2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 75%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid, 75% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11339629, filed 2020-07, 186,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11014696, filed 2017-08, 47,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11164922, filed 2019-01, 133,000 miles“Brakes stopped functioning fully when i was driving and car started throwing ABS and Brake warning signs. I could not brake my car properly and had to stop the car and get it towed. The dealer said its a brake actuator failure. The error code is C1391.Its costing me around 2000 to get it fixed”
NHTSA complaint #11595500, filed 2024-06“On 5/23/24, the ABS, Traction, and Brakes lights came on the dash and the brakes were not responding. My car was picked up from the Toyota dealer on 5/22/24 afternoon. It passed their multipoint inspection after they replaced all 4 brake pads on 5/21/24. Code C1391 internal leak. The brake actuator and brake pump needed to be replaced. I was quoted $2700 for repairs after I already paid over $570 to replace brake pads.”
NHTSA complaint #11591084, filed 2024-05Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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