2013 Toyota Prius V

Routine

Owners filed 125 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
68,000 milesMedian miles at failure

67 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2013 Toyota Prius V problems

67 of the 125 complaints (54%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes64
306
Engine12
000
Electrical System8
100
Exterior Lighting · headlights7
000
Unknown or Other5
010
Air Bags · airbags5
201
Structure › Body · body and frame3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes3
101
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
100
Suspension2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Hybrid Propulsion System18V684000
Filed Oct 4, 2018807,329 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.

Risk. If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.

Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter15V449000
Filed Jul 15, 2015108,624 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being driven.

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.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights13E070000
Filed Dec 12, 2013409 vehiclesGenera Corporation

Defect. Genera Corporation (Genera) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement tail lights, model 11-6468-00 (driver-side), and model 11-6467-00 (passenger-side), sold for use on 2012-2013 Toyota Prius V vehicles. The brake light and tail light circuits are switched causing the brake lights to be illuminated continuously until the brake pedal is pressed, when the brake lights will go out.

Risk. The reversed tail lamp function reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Genera will notify owners and provide replacement aftermarket tail lamps, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact Genera at 1-888-963-9888. This recall is being conducted by Genera Corporation, not by Toyota Motor Corporation.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Oct 1, 2026IL

Airbag light remains on and horn has also stopped working.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 17, 2026MD

My Prius had brake warning lights come on around December 2025. Turns out the brake accumulator had an internal leak. After doing some research, I discovered this was a known brake booster issue that Toyota has not issued a recall on. They do have an extended warranty program, but my vehicle did not qualify. The warning lights did not come on until after the 10 years or 150k miles cutoff for the warranty. Toyota's refusal to issue a recall and limits of their warranty program are clearly a move to avoid paying for repairs incurred as a result of defective manufacturing. Why should I be ineligible for reimbursement just because my vehicle is 13 years old rather than 10? Please make Toyota issue a recall or extend their Customer Support Program No. POL18-03.

Service Brakes
Filed May 1, 2026OR

Suddenly Cars Brakes failed with vehicle almost lunged forward. I had to slam the brakes heavily for it to stop; Took the vehicle to Toyota Service and clearly its a QUALITY issue toyota acknowledged as a know problem with error code C1391. They even had customer support program 20TE07 acknowledging it as their issue; I almost got killed for this. The repair costs are abnormally high at 4900$'s putting me a financial burden also and currently unsafe car; Toyota - they literally KNOW THIS ISSUE and still put me at risk. They are refusing any kind of assistance to help too.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Apr 23, 2026ME

The harness webbing/strap on the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim tore without any known incident or accident causing the damage. The defect was discovered on April 15, 2026 when the seat was temporarily removed from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the harness strap was found to be nearly completely torn through and would likely not have restrained the child occupant in the event of a crash. The seat had been in regular use and had not been involved in any collision. No unusual event or misuse is known to have caused the failure. It is suspected that the rotating mechanism of the seat placed repeated stress on the harness webbing over normal use, causing it to deteriorate and tear. The seat has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives, but is available for inspection upon request. The seat has been taken out of service and is not being used.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 17, 2026120,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking space at approximately 15 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt spongy, but the vehicle responded as intended. The brake, the ABS, the traction control warning lights, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with a code reader and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes for the brake booster and brake accumulator systems failure. The contact related the failure to the Toyota Customer Satisfaction Program: 20TE07 (Certain 2012 - 2014 Model Year Prius V Coverage for Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered because the 10-year limit was exceeded. The contact was referred to the dealer, who provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Apr 14, 2026MA

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear driver’s side tire became flat. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear axle had fractured due to rusting and corrosion, and had punctured the rear passenger’s side tire. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear axle was rusted and corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 5, 2026VA

When I'm in the car, the brake booster keeps recharging with out touching the brake pedal. Also, the car has problems when I apply the brakes while driving. They make a hissing and popping noise and the braking is spongy. I have had braking warning lights come on as well. It is similar to what others have been describing as the brake booster and pump actuator issue with these Prius V cars. This has been happening ongoing for about two years or so. I called the Toyota dealership and they would not check it out for free or remedy the issue that was part of their Customer Support Program (Policy 13V-235) for booster pump issues.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 13, 2026KS

