
2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID has 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is brakes problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 toyota prius prius plug-in hybrid. while the vehicle was parked, it moved forward and pushed into another vehicle and a chain linked fence. the vehicle was placed in neutral; however, the vehicle reversed and pushed into another section of the fence. the contact also stat. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.
18
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 7)
BRAKES
9 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STAT
- • I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH IN TOWN WITH PLENTY OF STOPPING ROOM IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IN FRONT STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND SO I STEPPED ON MINE. MY BRAKES WERE TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE. I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I DID IT AGAIN AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I REAR ENDED T
- • THE ABS AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. BRAKING SYSTEM FEELS INCONSISTENT. WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME ON, THERE IS NO WARNING SO YOU MIGHT GET AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT BEING PREPARED. THIS IS A REOCCURING SAFETY ISSUE AND FROM MY 10 MINUTE RESEARCH, IT IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STAT”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
Based on 11 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 47K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
BRAKES
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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.
Fix: 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.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID Service Intervals
0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.
These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2013 PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 18 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In-Hybrid. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop, the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After the failure, the contact became aware that the brake pedal needed an excessive amount of force to be depressed while bringing
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT MOVED FORWARD AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND A CHAIN LINKED FENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE REVERSED AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER SECTION OF THE FENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID — Year Comparison
How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 6
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 18
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2013 Toyota PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID