2013 Toyota Prius C

Routine

Owners filed 57 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,000 milesMedian miles at failure

27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2013 Toyota Prius C problems

16 of the 57 complaints (28%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes15
201
Electrical System13
200
Hybrid Propulsion System · hybrid system4
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights4
000
Structure › Body · body and frame3
100
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system3
000
Air Bags · airbags3
201
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
100
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear1
000
Unknown or Other1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Aug 28, 2026AZ

While I was driving on the freeway the dash lit up with multiple lights. Simultaneously, I lost power to the car and could not accelerate and only break. The steering was tight and I could not steer correctly. Then a message that said, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY. The was slowing down and I had to pull over on the side of the freeway. There were no fluids leaking from the car.The car did not power back on nor run for over 10 minutes. The incident put my safety and other safety at risk by turning off while driving highway speeds. I was afraid for my life. There is an open recall which has not yet been resolved Major Safety Recalls for the 2013 Prius •The Hybrid Inverter Module (Critical Recall): Excessive voltage inside the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) can cause the hybrid system to overheat, shut down completely, or put the car into "limp home" mode while you are driving.

Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Feb 5, 2026150,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to cold-start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was started; however, the instrument cluster and other electrical devices failed to operate as needed. The contact replaced the auxiliary battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V369000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 23, 2026TX

Brake master cylinder failure.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 2, 2026CA

Car suddenly needed a jump start and again after a day or two of non-use. On the third day Brakes, ABS and traction control warnings were lighted up and remains. Brakes are mostly ineffective. My own scan returns the code C1252 and C1256 that says brake booster system failing. Took it to the dealer who charged $290 again to scan and came up with failed brake booster and pump assembly. The dealers is quoting total $4000 to fix. Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin dated 8/2018 and revised on 8/2019 extends the warranty on for this issue (for Toyota Prius C 2013) for 10 years or 150000 miles. I was never informed by Toyota or the seller (Stevens Creek Toyota, San Jose CA) about this defect under warranty that I could have gotten repaired well before the dead line of 10 years. Now Both Toyota or the dealer's service department refuse to bear the repair cost.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 20, 2025FL

Warning lamps for ABS and others and the chiming dings came on while pulling away from the bank drive through and parking for a second. I shut the engine off and turned back on with no success. I was barely able to park in a spot because of difficulties braking. My car had been making an electric noise every 15 seconds or so previously, at different times when parked, but I thought it was the hybrid engine. Now I think it was the brake pump trying to build up pressure due to a faulty, leaking brake actuator.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2025TX

My 2013 Toyota Prius has a failed inverter/converter assembly, including the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). This component is critical for vehicle operation and designed to last the life of the car. Premature IPM shorting and inverter failure is a known defect acknowledged by Toyota through multiple recalls and service campaigns for other VINs with the same part number. My vehicle is giving codes P0A94 and P0A1A which are also listed in the recalls for other Prius models of similar age. My vehicle experiences the same failure, yet Toyota has denied goodwill coverage, claiming “insufficient service history.” Routine maintenance like oil changes and brake inspections does not affect this component, making the denial unreasonable. There is nothing to service on the inverter. This defect poses a serious safety risk, sudden inverter failure caused total loss of power while driving and loss of power steering, it was difficult to pull my car off the road. This poses a danger to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Toyota’s exclusion of my VIN from coverage leaves me financially responsible for a known safety defect. I request NHTSA to investigate Toyota’s handling of inverter/IPM failures, the denial of goodwill assistance for affected VINs, and ensure that Toyota addresses this life-threatening defect consistently across all affected vehicles instead of narrowing the scope on who gets coverage when this is a dangerous electrical malfunction.

Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter
Filed Sep 3, 202575,421 milesMA

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated that he and his wife were in the vehicle during the failure, and the vehicle was almost crashed into. The contact stated that he and his wife were left stranded in oncoming traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a computer failure and that the inverter converter assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,421.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 2025FL

Failure of the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter assembly

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 2025GA

Recently the dash board lights started intermittently coming on. When they are on, the brakes do not work until pressed all the way to the floor and even then the car takes a long time to stop. The lights will randomly turn off and suddenly the car brakes work normally again. It is happening intermittently with no rhyme or reason as to when it will happen. It's scary to drive because I dont know if the brakes will work or not and I almost ran into another car when trying to stop at a stop light. I took the car to be inspected at the Toyota service center for $190 and after inspection they said the brake booster and master cylinder assembly need to be replaced and it will cost $2300.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 19, 2025VA

Require replacement of brake booster pump, decreased braking ability

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 3, 2025MI

There was a driver side collision and the airbags did not deploy. Brakes do not slowly apply they slam down causing vehicle to slide/skid in emergency braking, ABS does not function properly. The dealership recently did an appraisal (4/2/25) on the vehicle that states “Lost communication with side airbag sensor LH, Side airbag sensor LH initialization incomplete, front speed sensor RH & LH circuit, and D- Door Motor ECU communication stop”. Insurance company inspected vehicle after crash, and there was a police report filed. There were no warning indicators prior to incident or after.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 23, 2024OH

The vehicle exhibits several warning lights on the dash including ABS, VSC brake and handbrake. Diagnosed code as C1391 which toyota had released a bulletin to admit this issue, but they don’t make a recall instead of only repair it when occurred within their limited time line. now my vehicle falls in their bulletin scope but out of their “warranty “ scope. and quoted for thousands of repair. as a matter of fact, this put me at a great risk in driving it. and toyota didn’t make a public recall to solve this problem.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 14, 2024MA

Immobilized failure due to combination of brake hose failure preventing hybrid control/shift actuator. Hybrid steering lock became disengaged and could not communicate with the certification ecu due constant power being disabled due to complete main body failure. Hybrid system cannot go back into park however ecm side did. Ecm was not receiving power as dealer coded main body as a plug in hybrid effectively disabling fuel systems (including emissions/fuel safety) causing full misclassification in the smart key certification process. Car starts, goes into ready and disables LIN comms alongside cutting main relay due to tailgate and fuel constant powers being cut while driving.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 14, 2024FL

Driving on the highway at 70mph my warning lights for my ABS, traction control, and other brake related warning lights came on. My brakes became soft and hard to stop the car. Immediately brought to dealer who said that my booster accumulator was leaking and needed to replace both the accumulator and pump for over $3,500. This is a know. Issue with Toyota because they have a service bulletin that they wouldn’t honor because my car is more than 10 years old. This is a serious issue and someone is going to get badly hurt.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 12, 2024133,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and pulling out of the driveway, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, excessive amount of force was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended, and the vehicle was jerking while stopping. The contact stated that the ABS, Brakes, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the hydraulic brake booster pump actuator and accumulator had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program under NHTSA ID Number: 10181735 (Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, Equipment, Service Brakes) however the vehicle was no longer covered for the repair. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the Customer Service Program. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 26, 2024VA

Head low beam lights no work

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 15, 2024CA

I purchased this car July 14th 2023 from a dealership that wasn't Toyota for my daughter to go back and forth to school and as soon as we drove off the lot all kinds of lights came on I called the dealership asked what they were he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about so I've had it at a couple different shops finally Toyota looked at it the service manager let me know that there used to be a recall on the brake booster with master cylinder assembly and that that recall the extended warranty on it had expired I'm not sure how anything thats to do with safety expires when it's regarding your braking

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 16, 2023CA

I was going on my way to work on the freeway at approximately 65 miles per hour, suddenly I felt as if my car shut off will driving and I lost power. I pressed on the gas Pedal as I was pulled into the emergency lane to the right of the freeway, the gas pedal did not work. I pulled to the side and I shut the car off. I waited about 20 minutes and I turned the car back on.

Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed May 31, 2023104,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check Hybrid Propulsion System warning light illuminated, and the vehicle the stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the inverter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V369000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) and 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 5, 2023CA

My vehicle has under 150,000 miles. I was driving on the highway and my Prius lost power and left me on the side of the road. I took it to Toyota to run a diagnostic in Elk Grove Ca. I was told the ipm inverter, control computer had to be replaced and it would cost me $5,200.00. This is a real disappointment because I don’t have this money to fix the vehicle.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 25, 2023CA

A tree fell on my car during a storm. The tree remains on top of my car. Waiting for your party to remove it off of my car.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 9, 2023CA