Spontaneous failure of brake actuator system.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 27, 2026FL

Upon a hard (but not emergency) brake, my ABS and brake warning lights came on and my car began whirring once every few seconds. I immediately took the car to the Toyota dealership, who informed me that my master brake cylinder and booster had to be replaced, and that issues with the booster were something they had seen frequently in this generation of Priuses. I paid $5095 for repairs and inspection, but I had no other choice, as my brakes could have gone out at any moment whilst I was on the road and caused a very serious accident.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 20, 2026OH

The brake actuator and compressor is having repeated problems and causing the brakes to lock up completely while driving both in city and ON THE HIGHWAY. Abs/parking/normal brakes The lights on the dash all start flashing and beeping. ABS / emergency brake / exclamation warning / sliding / lights all on It also caused the speedometer to stop working and most of the lights of the computer part of my dash to not display information Problem code 1391 confirmed by mechanic This is a danger to me and other drivers and Toyota needs to take responsibility for these repairs because it can cost us our lives.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 8, 2026GA

Brake booster failure

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 22, 2025CA

The ABS brake actuator in my 2013 Prius V failed at just over 91,000 miles in December 2025, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. I understand that this is a known issue with this model of vehicle.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 6, 2025NC

Upon acceleration, several brake related warning lights came on along with a consistent chime. When it came time to stop. The vehicle would not stop then with great pressure on the pedal, I was able to slow the vehicle narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle. The vehicle then drove normal after that and a few minutes later the lights went out. When I got home, I scanned for codes and got C1252 and C1256. This appears to be a common problem with these vehicles that Toyota does not want to address.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 14, 2025NC

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 31, 2025TX

2013 toyota prius V. 64,000 miles and ABS Light is on also VSC warning light and brake light. There has been many issues with this type of vehicle as i researched on internet. I didnt know there has been a recall on this vehicle. And i did not make it time. 10 yrs or 150,000 k whichever comes first. many other vehicles this year have this problem its common.. i cannot brake in time because now its using my back brakes. Dealership said brake booster pump and brake master cylinder.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 31, 2025TX

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 28, 2025SC

Returning from a trip, several brake and skid related dashboard light illuminated. I pulled over and was able to stop the car and took it directly to the Toyota dealership after calling them. Brakes felt very spongy and stopping distance was increased. The dealer informed me that this was a known problem with my model but that I was not eligible for recall or extended warranty. I have also seen a number of complaints of this issue on the internet. The cost to repair the issue was over $4800.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 11, 2025TX

ABS and brake lights suddenly turned on and brake pedal effectiveness changed dramatically. When pressing brake pedal the brakes barely work now. Just got quoted $5161 for ABS accumulator repair, $2336 for major suspension concern, and total $8386 estimate for repairs from Toyota service department. I see many similar complaints from Toyota owners online, this seems to be a common issue with Prius vehicles. The Kelly blue book value is only $5450 for trade-in and $7318 for sale to private owner, so the repair doesn’t even seem worthwhile given a replacement would be cheaper, and the ABS failure happens so frequently in this vehicle, and could happen again.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 5, 2025MS

All ABS, Brakes light on, code 139. Its been making a buzzing noise for a couple of years, the noise got shorter over time, and finally was coming on every 5 second, and finally the dash brake lights came on. I've cleared a couple of times, but the lights come back on after a few miles. The brake pedal has to be pushed down hard to stop. The problem is the brake part is $1500, and 1500 to install.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 31, 2025KY

Prior to issue, noticed a buzzing sound from engine compartment, later known to be the ABS accumulator pump, occurring more frequently - first multiple times when braking, then later continuously while driving. Dashboard eventually lit all brake-related warning lights ("BRAKE", TSC, ABS) and brake pedal behavior changed markedly. This occurred after parking in my driveway while engaging the parking brake. Brake behavior during and after this period was wildly inconsistent and impossible to predict. At times the brakes would perform normally, but most often the first portion of brake pedal travel would have no braking effect, and actual required force on the pedal to brake was greatly increased. The need to press further and with more force created a dangerous situation as it delayed how quickly I could slow or stop. The inconsistency in performance created a dangerous situation as the vehicle may (and did) sometimes stop more suddenly than expected. Additionally, the failure resulted in loss of traction control and ABS resulting in greatly increased risk in wet road conditions and terrible danger in sudden-stop situations. Self scanner & Toyota service center confirmed presence of C1392 code and recommended replacing brake actuator and brake pump assemblies, quoting over $4,500. Service was declined and replacement parts bought from Toyota and self-installed to resolve issue. Both Toyota service center and Toyota customer support line confirmed that this issue was described i

