2013 Toyota Prius C problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (14) · Vehicle Speed Control (4) · Hybrid Propulsion System (4)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Toyota Prius C model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
27 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (379)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0009-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on ni-mh high voltage (hv) batteries. this bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year repair manual while performing a rescue charge. the grx-5100 should be used wherever the repair manual ref
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
obsolete notice february 13, 2026: this bulletin is now obsolete. please see t-sb-0009-26.
Unknown Or Other 2026-01-07 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2005 – 2026 toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. the purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures
Electrical System 2025-06-13 · T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Service Campaign
the air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. the procedures outlined in this service bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
to prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. the purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Showing the 6 most recent of 379 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-28 · Vehicle Speed Control“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 t…”
2026-02-05 · Hybrid Propulsion System · 150,000 mi“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 batte…”
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 fa…”
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 differe…”
2025-10-01 · Unknown Or Other“my 2013 toyota prius has a failed inverter/converter assembly, including the intelligent power module (ipm). this component is critical for vehicle operation and designed to last the life of the car. premature ipm shorting and inverter failure is a known defect acknowledged by toyota through multiple recalls and service campaigns for other vins wit…”
2025-09-03 · Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter · 75,421 mi“the contact owns a 2013 toyota prius c. the contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. the contact stated that he and his wife were in the vehicle during the failure, and the vehicle was almost crashed into. the contact stated that he and his wife were left stranded in oncoming traffic. the vehicle was t…”
2025-07-29 · Engine“failure of the intelligent power module (ipm) within the inverter assembly…”
2025-07-01 · Service Brakes“recently the dash board lights started intermittently coming on. when they are on, the brakes do not work until pressed all the way to the floor and even then the car takes a long time to stop. the lights will randomly turn off and suddenly the car brakes work normally again. it is happening intermittently with no rhyme or reason as to when it will…”
2025-06-19 · Service Brakes“require replacement of brake booster pump, decreased braking ability…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.