According to Toyota Dealership, "WILL NEED TO REPLACE (MG1) HV TRANSAXLE UNIT AS 1ST STEP IN ORDER TO TO BE ABLE TO PROCEED WITH DIAGNOSE AND CHECKED FOR ANY OTHER SHORTED COMPONENTS". Vehicle is available for inspection. Vehicle was being driven on a city street towards a red light when the vehicle experienced a jolt and lost complete acceleration power and a "Check Hybrid System" was displayed on the dashboard. Luckily all vehicles behind were already coming to a stop for the red light, otherwise, the safety of my family and myself may have been put in more serious harm. Vehicle able to crawl to a nearby gas station. Attempted to use remaining battery power to drive back to residence nearby, but lost all battery power/function and puled into a bus lane where vehicle was towed from. There were no warning lights or messages displayed prior to the incident. Toyota Dealership performed DTC verification 3 times and found to verify P0A94 detail code 172 is the persistent DTC when memory is cleared. They also inspected the vehicle for concern and were able to verify Check Engine Light is ON, vehicle is on "Limp Mode" and does not "Ready ON". The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else other than the Toyota Dealership.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 23, 2022TX

The break master cylinder is lighted up on the dashboard and the ABS system is not working which makes me sliding when I'm trying to use brakes. Too much noise coming when starting the engine for like a minute then it cool down The front chairs are not good for diver and passenger nick as it is one piece chairs with build in head stand and now I'm reviewing chiropractor for my nick frequently since I used this car

Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Jun 30, 202266,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled as a system failure warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle inadvertently turned. The vehicle was restarted but shifted into limp mode with the message displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and then drove the vehicle to the residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V369000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) and 14V053000 (Hybrid Propulsion System, Electrical System) which she linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 2, 2022TX

I bought my car as used, 3 months after that i hear a weird noise when i use the break, then I replace the break pads but it doesn’t solve the problem after that I got alert C1391, I went to mechanic shop he told me it needs to replace the break booster pump part number 4707052020, I did that but doesn’t solve the problem and still the alert come and go. I want to know if this is general safety issue for this model and should be fixed by the dealer or i should fix it on my own

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 19, 2022AZ

Brake Master Cylinder assembly failure. Brakes starting to fail. Not covered under warranty past 150k miles.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 6, 2022TX

Problem one: water in the passenger taillight. I got on YouTube to find a video to repair it, and guess what? The person in the video was replacing HIS taillight for the exact same problem! PS. I uploaded a picture, and it's sideways! But if you look closely, you can see the water line! Can I get a refund if I get the dealer to replace this?

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 6, 2022TX

So, long story short: for months now, the engine light goes on and off. Whenever it goes on, I go to Autozone or O'Reilly's to get the codes read. It's always the same code: P261B. So I got the coolant pump replaced. The same thing happens! I'd bet there is nothing wrong with the pump, so why am I getting that same code? I'll be happy to send it to you if you want to test it....

Electrical System
Filed Dec 17, 2021CA

Without warning my 2013 prius C stalled on the freeway with a hybrid battery warning. When the car was shut off it had intermittent problems with starting. After jumping the car battery , it ran normally again for some time before the stalling problem persisted. The hybrid battery stopped running and I received a warning light. Diagnostics at my repair shop said it was an inverter issue.I see that toyota has recalled several models for similar issues with the inverter. When the car is jumped it seems to work for a short time before stalling out again. Has created a real safety issue for me and there is a real lack of information on behalf of toyota on whether or not it will be covered under existing models. It seems like every model toyota from this year was recalled for an inverter issue. The car does run normally on occasion, charges the battery, and will run on EV, but mostly remains in a stalled out low power mode after it has these stalling episodes.e Diagnostics have stated to me that the car batteries are healthy and I relplaced the 12V and several fuses etc throughout this process with similar results.