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 7, 2025IN

While driving on the highway, all the Brake-Related Warning Lights appeared on the dashboard. This was accompanied by a frequent electric buzzing noise (every 15-20 seconds, lasting two seconds each time). The brakes became difficult to press, almost spongy, and required more pressure to function. Upon taking it to the dealer, I was told that the vehicle (a 2013 Prius V with 181k miles) needed a new ABS pump and brake actuator, totaling roughly $4100.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 20, 2025PA

The brake accumulator has failed on our 2013 Prius at 170K miles. The brakes are unresponsive and all brake-related indicator lights are on. The vehicle is unsafe. This is a known issue for this model and year Prius, yet Toyota did not issue a recall. Warranties were extended to 150K miles, but this issue is a serious safety risk - danger to us and others on the road. This issue should have resulted in a safety recall, not a "courtesy" warranty extension. Toyota needs to resolve this for all affected vehicles.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 7, 2025MS

2013 toyota prius v has 3 recalls for the same issues but my vin # says there isn't any recalls associated with it. I need help. It stalled on me on my way home from work luckily not on the high way now it's throwing code c1310 c1259 c1241 it won't crank all it does is click. I replaced 12v batterychecked all connectors.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 9, 2025CA

I was driving at normal highway speed, all of a sudden, my dashboard lights (4) lit up. Warning lights, Brake lights, Transaction lights and ABS lights all appeared at once. There was some traffic up ahead, so I applied my brakes but noticed that they weren't as responsive as normal so had to adjust for it by applying more pressure than normal to come to a stop.

Service Brakes
Filed May 27, 2025DC

For the last few months, our brakes seem to have been making "extra" noises, but not palpably struggling to function. After driving roughly 45 minutes via high speed Interstate, parking, and then restarting the car, ALL the brake-related lights suddenly came on ((1)Brake, (2)ABS, (3)VSC, and (4)(!)). We took it slowly, off highway, w hazards on, and lots of space between other cars to the dealership. This felt scary because, although the brakes were making some strange noises, there was no way of knowing what the warning lights were specifically indicating, or if the brakes would go out. The Alexandra Toyota dealership confirms a code C1391, "abnormal leak in the Accumulator" and requires "replace brake master cylinder kit and brake booster pump assembly" This was addressed in a Toyota "customer support program": [XXX] but our car is not covered despite having less than 80,000 miles on it. In Toyota's own words this is an "internal malfunction" and ought to be covered by a full recall. As it stands, owners' vehicles would have had to show symptoms within a tiny 2.5 year window, and it's evident online that many others have experienced failures outside of that window. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Parking Brake
Filed Apr 17, 2025130,000 milesTN

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 15, 2025FL

[XXX] almost every light on my dash came on & my brakes locked up. I barely made it to the side of the road quickly enough to avoid being struck by traffic. On February 7, 2025. I had the brake booster assembly & master cylinder actuator replaced in my 2013 Toyota Prius V. On [XXX] it went out again. I paid my friend a total of $1600 to borrow his vehicle because rental cars charge so much for me to commute almost an hour each way to work every day. Not only have I been devastated/traumatized, I’ve paid a Mechanic $1500 twice within two months as well as almost $2500 in parts for these repairs. I’m out over $7k, and every time I get behind the wheel of the car I am afraid. I’ve never experienced a fear of driving in my life, and I am almost [XXX] years old. This is my 8th Toyota. My boyfriend drives a Toyota, as well as his son, and both of my twin boys… We are now in the process of switching our Toyotas out for something more safe. I never thought I would hear those words coming out of my mouth, but it’s clear that Toyota has no regard for our safety anymore. Not only that, but they’ve set up the recall for these parts in such a way that the majority of people are no longer within the parameters by the time the brake booster assembly fails. This is by design. I don’t know how they sleep at night, Toyota should be ashamed of themselves. I am sad to say that after 35 years of being a Toyota Family, we are all switching to Honda. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 14, 2025VA

