2013 Toyota Prius Plug-IN Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability

“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 the vehicle to a complete stop. The brake and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Sep 2023

“I was involved in an accident with my 2013 toyota prius driving on the highway with the flow of traffic. The car in front of me suddenly came to a stop and I immediately slammed on my brakes. There was ample distance to stop safely but I ended up rear ending the car ahead of me without any noticeable slowdown. The brake pedal felt spongy and the brakes did not apply. The car would typically jerk if the anti lock brakes were working but this did not occur. The front steering wheel and knee airbags deployed. The seat belt did not tighten up either. The front end of the car was badly damaged and the insurance adjuster considered the car totaled.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2020

“Got a 2014 plug in.. I smell some elctrical burn under the hood... It feel like come from the invter I see a 2nd recalled on the 2018 but I never got a recalled letter.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2019

“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2019

“Battery hold down brackets for main traction battery (21 kw) broke allowing an unsafe condition for several months while the dealer tried to figure out the noise we reported. This has happened twice now in 88900 miles. Dealer and toyota states that this occurred because of a dirt road I drive on regularly. The "unbreakable" hold down brackets as described by their engineer, broke twice now.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2018

“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 the car in front of me. After the accident the brakes worked fine. I had it towed to toyota. They checked it over and told me there was nothing wrong. They are following up on the incident, but I wanted you to know that it happened.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2017

“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 stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact stated that the start/stop button was being depressed at the time and failed to operate normally. The vehicle was diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 26,922. Updated 11/09/16*lj *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2016