2013 Toyota Prius v

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Brakes

Brakes leads by volume: 70 of 124 complaints (56%) mention it.

Complaints filed fell from 216 in 2012 to 124 in 2013.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 4 years.
Category2012201320142015vs. 2013 gas-powered vehicles
Annual fuel cost ($)1,5001,5001,5001,500
Combined MPG41414141
City / Highway MPG43 / 3943 / 3943 / 3943 / 39
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)217216217217
Complaints filed2161248224Not compared
Recalls issued4342Not compared
Crash-involved complaints19953Not compared
Fire-involved complaints2140Not compared
Injuries reported10812Not compared
Deaths reported3000Not compared
Configurations compared1111

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Prius v have?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2013 Toyota Prius v?

Brakes: 70 of 124 NHTSA complaints (56%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota Prius v get?

EPA rates it 41 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Toyota Prius v?

EPA estimates $1,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (1)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic (variable gear ratios)41.8LFront-Wheel DriveRegularMidsize Station Wagons43 mpg39 mpg41 mpg$1,500216 g/mi

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine160000
Transmission & Drivetrain71000
Fuel System122020
Electrical151000
Brakes704070
Steering10000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires40000
Airbags & Restraints83030
Driver Assistance & Speed Control101000
Body, Seats & Latches40000
Visibility & Lighting70000
Other90100

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (3)

  • HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM · Campaign 18V684000 · Oct 5, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: 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: INVERTER · Campaign 15V449000 · Jul 15, 2015

    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.

    Consequence: 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 LIGHTS · Campaign 13E070000 · Dec 26, 2013

    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.

    Consequence: 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.