I just had the brake actuator fail on my 2013 Prius with 80K Miles on it

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 9, 202563,000 milesCO

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 27, 2025DE

Rear hatch does not have manual release. Had to have the rear hatch pried open when the battery failed.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 4, 2025UT

On [XXX], multiple break lights on my dash appeared. I was told that the accumulator is leaking internally due to a known issue with Toyota's break booster system. See code C1391 referenced in TBS POL18-03 [XXX] ). I was never informed of this issue by Toyota either by letter or by a dealership despite bringing in my car for a separate recall in 2020-- within the timeframe that the repair was covered. Additionally, I was informed by Toyota that they would not cover the repair on this part unless it broke within the timeframe listed in the TBS. This is a dangerous system to commonly malfunction especially if Toyota refuses to do any preventive work to fix it, to inform their customers, or to cover it after the short timeframe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 6, 2025NC

I purchased a 2013 Toyota Prius V a couple of years ago from a reputable local dealership. In July of 2024 my brakes failed and several lights came on the dashboard. I went to my regular mechanic, Mr Tire and and to Hendricks Toyota and got two estimates, both a shocking nearly $4000. This is for a BRAKE BOOSTER and ABS PUMP ASSEMBLY. I found out that this was a known issue for years by Toyota and dealers were sent a TSB regarding this. I called Toyota corporate and at at first was told that there was a recall on the parts, BUT that the period of repair by Toyota had closed in July of 2023, one year prior to my car's issues. The next time I called asking for upper level management (which I never got) I was told that it was not an actual recall, just a "special program" that has now ended. They basically figuratively shrugged shoulders and said oh well, sorry we know this is frustrating but you will just have to pay out of pocket. I am a [XXX] on fixed limited income. I don't have $4000+ available just like that. I work part-time providing concierge services for [XXX] 10-20+ years older than me who are no longer able to drive. I take them grocery and pharmacy shopping, and to doctors appointments etc. I bought this car specifically because it is a comfortable wagon perfect for me and my elderly clients, easy for them to get in and out, easy to place their walkers or folding wheelchairs in. I am so stressed, nervous and worried about this situation, as I know I am putting mysel

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 23, 2024IL

I was travelling at 65MPH and realized the brakes were gone there was no pressure in the brake pedal and it just sunk and applied all my strength and nothing happened,luckily this car has engine braking mode and actuated that and came to stop using steep road and hand brake luckily no one was hurt and road was empty. This is a serious issue and applies to every other Toyota prius cars out there

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 19, 2024FL

The car's failure is with the Brake Booster Pump Assembly (Accumulator) that generates code C1391 Safety of others and myself is at risk because stopping power can be dramatically reduced and lead to accident. The problem has been reproduced by Toyota from a previous version of the vehicle - [XXX] This has been inspected by the Toyota Dealership to confirm the code and issue. Check engine light was observed to be on INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 13, 202479,000 milesCA

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.

Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2024CA

Vehicle overheated. Many other people have had this issue. So much so that mechanics tell me that this is normal for this engine to overheat after 110-130k miles.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 29, 2024FL

Several years ago my brakes were making a funny sound. The mechanic said there was an issue with the brake booster but he can't do anything until the car started throwing off codes. yesterday that happened. Toyota said that they were aware of the problem but they only cover it for 10 years and its now totally out of pocket for the repair. With a known issue it should be a recall since its with the brakes. Now in order to get the vehicle drivable they want approximately 4k. 2013 Prius V

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 15, 2024NC

The break actuator and booster pump failed while driving, causing the driver to experience an unexpected loss in breaking. This issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic (issue code C1391 - Anormal leak of ACC press). Additionally, both the mechanic and dealer have confirmed this is a "common" issue with this vehicle. There are also a number of lights on including the red break light, ABS light, skid control light, etc. This issue represents a significant safely hazard for drivers, as it occurred unexpectedly leading to a loss of breaking power and appears to be common (there are wide spread reports online of other Prius owners experiencing similar issues AND we experience the same issue previously on a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid). Requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue, and work with Toyota to issue a recall to address this defect and safety issue.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 9, 2024VA

