2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C

0 recalls — 88 complaints — 499 TSBs — 4/5 safety rating

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

88 total complaints 14 crashes 3 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	19
ENGINE	12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	8
POWER TRAIN	8
SERVICE BRAKES	8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	4
STEERING	4
AIR BAGS	3
STRUCTURE:BODY	3

Incident date: Feb 5, 2025

Driving at speed and starting to slow down the vehicle downshifted hard and afterwards would shift hard on every shift. Vehicle was taken to dealership and was diagnosed with CDF drum failure. Vehicle was under 100k miles and not under warranty.

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

Brake master cylinder failure.

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

I was driving and experience a loss in power and got the Check Electrical Vehicle System error message. As I was trying to get to safe location to stop, I got the Power Limited warning message and lost even more power then got the Stop Vehicle and Check Power Supply warning. I did not have any warni... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

My 2015 Kia Optima has a failing ABS/HECU module consistent with the Kia ABS fire recall. The brake lights stay on constantly even when the brake pedal switch is unplugged. If I unplug the ABS/HECU module, the brake lights immediately turn off, which confirms the ABS module is back-feeding power int... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2025

The rear window shattered. It is a safety issue because my window shattered as I was in a public parking lot and I had no idea. Also u had groceries in my trunk and now tiny pieces of glass was near my bags No but bulletin tsb 22-014 identified the issue

Incident date: Sep 21, 2025

Audi Pre-Sense keeps braking prematurely when there is no car present or in its field of view. The SUV brakes without warning and when trying to make a left turn (happened twice already) or while driving on the highway. When the vehicle brakes without warning there is a chance that another vehicle w... Read more

Incident date: Sep 21, 2025

Incident date: Aug 28, 2025

I own a 2017 Kia Optima. My vehicle was brought in for the tail light recall at Lupient Kia, but the dealership only replaced a bulb and refused to replace the harnesses. I was told by the service advisor (Brad Baranowski) that my tail lights had “nothing to do with the recall” and that I would ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2025

The engine totally failed while driving without any warning. Zero warning lights came on and the car would not restart. I had it towed to the dealership where they reported that I needed a new engine which is not covered under warranty or recall repair even though its been recalled several times and... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Genesis GV80. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on the highway, the vehicle jerked to the left or to the right, which required the contact to hold the steering wheel tightly for safety. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

Was driving down busy road when engine suddenly knocked violently and shut off rendering car inoperable. Inspection revealed low oil, despite not being due for an oil change after and no visible/identifiable leaks. Investigation by mechanic resulted in being told that numerous Hyundai engines like t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2025

The base of the car seat gets stuck while trying to rotate it, I also got unlock by itself twice while I was driving with the baby secured in it. Already spoke to the manufacturer and they said it was an on going problem with this car seat

Incident date: Jan 5, 2024

There was a driver side collision and the airbags did not deploy. Brakes do not slowly apply they slam down causing vehicle to slide/skid in emergency braking, ABS does not function properly. The dealership recently did an appraisal (4/2/25) on the vehicle that states “Lost communication with side... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 5, 2024

Transmission in emergency mode. Exit the vehicle only when in P park

Incident date: Jan 5, 2024

My vehicle is affected by a well known "ghost touch" infotainment touch screen issue. Due to safety hazard nature of this issue, Mazda had a recall program but it only covered Mazda3 models (Special Service Program SSPB6 - see attached file). My issue was diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Maz... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2024

The engine burns oil quickly which could lead to the engine blowing. I have to get more oil changes than average to the engine burning oil.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2016

Immobilized failure due to combination of brake hose failure preventing hybrid control/shift actuator. Hybrid steering lock became disengaged and could not communicate with the certification ecu due constant power being disabled due to complete main body failure. Hybrid system cannot go back into pa... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 1, 2016

Transmission, currently available for inspection. Vehicle stalled in traffic. Yes, confirmed by dealership No other inspections On occasion it did seem to stay in low gear too long. Dash message said Transmission Fault on September 10, 2024 but no other warnings prior. While driving "Transmission F... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2016

Power limited message show when driving on highway then drop the speed and stop need to turn off the car and turn back on the everything back to normal. So scary

Incident date: Sep 12, 2024

1) Vehicle is burning oil and engine is overheating quite fast. 2)Vehicle has stalled or shut off on its own during use 3) Kia dealership refused to address the specific issue due to car being out of warranty because of the mileage. They also wanted to run different tests not directly associated wit... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2024

Doors are locking up for what reason I don't know. This is a safety problem and the dealership wants to charge me for their problems with the car.The maker of this know what the is , but charging 1500 dollars to correct their problem with these doors.

Incident date: Aug 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission shifter cable bushing had failed. The vehicle was repaired; howev... Read more

Incident date: May 26, 2024

The rear lower suspension link on our car cracked and completely separated causing the car to be un-drivable. My husband was pulling out of a parking lot with our son and my son’s friend [XXX] and [XXX] old) and the car started fishtailing. We were lucky this happened at a very low rate of spee... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2023

THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM HAS AN INCORRECT CALIBRATION THAT MAY CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO NOT PROPERLY DETECT IF A SENSOR WERE TO MALFUNCTION, AND THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE, AS REQUIRED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD. THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM FALSELY ACTIVATES R... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2023

Battery is not keeping power and vehicle stalled out while going 70 miles and vehicle wouldn’t power on for more than 10 mins even after charging battery. I am getting 12.0V while going 75 miles and i get 14.0 when I am stopped and parked. Had to have vehicle towed to dealership and they said they... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2023

I noticed that I had to refill the coolant/water on my car because it was low. When I got out of my work I noticed there was water on the floor, but I didn't think of anything because my car was doing fine. When I was almost home I noticed the car fans were like trying to compensate for the heat, bu... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2023

Vehicle stalls when accelerating or traveling at high rates of speed and it will lose power. It bumps and jolts to life. My RPM shoots up and and down. It lags to accelerate when the gas pedal is pressed to accelerate it suddenly jolts. Battery, Epc light, as well as engine light come on immediatel... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2023

Unknown tbd

Incident date: Apr 20, 2023

Unknown tbd

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

The vehicle heating/defrost system is not functioning in cold weather. It only functions in my heated garage. In cold weather it cannot defrost causing visibility issues, driver distraction (trying to get the heat/defrost to work while driving) and a reduction in blood flow to the extremities. The... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2023

Incident date: Sep 16, 2022

According to Toyota Dealership, "WILL NEED TO REPLACE (MG1) HV TRANSAXLE UNIT AS 1ST STEP IN ORDER TO TO BE ABLE TO PROCEED WITH DIAGNOSE AND CHECKED FOR ANY OTHER SHORTED COMPONENTS". Vehicle is available for inspection. Vehicle was being driven on a city street towards a red light when the vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Sep 16, 2022

Incident date: Oct 23, 2022

The break master cylinder is lighted up on the dashboard and the ABS system is not working which makes me sliding when I'm trying to use brakes. Too much noise coming when starting the engine for like a minute then it cool down The front chairs are not good for diver and passenger nick as it is on... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2020

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled as a system failure warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle inadvertently turned. The vehicle was restarted but shifted into limp mode with the message displayed. T... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2020

Incident date: Apr 1, 2022

I bought my car as used, 3 months after that i hear a weird noise when i use the break, then I replace the break pads but it doesn’t solve the problem after that I got alert C1391, I went to mechanic shop he told me it needs to replace the break booster pump part number 4707052020, I did that but ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2022

Brake Master Cylinder assembly failure. Brakes starting to fail. Not covered under warranty past 150k miles.

Incident date: Apr 6, 2022

Problem one: water in the passenger taillight. I got on YouTube to find a video to repair it, and guess what? The person in the video was replacing HIS taillight for the exact same problem! PS. I uploaded a picture, and it's sideways! But if you look closely, you can see the water line! Can ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2022

So, long story short: for months now, the engine light goes on and off. Whenever it goes on, I go to Autozone or O'Reilly's to get the codes read. It's always the same code: P261B. So I got the coolant pump replaced. The same thing happens! I'd bet there is nothing wrong with the pump, so why a... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2021

Without warning my 2013 prius C stalled on the freeway with a hybrid battery warning. When the car was shut off it had intermittent problems with starting. After jumping the car battery , it ran normally again for some time before the stalling problem persisted. The hybrid battery stopped running an... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2021

Incident date: Sep 3, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shut-off without warning. The contact pulled over and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic but was diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that severa... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2021

