2013 Toyota Prius Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 24 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Toyota Prius, 6% of its 409 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 40,000. Three related recalls (14V053000, 18V684000, 20V369000) address an inverter Intelligent Power Module fault tied to stalling, and 2 crashes were reported.
- Fuel System complaints
- 24
- 6% of 409
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 40,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Vehicles stall or shut down while driving, sometimes even after the recall software update was applied.
- Drivers report entering 'limp home' mode with a 'check hybrid system, stop vehicle' warning appearing on the dash.
- Some owners say fuel economy dropped and acceleration hesitated for one to three seconds after the software update.
- Owners describe the hybrid battery overheating after extended high-speed driving, causing the car to become immobile.
- Some contacted dealers about recall 18V684000 but were told replacement parts were not available.
When 2013 Toyota Prius fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 18, 2013, latest Sep 26, 2023.
Fuel System recalls for the 2013 Toyota Prius
- NHTSA 20V369000Jun 24, 2020Fuel System266,638 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system: inverter
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. 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: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
- NHTSA 18V684000Oct 4, 2018Fuel System807,329 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
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.
- NHTSA 14V053000Feb 12, 2014Fuel System698,457 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system: inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
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 both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Fuel System complaints by Prius model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the fuel system a common complaint on the 2013 Toyota Prius?
- NHTSA records 24 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Prius, making up 6% of the 409 total complaints filed for that year.
- Does the 2013 Toyota Prius have a fuel system recall?
- Yes. Three recalls (14V053000, 18V684000, and 20V369000) cover the Intelligent Power Module inside the inverter, which can allow excessive voltage and cause stalling.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 40,000 for Fuel System complaints on the 2013 Prius.
- Did the fuel system issue cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA lists 2 crashes and 0 fires tied to Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Prius.
- Did the recall fix actually solve the stalling problem?
- Some owners reported stalling or limp-home mode returning even after the software update from the recall was performed.