general problems of the 2013 Toyota Prius

Eight problems related to suspension have been reported for the 2013 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Toyota Prius based on all problems reported for the 2013 Prius.

1 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2026

My 2013 Prius has 86,500 miles on it. It has been regularly maintained. A routine state inspection revealed a severely rusted rear axle beam and a front axle that is heading in that direction. Other Prius' in [xxx] have had this issue, and in some cases, the wheels have detached from the axle while the car is in motion. That is documented. That is a major safety concern, as who would expect to see an axle issue, especially in a low mileage car. I found a similar NHTSA complaint, xxx, on a 2013 Prius in [xxx], as well as issues in [xxx] with 2010 and 2012 Prius vehicles. The Toyota dealership that found this issue deemed it to be "a major safety concern" as the beam is "rusted apart". There were no warning signs, no issues, until the visual inspection. My concern is not simply the cost of repairing an older vehicle. I am concerned that a structural component has corroded to the point of being describe as "rusted apart", creating a major safety concern on a vehicle with limited mileage. The threat of a wheel separation or loss of vehicle control is a serious risk that needs exploration. I called Toyota headquarters and they indicated that the car was out of warranty and there had been no recalls. The case number for that contact [xxx]. Toyota has previously recognized that corrosion of structural rear components in salt-belt vehicles can create a safety problem, but I do not know if that commentary has been applied to gen-3 Prius'. I respectfully request the NHTSA review its complaint records and manufacture submissions to determine any pattern of premature corrosion or structural failure involving the rear axle beam/rear cross-member of 2010-2015 Toyota Prius vehicles, particularly vehicles operated in states where road salt is routinely used. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2026

While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.

3 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/11/2025

Abs and brake lights suddenly turned on and brake pedal effectiveness changed dramatically. When pressing brake pedal the brakes barely work now. Just got quoted $5161 for abs accumulator repair, $2336 for major suspension concern, and total $8386 estimate for repairs from Toyota service department. I see many similar complaints from Toyota owners online, this seems to be a common issue with Prius vehicles. The kelly blue book value is only $5450 for trade-in and $7318 for sale to private owner, so the repair doesn’t even seem worthwhile given a replacement would be cheaper, and the abs failure happens so frequently in this vehicle, and could happen again.

4 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/04/2025

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the passenger’s side rear wheel was touching the frame of the wheel well. Additionally, the wheel was leaning inward. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear wheel assembly. The contact was informed that the rear wheel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that two similar vehicles had been repaired with similar failures, within the week. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

5 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2024

Vehicle was in for routine service at dealer. Dealer reported "rear axle beam starting to have heavy rust build up metal is getting thin. Will need replacement in the future, approx $3,000. 00 depending on what is needed at that time. " this is the first warning we have received, the vehicle has gotten Toyota dealer service since new every 5,000 miles. Since we learned of this defect, we have discovered 6 similar reports in our small town including 2 actual axel failures while the vehicle was being driven. These were all Priuses and Prius vs in the 2013 and 2014 model years. This seems to be a design failure and poses serious risks as axle failure at highway speed seems a formula for death or serious injury.

6 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/11/2023

This vehicle needs to take off from the consumers due doesn't drives properly has rear major damage also left side rear door they didn't did good job also the hybrid battery shows at the dashboard in n out engine check light. The rear frame bounce by the side it's unsafe. Car time dealership at ontario, CA don't care be careful also sold me with stolen CA license plates this dealership, it's scam. I didn't know like to scam consumers since 12-13-2023 got it and return it due refuse to fix it right and; the bank cancel the transaction global lending services by rose brown general manager ext 51033 at the telephone the bank 877-538-2071.

7 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2023

Driving 2013 Prius v multiple lights suddenly came up on dash brake system, abs, master warning, slip indicator safety put at severe risk while driving. These defective parts installed were never disclosed, or notified, by Toyota and put in severe risk for consumers to drive as a national recall was never issued. Toyota was called since this and refused to fix. Toyota acknowledges parts are defective yet refutes liability despite acknowledgment of defective parts. Defective parts never disclosed to me by any entity of Toyota including dealerships/corporate despite willful knowledge of national defective parts in model 2013 Prius v. This is a liable safety situation that can cause irreparable human life damage.

8 Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2019

Unknown squeaking at the back, none of the mechanics was able identify the sound on the back seat . . . Oil burning, bulbs burning so often.


Other Suspension related problems of the 2013 Toyota Prius

Suspension problems
8
Ball Joint problems
1


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