Incident date: Feb 25, 2021

While in line at a church food bank, with cars in front and in back of me, the Prius C suddenly lunged forward. While my foot was on the brake, I hit the car in front of me. The impact was strong enough to cause almost $1400 worth of damage to the car in front of me and more than that for my car. ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 25, 2021

Crash

Incident date: Jan 10, 2021

HYBRID WARNING LIGHT COMES ON OUT OF NOWHERE. CODE 3107: LOST COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SRS ECU AND POWER MANAGEMENT ECU. ALL WIRES ARE OTHERWISE GOOD AND NO CORROSION IS APPARENT. THIS MISCOMMUNICATION MEANS THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. BATTERY IS HEALTHY ACCORDING TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. H... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2021

Incident date: Dec 27, 2020

TOYOTA IS TRYING TO COVER UP THE TRUE NUMBER OF VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THE HYBRID SYSTEM RECALL.. TOYOTA CLAIMS THIS VEHICLE IS NOT THE SUBJECT OF RECALL, YET THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS ALL THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL.. 1.) THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT FREEWAY SPEED ON WESTBOUND HWY 92 ON 12/27/2... Read more

Crash

Showing 50 of 88 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings — 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C

2013 Toyota Prius C 5 HB FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash — Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash — Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash — Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash — Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	11.8%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) (Front-Wheel Drive)	53.0	46.0	50.0	Regular	$1,350

CO2 Emissions: 179.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins — 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS C

499 manufacturer communications from 221 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	71
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	52
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	35
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	31
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.	31
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	28
160000 STRUCTURE	27
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	24

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.

138500 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REFRIGERANT HOSES AND FITTINGS

TSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repair

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the re

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

140000 AIR BAGS

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

DL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the v

160000 STRUCTURE

140000 AIR BAGS

TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The pur

160000 STRUCTURE

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

CSP: Customer Support Program ZKG ? Paint Repair Process

160000 STRUCTURE

TSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?. The wrinkles may trap water and

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: 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 c

119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

160000 STRUCTURE

TI: Technical Instructions Customer Support Program ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint

350000 EQUIPMENT

160000 STRUCTURE

350000 EQUIPMENT

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions

220000 SEATS

190000 TIRES

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custom

200000 WHEELS

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

160000 STRUCTURE

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth? connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth? failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth? Audio function

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TSB: Some 2006 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest. An insect repellent drain hose tip (ARINIX? Tip) is avai

350000 EQUIPMENT

DE: In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies on certain 2012-2014 Model Year Prius c Vehic

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

350000 EQUIPMENT

RE: Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies are covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota i

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

350000 EQUIPMENT

DP: Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies are covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota i

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

350000 EQUIPMENT

RL: Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies are covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota i

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

035000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

TSB: Some 2012 ? 2014 model year Prius C hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the brake, ABS, and/or TRAC warning lights are on and/or a Check VSC message displays. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C1391, C1252, C1256, and/or C

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0012-21.

140000 AIR BAGS

Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

OBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0044-16.

220000 SEATS

TSB: Some 2010 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?. The wrinkles may trap water an

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the re

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.

160000 STRUCTURE

RE: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors. These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the veh

160000 STRUCTURE

062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

TSB: Some 2004 ? 2020 model year Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or debris in the HV battery intake filter or cooling fan. The condition could reduce the efficiency of the HV battery cooling system. Perform t

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

ZKG WEBSITE PROPER PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSION

350000 EQUIPMENT

ZKG WEBSITE PROPER PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSION

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TT: Any HVAC repair requiring reassembly of the quick connect fitting between the suction hose sub-assembly and the suction pipe sub-assembly located at the top right of the engine compartment.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TT: Any HVAC repair requiring reassembly of the quick connect fitting between the suction hose sub-assembly and the suction pipe sub-assembly located at the top right of the engine compartment.

062300 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

TT: Any HVAC repair requiring reassembly of the quick connect fitting between the suction hose sub-assembly and the suction pipe sub-assembly located at the top right of the engine compartment.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TT: Any HVAC repair requiring reassembly of the quick connect fitting between the suction hose sub-assembly and the suction pipe sub-assembly located at the top right of the engine compartment.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)