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Electrical systemPart report

2013 Toyota Prius C Electrical system Problems

Complaints
23about this part
Share
40%of 57 total for the year
Median mileage
68,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Toyota Prius C, 40% of the 57 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have had my Toyota Prius C for 1.5 years. I was assured it was a safe car. However this car is dangerous. The car has an auto traction control that will turn on during flurries or if there are wet leaves or rain. When the traction control (a safety feature) turns on my wheels stop,my brakes stop, I cannot control my steering and I am basically at the mercy of the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10691187, filed 2015-02, 35,000 miles

“Driving on a highway on my way to work suddenly the my 2013 Prius C engine completely stops. The check engine light and check hybrid system light came on. The car completely shuts down and now I'm a sitting duck good thing people slew down for me and even help me push my car to the side of the road safely. This is a very dangerous situation and needs attention. Ived taken my car to antioch Toyota and emphasize that I saw 2 recalls on this website but the did not believe me and they are charging me over $4000 to fix it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11337095, filed 2020-07, 130,000 miles

“There is a defect in the rear lens and body assembly, part number 81551-52a94 (right side) and corresponding part on the left side. A seam cracks and allows water into the lens assembly. Eventually, enough water accumulates to cover the brake light causing it to short. The Toyota dealer stated that there was nothing that I could do but replace both assemblies. I have the old parts and have taken pictures. The seam on both assemblies facing is cracked at exactly the same point ... About mid-way closest to the rear hatch. …”

NHTSA complaint #11034633, filed 2017-10, 90,000 miles

“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. Hybrid warning light comes on intermitently to show when miscommunication is happening.”

NHTSA complaint #11389826, filed 2021-01, 76,000 miles

“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 12/27/2020 at approximately 6:30pm 2.) the vehicle lost all power.. Dashboard lights came on.. …”

NHTSA complaint #11385233, filed 2020-12, 200,717 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018117%
2016217%
2015529%
2014618%
20132340%
20121523%

Other parts of the 2013 Toyota Prius C

Brakes
17 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Toyota Prius C

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology