2013 Toyota Prius engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 37 complaints for the 2013 Toyota Prius, 7% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 37 7% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 76,000 miles 26 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 26 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 76,000 miles, and 38% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 2 fires.
What owners wrote
I was driving down a city road at 25-30 MPH at dusk (5:15pm), and with my headlights on. The first indication of a problem was the smell of burning rubber when I turned on the heater. Assuming the problem was with another vehicle ahead of me, I turned off the heater and kept driving. A mile later, as I was nearing my destination, I noticed several warning lights turn on (skid light and exclamation mark light) and the steering became less responsive. I then saw smoke emitting from under my hood.
While driving on the freeway the car's dash lit up and the car's engine died and then restarted. The fuel quantity displayed, decreased by three bars before returning to it's normal--accurate--level. The car then drove normally and allowed me to get it into the driveway.
Other problems reported for the 2013 Toyota Prius
- Brakes 243 complaints
- Electrical system 52 complaints
- Cruise control 22 complaints
- Air bags 18 complaints
- Fuel system 16 complaints