2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#3 most-complained of 7 Prius Plug-in Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has a complaint index of 67 and ranks 3rd worst of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Brakes account for 75% of complaints (9 of 12), with 3 crashes reported, plus one recall for an EV fuse issue.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 50
- 51 city / 49 hwy
Top 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes9 (75%)
- Electrical System3 (25%)
- Engine1 (8%)
- Other1 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (8%)
What owners report
- Brake pedal feels spongy or fails to stop the vehicle even when fully depressed, sometimes leading to rear-end collisions.
- Some owners report the vehicle rolling forward or reversing unexpectedly while parked, even after shifting to neutral.
- Maintenance warning lights and non-stop beeping accompanied a sudden loss of brake response for one owner.
- Main traction battery hold-down brackets broke twice at 88,900 miles, creating an unsafe rattling condition.
- One owner noticed an electrical burning smell near the inverter and was unaware of a related recall.
2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V718000Nov 15, 2017Fuel System39,915 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
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.
Remedy: 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.
2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 51 MPG
- Highway
- 49 MPG
- Combined
- 50 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular Gas and Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Prius Plug-in Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a Caution verdict for this year, with a complaint index of 67 ranking 3rd worst among 7 model years of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
- What is the main problem with the 2013 Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 75% of complaints (9 of 12), with a median failure mileage of 133,000 miles and 3 associated crashes.
- Does the 2013 Prius Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 17V718000) covers the EV fuse in the hybrid battery, which could fracture after repeated high-load driving; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 model compare to other Prius Plug-in Hybrid years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 67 is worse than 2010 (50), 2011 (0), and 2015 (17, rated Best), but better than 2012 (100, rated Avoid) and 2014 (83, rated Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Prius Plug-in Hybrid?
- EPA rates it at 50 mpg combined (51 city / 49 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $1,300.