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2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Solid pick — the complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
359 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Brakes problems dominate (52% of complaints, typically reported near 139k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (49) · Speed control (21) · Airbags (17) · Fuel system (16)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Brakes
52%188 complaints · typically near 139k mi · 65 in the last 2 years
“Brake actuator went out on 2013 Toyota Prius Gen 5. The part is very expensive and in my opinion is a part that should not have to be replaced. The care has 120,000 mi…”
Electrical system
14%49 complaints · 3 in the last 2 years
“While driving on the highway, ABS, "Brake"/E-Brake, Traction Control Lights lit up all at the same time out of the blue. No prior engine lights/codes before this incid…”
Engine
10%35 complaints · typically near 21k mi · 1 in the last 2 years
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 to 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but…”
Speed control
6%21 complaints
“The 2013 pruis has developed the notorious brake booster fault triggering the brake light abs light and traction control light to stay illuminated. Toyota has many com…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Hybrid Propulsion System · 17V718000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
Risk: The failed fuse may cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2013? See how every Prius Plug-in Hybrid model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.