIED TO STOP I PUMPED THE BRAKES TWICE THEN TWICE AGAIN THE LAIN TO MY LIFE WAS FULL TO MY RIGHT WAS A CURB ABOUT 13IN HEIGHT AND BY THEN WE WERE IN THE BACK END OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF US AND NO AIR BAGS I DON'T KNOW WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOY OR AT WHAT SPEED I THANK GOD FOR OTHER CARS BACK ENDS THAT WE CAN HIT AND NOT KILL ANY ONE I GUESS. *TR
11/6/2014
2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG MALFUNCTION DURING VEHICLE ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS INJURIES. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PAINS ON THE NECK , 3 C SPINE DISK HERNIATIONS, HEAD, ARMS, ELBOWS, CHEST,KNEES, LEGS, AND CHIN. UPDATED *JS
8/17/2017
SUSPENSION
4 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE DRIVER'S SIDE HALF SHAFT AND BALL JOINT TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000.
3/22/2021
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.
9/22/2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRUIS V HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LARGE RODENT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND CHEWED THROUGH THE HARNESS STRAP OF A CHILD SEAT THAT WAS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT FIND ANY HOLES IN WHICH THE RODENT MAY HAVE ENTERED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF A RODENT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
1/8/2014
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
7/6/2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owned a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that the brake pedal was applied but failed to respond, causing the vehicle to swerve and the contact to crash into a retaining wall. The contact sustained whiplash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where failure codes were retrieved for the brake booster and ABS. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster needed to be replaced; however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired and was auctioned. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
5/4/2023
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The service brakes and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the brake booster and master cylinder assembly, resulting in an abnormal leak in the brake accumulator pressure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 63,000.
4/9/2025
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ALTHOUGH OUR VEHICLE IS NOT IDENTIFIED FOR A RECALL THE SYMPTOMS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME DESCRIPTION AS THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER14V053000. DEALER SAYS EVERYTHING IS NORMAL BUT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES CHILDREN. CONCERNED ABOUT TOYOTA NOT RESPONDING TO OUR CLAIMS AND THE RISK OF COLLISION AS A POSSIBILITY.
6/1/2015
CAR BEGAN TO DISPLAY INCOHERENT DASH ICON AND ALERTS. WE PARKED AND HAD A TOW SERVICE DELIVER OUR VEHICLE TO TOWN & COUNTRY TOYOTA, SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC. THERE THEY TOLD US IT NEEDED ALTERNATELY A $1,500 REPAIR, A $350 REPAIR AND FINALLY A $100 REPAIR, NONE OF WHICH THE SERVICE SALESMAN COULD DESCRIBE OR EXPLAIN. WHEN WE MENTIONED THE SYMPTOMS WERE IDENTICAL TO THE "HYBRID SYSTEM/FAILSAFE DRIVING MODE" RECALL NOTICE HE WAS EVASIVE AND SAID THAT WE WERE TOO LATE FOR THE RECALL. WE DIDN'T THINK IT WAS POSSIBLE TO BE TOO LATE FOR A SAFETY RECALL, ESPECIALLY ONE THAT LANDED IN THE LAST WEEK. AFTER TWO (2) 20 MINUTE WAITS ON HOLD CALLING THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER, WE WERE TOLD NOTHING OF VALUE, EXCEPT WE COULD CHOOSE TO GO BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND ASK FOR SOMEONE DIFFERENT, OR WE COULD GO TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP (I AM NOT MAKING THIS STUFF UP...!) WE ARE AT A LOSS; IS THIS A SAFETY CONCERN OR NOT? TOYOTA AND THE DEALER DO NOT ACT LIKE IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO THEM. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR YOUR ENFORCEMENT POWERS TO MOVE THIS PROCESS TOWARDS A RESULT THAT MIGHT ENTAIL ADDITIONAL SAFETY..?
4/1/2019
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
3/16/2016
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
6/9/2020
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE MAKING A U-TURN AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND LOST TRACTION. THE VSC, ENGINE, AND HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MALFUNCTIONING HYBRID SYSTEM AND BATTERY. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE REPAIRS THAT WERE NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V449000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
4/10/2017
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS A SEMI TRUCK. WHEN I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR, THERE WAS NO POWER. THE CAR ACTED LIKE IT HAD BEEN SHUT OFF. THE STABILITY CONTROL, TIRE PRESSURE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. I TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR. THE WARNING LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR ACTED LIKE IT WAS STRAINING OR LUGGING. I DISCOVERED IF I BACKED OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN ACCELERATED, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO REPEAT THE PROCESS OF BACKING OFF THE ACCELERATOR AT EVERY TRAFFIC LIGHT . I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO SOLD IT TO ME. IT IS BEING FIXED, BUT MY VIN # DOES NOT SHOW UP AS PART OF THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.
5/8/2018
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The brakes suddenly failed in our 2013 Prius V while she was driving with our two young children. It was extremely scary, and very dangerous. Toyota has known about the braking system issues for years but refused to offer a recall to avoid costs. This needs to be immediately addressed.
10/31/2025
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.
11/14/2025
STEERING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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
6/25/2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THERE WAS A LOAD BANG, WHICH I THOUGHT CAME FROM THE TIRES, I REALIZED IT WASN'T THE TIRES BUT SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE ENGINE. I OPENED THE HOOD OF THE CAR THERE WAS SMOKE AND ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I THAN WENT BACK TO THE VEHICLE AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND STARTED TO STARTED IT AGAIN. THE SMOKE STOPPED AND I TURNED IT BACK ON, EVERYTHING LOOKED NORMAL SO I STARTED TO DRIVE. AFTER 5 MILES OF DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I PULLED OVER TO A GAS STATION THINKING IT WAS A LEAK OF WATER. I CHECKED THE EVERYTHING I HAD ENOUGH WATER BUT DECIDE TO BUT MORE ANYWAYS. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON, I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT HOME SO I CAN DEALER TOMORROW, BUT WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR TURNED ITSELF OFF. I COULDN'T STARTED IT BACK ON. *TR
10/12/2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MOLD GROWING INSIDE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
4/14/2015
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V449000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
11/27/2015
SEATS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
10/24/2018
EQUIPMENT
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
11/13/2024
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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.
11/13/2024
PARKING BRAKE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the ABS, traction control, parking brake, and the malfunction indicator warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake pedal vibrated while being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and DTC: C1391 was retrieved. The dealer determined that the brake booster pump assembly and the brake booster assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under Toyota Campaign Number: 20TE07; because the program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
4/17/2025
Data and Methodology
SourcesShow 14 sources
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Prius V?
Are complaints about the 2013 Toyota Prius V a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Toyota Prius V?
Are complaints about the 2013 Toyota Prius V severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Toyota Prius V: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 153
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
We may earn a commission via links on this page.