2013 Toyota Prius V

Routine

Owners filed 124 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service 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 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes64
306
Engine12
000
Electrical System8
100
Exterior Lighting7
000
Unknown or Other5
010
Air Bags4
201
Structure › Body3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
101
Vehicle Speed Control2
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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
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.

20 of 124 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20181010Routine
201712100Routine
201616100Routine
201524200Routine
201482440Routine
2013 — this page124310Routine
2012217423Fatalities 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.