Engine
Filed Sep 8, 202180,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shut-off without warning. The contact pulled over and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic but was diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed May 18, 2021CA

While in line at a church food bank, with cars in front and in back of me, the Prius C suddenly lunged forward. While my foot was on the brake, I hit the car in front of me. The impact was strong enough to cause almost $1400 worth of damage to the car in front of me and more than that for my car. My car's fender is damaged as well as the lights and hood of the car. My sister was in the passenger seat and nephew in the back seat. My sister told me that all she could see when the sudden movement started was my foot on the brake. She said that from where she was sitting, she could not see if my foot was on the gas pedal but could clearly see when my foot was on the brake. So lucky that there were no injuries either to the husband and wife in the car in front of me nor to my passengers. There is no reason for me to have accelerated that fast when the car in front moved a fraction of feet at a time. I would release the brake and the car would move slowly until I applied the brake again. The Prius was inspected by Toyota at a dealer and we were told they could find no sign of anything wrong with the car. There were no warning lights or messages before the sudden acceleration happened. Due to the possibility of it happening again, we decided to park the car in case any litigation could be processed. We have been denied by many law firms due to the fact that there were no serious injuries and the age of the car. About a month after the incident, we bought a new Prius and if unable to

Air Bags
Filed Jan 25, 202176,000 milesNC

HYBRID WARNING LIGHT COMES ON OUT OF NOWHERE. CODE 3107: LOST COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SRS ECU AND POWER MANAGEMENT ECU. ALL WIRES ARE OTHERWISE GOOD AND NO CORROSION IS APPARENT. THIS MISCOMMUNICATION MEANS THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. BATTERY IS HEALTHY ACCORDING TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. HYBRID WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITENTLY TO SHOW WHEN MISCOMMUNICATION IS HAPPENING.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Dec 28, 2020200,717 milesCA

TOYOTA IS TRYING TO COVER UP THE TRUE NUMBER OF VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THE HYBRID SYSTEM RECALL.. TOYOTA CLAIMS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT THE SUBJECT OF RECALL, YET THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS ALL THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL.. 1.) THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT FREEWAY SPEED ON WESTBOUND HWY 92 ON 12/27/2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM 2.) THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER.. DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON.. ERROR MESSAGE SAID "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE" 3.) POWER TO BRAKING AND STEERING REMAINED 4.) VEHICLE WENT OFF THE FREEWAY, WITH NO POWER, DOWN AN EXIT RAMP, AND CAME TO A STOP, LUCKILY, IN A LEGAL PARKING PLACE, AT THE CURB ON DE ANZA BLVD.. THIS IS WHAT TOYOTA SAID PUBLICLY: 'THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE DESIGNED TO ENTER A FAILSAFE DRIVING MODE IN RESPONSE TO CERTAIN HYBRID SYSTEM FAULTS', THE AUTOMAKER EXPLAINED. 'TOYOTA HAS FOUND THAT IN RARE SITUATIONS, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT ENTER A FAILSAFE DRIVING MODE AS INTENDED. IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE POWER AND STALL. WHILE POWER STEERING AND BRAKING WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL, A VEHICLE STALL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.'

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 5, 202035,000 milesPR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND AN ABNORMAL HISSING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE STOPPED HOWEVER, THE SECONDARY BRAKES FAILED. TRIANGLE TOYOTA DE SAN JUAN (223 MARGINAL, JOHN F. KENNEDY BECHARA, SAN JUAN, 00920, PUERTO RICO, +1 787-304-1633) WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 28, 2020CA

CAR DIED LAST NIGHT (10/27) AAA NOT ABLE TO JUMP BATTERY. BAD FUSE. TOWED TO SF TOYOTA ON GEARY BL. TAKEN CAR TO SHOP THREE TIMES SINCE PURCHASE 7/22/20 FOR PROBLEMS. ALSO TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. ALSO I WAS TOLD CAR WAS DAMAGED, NOT IN MAJOR ACCIDENT. HAS SIGNS OF HEAVY DAMAGE FROM 3 ACCIDENTS. IT ONLY HAS 54,XXX MILES ON A 2013 PRIUS C.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Jul 8, 202070,000 milesGA

WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE SWITCHED OUT OF READY MODE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT SWITCH BACK INTO READY MODE. BODY DAMAGE INCURRED DURING EMERGENCY STOP, DUE TO VEHICLE GOING AT ABOUT 35MPH WHEN THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED ON A SURFACE STREET.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 2020130,000 milesCA

DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK SUDDENLY THE MY 2013 PRIUS C ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN AND NOW I'M A SITTING DUCK GOOD THING PEOPLE SLEW DOWN FOR ME AND EVEN HELP ME PUSH MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NEEDS ATTENTION. IVED TAKEN MY CAR TO ANTIOCH TOYOTA AND EMPHASIZE THAT I SAW 2 RECALLS ON THIS WEBSITE BUT THE DID NOT BELIEVE ME AND THEY ARE CHARGING ME OVER $4000 TO FIX IT. IT'S NOT RIGHT FOR THEM TO JUST CHECK THEIR SYSTEM AND NOT CHECK A NHTSA WEBSITE FOR RECALLS AND COMPLAINTS. IT'S VERY IRRESPONSIBLE FOR THEM NOT TO CHECK FOR RECALLS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 14, 202010,000 milesIL

MY PRIUS C HAS 110,000 MILES AND ALREADY EXPERIENCE THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM LIGHT TWICE, THE FIRST TIME I JUST DISCONNECT ALL THE WIRING TO THE HYBRID BATTERY AND IT SAT FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS, THAN RECONNECTED THE WIRES AND OPERATED NORMAL 2 MONTHS WENT BY AFTER A NORMAL DRIVE, PARKED THE CAR BUT WHEN I WENT AND STARTED THE CAR THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM LIGHT COMES BACK ON AGAIN.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 9, 2019AR

WHEN STATIONARY OR IN MOTION REAR TAIL LIGHT LENSES LEAK AROUND THE PERIMETER CAUSING TAIL LIGHTS TO FILL WITH WATER. THE WATER INSIDE THEM INCREASES UNTIL LIGHTS SHORT OUT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 201967,300 milesAZ

I WAS INVOLVED IN A LEFT-HAND TURN, T-BONE STYLE/SIDE IMPACT CAR ACCIDENT ON JUNE 5TH, 2019. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS GOING 50+ MPH AND I WAS GOING 20 MPH. MY AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THERE IS IMPACT.

Steering
Filed Mar 1, 201997,665 milesCA

I AM REQUESTING $2,919.03 IN REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY 2013 PRIUS C, VIN # [XXX] ON 2-11-19 I ATTEMPTED A RIGHT TURN ON A CITY STREET IN SAN MARCOS, CA. I ROTATED THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD AND FELT A 'CLUNK.' THE STEERING WHEEL LOST ALL TORQUE AND SPUN FREELY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE WHEELS. I DRIFTED INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING (SEE SAN DIEGO SHERIFF REPORT #[XXX]. BIG RED'S AUTOMOTIVE (SEE ATTACHED INVOICE) TOOK ATTACHED PICTURES OF STEERING COLUMN AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. PICTURES REVEAL INTERNAL DAMAGE TO COGS. CARFAX REPORT INDICATES EXTENSIVE DEALER SERVICE HISTORY WITH NO REPORTED ACCIDENTS. DEALER TOYOTA OF ESCONDIDO DID NOT DISCLOSE DAMAGE OR ACCIDENT TO VEHICLE. WITH NO EVIDENCE OF AN ACCIDENT CAUSING CONDITION AND EXTENSIVE DEALER SERVICE TO THIS VEHICLE I CONCLUDE CONDITION CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING IS FACTORY DEFECT. I REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIR COST. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CW *TT *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 22, 201831,000 milesCA

AROUND 2:00 AM ON FWY 101 NORTH/SOUTH DIVISION POINT, CAR SUDDENLY LOST ITS POWER AND ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING AND STOPPED IN THE CURVING AREA ON FASTEST LANES. I TURNED MY KEY ON/OFF FOR 5 TIMES LIGHTS ON THE PANEL WAS ON BUT ACCELERATOR WAS NOT WORKING AT ALL FOR 30 MIN SO I CALLED POLICE AND AAA TOWING. WHEN FINALLY AAA CAME AND TALKING ON THE PHONE, THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATED AGAIN. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS MY CAR WAS FORCED TO PARK ON THE FASTEST LANE ON THE CURVING AREA AT 2:00AM AND MANY TRUCKS AND CARS WERE DRIVING 90 MILES/HOUR. 4-5 CARS WERE YELLING AT ME "IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO PARK YOUR CAR RIGHT HERE !" AND SOME MALE DRIVERS OFFERED ME FOR HELP BUT I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS WAITING FOR POLICE (AS I WAS MORE AFRAID TO GET A HELP FROM STRANGERS.) THIS INCIDENT COULD CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH. NEXT DAY, I TOOK MY CAR TO TOYOTA NORTHLEDGE BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM OF THIS CAR. I READ THE "RECALL" OF TOYOTA PRIUS 2010-2014 ABOUT INVERTER PROBLEM WHICH CAUSE THE POWER FAILURE BUT TIM/SERVICE MANGER TOLD ME THAT "YOUR VIN # IS NOT COVERED WITH THIS ISSUE." THEREFORE, HE CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 25, 2018CO

BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON AFTER BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED WHEN CAR IS IN PARK AND WHEN IT IS IN MOTION. THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON EVEN AFTER THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM IGNITION AND CAR LOCKED. TOYOTA HAS REPAIRED THIS PROBLEM TWICE AND NOW IT IS THE THIRD TIME I HAVE THE PROBLEM.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 201790,000 milesNY

THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE REAR LENS AND BODY ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBER 81551-52A94 (RIGHT SIDE) AND CORRESPONDING PART ON THE LEFT SIDE. A SEAM CRACKS AND ALLOWS WATER INTO THE LENS ASSEMBLY. EVENTUALLY, ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES TO COVER THE BRAKE LIGHT CAUSING IT TO SHORT. THE TOYOTA DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT I COULD DO BUT REPLACE BOTH ASSEMBLIES. I HAVE THE OLD PARTS AND HAVE TAKEN PICTURES. THE SEAM ON BOTH ASSEMBLIES FACING IS CRACKED AT EXACTLY THE SAME POINT ... ABOUT MID-WAY CLOSEST TO THE REAR HATCH. MY GUESS IS THAT ICE ACCUMULATED IN THE SPACE AND CAUSED THE ASSEMBLIES TO CRACK.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 5, 201744,700 milesMD

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WITH LESS THAN 45,000 MILES AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE METICULOUSLY PERFORMED ON THE CAR, THE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING, ABS WARNING, AND SLIP INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATED - INDICATING, "HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY YOUR TOYOTA DEALER IMMEDIATELY." TOOK CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER AND SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED ENGINE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS WAS COMPLETELY CHEWED THROUGH BY RODENTS, WHICH HE SAID HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY COMMON NOW THAT TOYOTA IS USING SOY-BASED WIRE COVERINGS, AND THAT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL THE WIRE HARNESS IS COMPLETELY REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR IS $3,843.83. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF THEIR DESIGN DEFECT, WHICH NOT ONLY CAUSES A MAJOR FINANCIAL SETBACK, BUT ALSO A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR ANYONE DRIVING A TOYOTA.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 31, 2016110,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REVERSE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT WATER WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE LIGHT COVER FIXTURE, WHICH CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND CORROSION TO THE WIRE HARNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 24, 20168,300 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,300.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 27, 201611,484 milesPR

WHILE DRIVING MY PRIUS C 2013, WITH 11,484 MILES, FOR 5 MINUTE, THE MESSAGE PANEL INDICATE IMMIEDIATE STOP AT SAFE PLACE WITH ALL PRECAUTIONS. HABRID SYSTEM NOT FUCNTIONING.. 6 OR 7 WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR ON DISPLAY PANEL. AND MOTOR BECOMES UNSTABLE OF ITS RPM'S. AND STARTS HESITATION. CAR IN DEALERS SHOP FOR 3 DAYS WITH NO IDEA OF REASONS FOR THIS OCCURRENCE.FORTUNETLY I WASN'T ON HIGHWAY OR TURNPIKE, I WAS 3 MINUTES FROM MY HOME.. TOYOTA DOES NOT PROVIDE ROADSIDE ASSITTENCE EVEN IF YOU BOUGHT CAR NEW WITHIN 36,000 MILES OR 3 YEAR WARRENTY.??????

Hybrid Propulsion System
Filed Oct 15, 20159,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, AND THE BRAKES HESITATED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V053000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. UPDATED 1/15/16 *CN UPDATED 11/30/2017*JS

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Apr 9, 2015110 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS MOISTURE WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT CAUSED MOLD TO GROW INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110.

Complaints 1-50 of 57, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20190100Routine
20186200Routine
20172100Routine
201612000Routine
201517100Routine
201433000Routine
2013 — this page57000Routine
201264010Routine

Compare every Prius C year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.