2013 Toyota Prius C Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2013 Toyota Prius C recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2013 Toyota Prius C.

Most common 2013 Toyota Prius C problems

Problem areas named in the 57 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	23
Service Brakes	16
Engine	7
Hybrid Propulsion System	5
Fuel/Propulsion System	5
Unknown Or Other	5
Air Bags	4
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Exterior Lighting	4
Power Train	4

What owners report

2026-08-28, Electrical System
While I was driving on the freeway the dash lit up with multiple lights. Simultaneously, I lost power to the car and could not accelerate and only break. The steering was tight and I could not steer correctly. Then a message that said, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY. The was slowing down and I had to pull over on the side of the freeway. There were no fluids leaking from the car.The car did not power back on nor run for over 10 minutes. The incident put my safety and other safety at risk by turning off while driving highway speeds. I was afraid for my life. There is an open recall which has not yet been resolved Major Safety Recalls for the 2013 Prius •

2026-02-05, Hybrid Propulsion System
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while his wife was attempting to cold-start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was started; however, the instrument cluster and other electrical devices failed to operate as needed. The contact replaced the auxiliary battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V369000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the VIN was not included

2026-01-23, Service Brakes
Brake master cylinder failure.

2026-01-02, Service Brakes
Car suddenly needed a jump start and again after a day or two of non-use. On the third day Brakes, ABS and traction control warnings were lighted up and remains. Brakes are mostly ineffective. My own scan returns the code C1252 and C1256 that says brake booster system failing. Took it to the dealer who charged $290 again to scan and came up with failed brake booster and pump assembly. The dealers is quoting total $4000 to fix. Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin dated 8/2018 and revised on 8/2019 extends the warranty on for this issue (for Toyota Prius C 2013) for 10 years or 150000 miles. I was never informed by Toyota or the seller (Stevens Creek Toyota, San Jose CA) about this defect

2025-12-20, Service Brakes
Warning lamps for ABS and others and the chiming dings came on while pulling away from the bank drive through and parking for a second. I shut the engine off and turned back on with no success. I was barely able to park in a spot because of difficulties braking. My car had been making an electric noise every 15 seconds or so previously, at different times when parked, but I thought it was the hybrid engine. Now I think it was the brake pump trying to build up pressure due to a faulty, leaking brake actuator.

2013 Toyota Prius C questions

Does the 2013 Toyota Prius C have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2013 Toyota Prius C at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Prius C?

Based on 57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (23), Service Brakes (16), Engine (7).

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Toyota Prius C has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.