While driving on a highway, breaking became inefficient(very soft, failing to the floor) and car start showing "BREAK", ABS, VCS, Exclamation sign AFTER that. We had to drop the speed, exit highway (i95) and have car parked. It turned out that the booster pump has been working/turning on every 5 seconds and was barely able to create pressure in the breaking system. Now the booster pump, break actuator have to be replaced, breaks have to be bleed. Toyota knows about this being a repeat issue with its hybrids produced around 2013, and had been offering free repair for cars that are les than 10years old and have less than 150k miles, however, this is safety concern as breaks failure happens very unexpectedly, with NO prior warnings. Our car has only 98k miles, we are the original owners and it is just 10.5 years old which disqualifies it from Toyota's attempt to remedy this known safety concern. Toyota should recall all Prius V of this year, and replace booster pump and actuator BEFORE they fail on the road.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 16, 2024CA

Booster began working very frequently - every 10-15 seconds, computer scan tool indicated codes C1345 & C1368 done by independent service center. The dash display started indicating four warnings related to brakes: 2 different brake system warnings, ABS warning and SLIP indicator. Also, the brake action felt softer, the regenerative braking and ABS stopped working.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 8, 2024FL

The actuator and brake pump booster failed and car was undrivable. For years I complained to Toyota service reps of an ecltronic wining noise. They told me iy was "common for older hybrid cars and not a problem ". It turned out to be the actuator & brake pump & booster all that time. Toyota knew about it years ago, but didn't warn or advise me. Luckily it did not fail while driving, but I had to haved it towed away from my clients parking lot. A toyota service rep mentioned it happened to her on her Highlander Hybrid too. I found this was a common problem and contacted Toyota USA, Engagement dept. They told me that because "they issued an extension to their up to 10 years or 140k miles and my car was 11 years 77k miles, I was not eligible". I told them that the car had made the noises for years but they said "that did not matter". I just got the car back after repairs and the noises I complained to Toyota service about are all gone. This is such a common problem and dangerous, that Toyota needs to recall ASAP before people are injured or killed. Their issuing only an advisory to dealers, who make money on out of warranty repairs, is uncountable and dangerous. Separately thousands of owners have paid thousands of dollars in repairs with no relief and may not know the failure was on Toyota. Please advise me further, thank you.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jun 3, 2024CA

I had just dropped off my daughters at school. On my drive back home, this trip is roughly an 8 mile round trip distance . I heard (then saw) an explosion coming from the rear passenger side of the car. I noticed flames and proceeded to steer the car (car shutdown) towards a side street. Shortly after I was able to put car in park, making sure that it was out of any potential danger to others. I quickly jumped out of my car. This followed by a loss of fluids under the hood and smoke. After everything subsided I called a tow truck and had it towed to my home. It has been parked outside and I am so discombobulated about this whole incident that I do not know how/where to even began with the next step. I have no clue how this happened but what I do know is that by no means should a vehicle ever create a fire .

Service Brakes
Filed May 24, 2024FL

I started my Prius V 2013 and a lot of error lights came on. Some of these included the ABS, BRAKE, and traction control lights. I put the car in reverse to back out of my parking space and the car wouldn't stop beeping and none of the warning lights turned off. When I went to stop the car and put it into drive, the brake pedal was soft and wouldn't brake the car. I pressed as hard as I could and the car slowly came to a stop. I put the car in drive and the same problem happened with the brakes: the brake pedal was soft, as if the hydraulic pump wasn't working, and when I pressed super hard it eventually rolled to a slow stop. I had to have the car towed to a mechanic. They said three error codes that showed up related to the brakes: C1252, C1253, C1256. They followed the Toyota troubleshooting tree and concluded the brake booster pump assembly accumulator was faulty. The cost to fix the Brake Power Booster Unit: $2,700. Meanwhile, I discovered a Customer Service Program (CSP 20TE07CSP) from Toyota that has to do with the Brake Booster. Toyota was covering the cost of this repair under the CSP, but you had to have the problem before 07/08/2023 because that's when the program expired. So I was 10 months outside the window and now Toyota will not cover the cost even though the company knew the accumulator was faulty and will eventually break in all Priuses.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 26, 2024FL

Brakes are incredibly stiff and require an egregious amount of force to apply any amount of braking force and the brake booster is constantly spooling up and making noises. apparently this as well the EGR was a recall but window to qualify for the recall is too short and the brake booster failing is a serious safety hazard.

