2013 Toyota Prius Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 414 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Toyota Prius, 3% of the 414 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
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.
“Low beam headlamps have been replaced by me 3 times in 80k miles. I am now aware there is an ongoing problem as they are again failing, and I replaced the bulbs of both just 2 weeks ago. There is no warning, they just don't work. I notice it while driving and cannot see without bright headlights on.”
NHTSA complaint #11103766, filed 2018-06, 80,000 miles“When I turn on the low beam of the headlights there is a dark shadow on the upper half of the windshield that diminishes visibility. I asked the service department about it at freeman Toyota in santa rosa where I purchased it new in august of 20123 and was told nothing could be done to fix it. It's a serious safety hazard which I hope you can help me remedy. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10573859, filed 2014-03, 2,216 miles“We have had multiple low beam bulb failures. Usually it starts with 1 the burns out the other within a week or two. In the last year we have replaced both bulbs 3 times. The last time was february 24th last night on march 11th we received a warning ticket for a headlight out. I went to replace the bulb again and it was good, after removing it I reinstalled and it worked. Shut the car off and came back out and it wouldn't come on again without disconnecting the harness and plugging it back in. There is noticeable discoloration on both headlight plugs.”
NHTSA complaint #11317660, filed 2020-03, 120,000 miles“Neither my wife nor I can hear the directional signal indicator (the clicking) when the signal indicates a left or right turn when the car is moving. Thus, we don't turn off the indicator when we finish turning. Therefore, we are very often driving with our directional signals indicating a turn when we have no intention of turning. We called the local Toyota service department and they told us that they are unable to augment the sound so that it is audible. We believe that this condition of the Prius is hazardous and Toyota should issue a recall and fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10519961, filed 2013-06, 1,000 miles“Our 2013 Prius burns out the right headlight every three months. It's nearly impossible to see to drive with only one headlight. It burns out while moving, stationary, any time and it has discoloration like excessive heat was applied.”
NHTSA complaint #11362668, filed 2020-10, 4,986 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 33% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 4 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 14% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 12 | 3% |
| 2012 | 36 | 8% |
| 2011 | 48 | 9% |
| 2010 | 149 | 5% |
| 2009 | 111 | 22% |
| 2008 | 579 | 39% |
| 2007 | 1,060 | 53% |
| 2006 | 941 | 65% |
| 2005 | 346 | 33% |
| 2004 | 184 | 30% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2013 Toyota Prius
242 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsOther or unknown
51 complaintsEngine
37 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsWheels
9 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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