Suspension
Filed Apr 15, 2024MA

Vehicle was in for routine service at dealer. Dealer reported "Rear axle beam starting to have heavy rust build up metal is getting thin. Will need replacement in the future, approx $3,000.00 depending on what is needed at that time." This is the first warning we have received, The vehicle has gotten Toyota dealer service since new every 5,000 miles. Since we learned of this defect, we have discovered 6 similar reports in our small town including 2 actual axel failures while the vehicle was being driven. These were all Priuses and Prius Vs in the 2013 and 2014 model years. This seems to be a design failure and poses serious risks as axle failure at highway speed seems a formula for death or serious injury.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 10, 2024CA

The left low-beam headlight repeatedly fails, even with new bulbs. If it were just me, I'd assume a fluke, but there are lots of complaints about Prius V (and 3rd gen regular prius) lights, and they're all about the low beams.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2024FL

On November 28, 2023 my brakes went out in the middle of 3 lanes of traffic. Fortunately, I succeeded in not having a traffic accident and pulled off the road. The car was towed to Daytona Toyota. They informed me it was the ABS malfunction. I discovered it has been a known issue. The brake booster pump assembly on certain Prius V vehicles from years 2022 to 2014 are affected. A 'bulletin' had been mailed out several years prior, and it could be repaired free of charge up to September 30, 2023 - if I had mentioned it. It was and has been traumatic to consider what can and could happen when the brakes go out without any warning. There was no indication the brakes were bad, no warning light, nothing. This car has been continually serviced by Daytona Toyota on a regular basis. Not once has it ever been mentioned to me. Not once. In my opinion, nothing said, no repairs to be paid for. When I complained, and called Toyota's 'Brand Engagement' (case # 231129001653) I was told they had mailed out the information and was very sorry I didn't see it. So, as I see it, they are absolved of any legal responsibility. My fault, not theirs. I could have caused serious or deadly harm to someone. It would be my responsibility. Again, not once has my service advisor or anyone else said a word about it. I stopped by my neighbor's to advise him of the problem with the car. He said he liked to keep his cars maintained and had happened to Google any info on his car. It showed up, he took his car in

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 8, 2024DE

Headlights lenses progressively cloudy. Tail light lenses are perfectly clear. Problem progressive over past 5 years.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 20, 2023MD

At approximately 150,100 miles (barely outside Toyota's extended warranty) several dash lights came on including the brake, ABS, and traction control lights. A Toyota dealer determined the problem to be the notorious C1391 brake booster issue (which seems identical to previous petition DP19-004). Even though by the time I got the vehicle to the dealer it had 150,300 miles on it (just 300 miles outside the extended warranty), Toyota refuses to pay a dime of the $4,000+ repair cost! I cannot afford the repair cost and since I was NOT warned that I could not drive the car as the brakes were still operational without the ABS, stability control, and traction control, I continued driving it. But after approximately 4 months, on 12/29/2023, at 152,787 miles, as I was slowly driving through a residential neighborhood, I lost almost all ability to brake and had to put tremendous pressure on the brake pedal to get the car to stop. Upon a subsequent reading of error codes that I performed myself, in addition to the C1391, codes C1252, C1253, and C1256 have also now triggered. It is a miracle I did not have an accident as I could have easily been on a highway or going down a steep hill when this brake failure occurred. In my 36 years of driving, I have never been behind the wheel of any car in which the brakes have failed like this, regardless of make, model, or year of vehicle. Please issue a recall on this known defective part before someone gets killed. (NOTE: I tried several times to

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 5, 2023MA

Repeated failures of the low-beam headlight bulb. Bulbs failing 2-3 times per year. Happens at either passenger or driver side. It's a safety issue because it can mean that the car is driven without both headlights working. This has been a problem for the last couple of years. It just happened again yesterday. I talked with Toyota, and they said that they have no report of this being an issue, but I checked online, and found a number of reports of this issue with the 2013 year.

Complaints 1-50 of 125, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20181010Routine
201712100Routine
201616100Routine
201524200Routine
201482440Routine
2013 — this page125310Routine
2012218423Fatalities reported
20111000Routine

Compare every Prius V 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.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 4, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.