The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Toyota Prius V electrical problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
DP: The Data Communication Module (DCM) in the subject vehicles are equipped with software to identify the location of the vehicle using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to support features of the Safety Connect system. Due to incorrect programming in the DCM software, after November 2nd, 2019, the GPS coordinates for this system will be calculated incorrectly. This will cause the system to use incorrect vehicle coordinates if one of the system?s features is activated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0P CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 19TE12 SAFETY CONNECT SYSTEM ? VEHICLE LOCATION INACCURATE CERTAIN 2013 ? 2019 MODEL YEAR 4RUNNER 2011 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR LAND CRUISER 2013 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR PRIUS 2012 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR PRIUS V 2016 ? 2017 MODEL YEAR MIRAI Updated 010/25/2023
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the intelligent power module (IPM). The specific condition covered by this Customer Confidence Program 23TE02 is failure of the IPM located inside the inverter assembly of the hybrid system indicated by DTCs P0A7A and/or P0A78. If either of these DTCs are detected, various warning lamps on the instrument panel will also illuminate and the vehicle will enter Fail Safe Mode. Toyota will also provide coverage if the IPM has failed due to a thermal event regardless of what DTC is detected, or if the IPM has
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DP: The Customer Confidence Program is a component of a class action settlement that includes several elements of coverage. The Customer Confidence Program provides coverage as it applies to the Intelligent Power Module (IPM). The specific condition covered by this Customer Confidence Program 23TE03 is failure of the IPM located inside the inverter assembly of the hybrid system indicated by DTCs P0A94, P0A1A, P324E, and/or P3004. If any of these DTCs are detected, various warning lamps on the instrument panel will also illuminate and the vehicle will enter Fail Safe Mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Prius V vehicles describe a cascade of electrical failures, with the power inverter emerging as the most dangerous. Multiple owners report sudden loss of propulsion, stalling on highways, and inability to accelerate—symptoms that persist despite a 2015 software recall intended to prevent them. One owner confirms the inverter was ultimately replaced after the recall failed to stop the problem. Toyota extended the inverter warranty to 15 years/unlimited miles, signaling internal acknowledgment of a chronic defect in the electrical connections, not just firmware.
Brake system electrical failures rank second in severity: owners report complete brake failure or spongy, unresponsive pedals preceded by ABS and VSC warning lights. Repair estimates exceed $5,600 for booster and master cylinder replacement. One owner attributes brake issues to a prior recall repair gone wrong.
A third concern involves intermittent total electrical shutdowns—power drains from lights, locks, and starter, then returns hours later with the clock reset. Dealers cannot diagnose these events.
Owners also document a steep fuel economy drop—10–15% or more—after the software recall, suggesting the fix may be the culprit. A clock spring failure at low mileage disables the horn, steering wheel controls, and airbag safety circuit. One narrative describes unintended acceleration just 33 days after the recall update, and another reveals the keyless-start system allows the engine to run indefinitely when the key fob is outside the vehicle with no warning.
Same Toyota Prius V electrical reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power Inverter Failure
The power inverter—the component converting DC battery power to AC for the hybrid motor—fails catastrophically, causing loss of propulsion, stalling, or inability to accelerate. Owners report this occurs despite a prior software recall intended to prevent it, suggesting the software fix does not address the root defect in electrical connections.
When: Various mileages: 106,853 miles reported in one narrative; some failures early after software recall was completed.
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling while driving, especially during acceleration or merging; Complete loss of acceleration ability; vehicle slows and becomes non-drivable; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), engine, and hybrid system malfunction warning lights illuminate; Vehicle worked slowly for a couple of minutes then would not go into drive; Power still present (AC functional) but propulsion lost
Codes mentioned: C1310, C1259, C1241
Repairs/costs cited: Inverter replacement mentioned; one owner states shop confirmed inverter issue but owner did not proceed with repair due to safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software recall issued (completed in 2015 for some owners), but owners report it was a 'band-aid' and did not prevent subsequent failures. Toyota extended inverter warranty from 8 years/100k miles to 15 years/unlimited miles, indicating awareness of chronic defect.
Brake System Electrical Failure (Brake Booster and Master Cylinder)
The brake system loses electrical power or function, rendering brakes ineffective or unresponsive. Multiple narratives report brake booster pump and/or master cylinder failures preceded by illumination of ABS, VSC, and brake warning lights. One owner attributes this to issues caused by a prior recall repair.
When: One case at 64,000 miles; another at 106,853 miles (coinciding with hybrid battery and inverter issues); timeline unclear for others.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes spongy and expected to fail; Vehicle does not stop when brakes applied; brake failure while driving at 20 mph; ABS light, VSC warning light, and brake light illuminated simultaneously; Brakes revert to rear brakes only, limiting stopping power; Tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brake, and electronic stability control indicators illuminate
Codes mentioned: ABS light activation, VSC light activation, Brake light activation
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster pump and master cylinder replacement required. Estimated cost cited: $5,600 for actuator and master cylinder replacement. One owner notes previous recalls on braking system have expired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V053000 cited by one owner (symptoms match but VIN not identified as recalled). One narrative mentions a recall repair that reportedly caused or exacerbated brake booster and master cylinder issues.
Intermittent Electrical System Shutdown
The vehicle's electrical system intermittently fails completely or partially, cutting power to lights, locks, starter, and other components. Power is restored after a variable delay (minutes to hours), and the clock resets, confirming a full power loss event. Dealers cannot diagnose the problem.
When: One occurrence early in vehicle ownership (2014); second occurrence after vehicle sat for four hours.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights fail to operate; Power locks inoperative; cannot unlock driver's door electronically; Engine will not crank or start; Only brake lights or turn signal lights function during event; Clock resets to zero, confirming power loss; Two green turn signal lights flash simultaneously when power button pushed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealer unable to diagnose. Vehicle eventually restored to operating condition on its own.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency After Software Recall
Multiple owners report significant drops in fuel economy following the inverter software recall, ranging from 10–15% or more. One owner documents a personal decline from 42 mpg to 35 mpg over three months post-recall.
When: Within three months following software recall implementation (2015 for one owner).
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel efficiency drops from baseline 40+ mpg range to 35 mpg or lower; Decline of 10–15% commonly reported among complainants
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response documented; owners speculate the software fix may be the cause.
Clock Spring (Steering Column Switch) Failure
The clock spring (part number 84307-47020) connecting the steering column to the airbag and steering wheel controls degrades or fails prematurely, disabling multiple safety and convenience features.
When: No specific mileage provided; owner states failure is premature for an unwrecked vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Horn inoperative; Steering wheel radio control buttons inoperative; Odometer control inoperative; Airbag warning light illuminated; manual states vehicle is unsafe to drive with this indicator on; Adaptive cruise control affected
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota dealer repair cost cited as close to $900.
Hybrid System and Battery Failure
The hybrid propulsion system and battery pack fail, causing loss of power and propulsion. One case involved overheating of the hybrid battery pack requiring replacement, combined with inverter and electric pump issues.
When: At 106,853 miles in one documented case.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheats; VSC and engine malfunction warning lights illuminate; Loss of acceleration and propulsion
Repairs/costs cited: Hybrid battery pack replacement needed; electric pump assembly issue also present in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V449000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) may apply, but one owner's VIN was not included.
Unintended Acceleration After Software Recall
Vehicle unexpectedly accelerates during braking, just 33 days after the software recall was completed to prevent stalling.
When: May 3, 2019, approximately 33 days post-software recall.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates unintentionally while braking in parking lot at less than 5 mph; Event resulted in property damage and minor injuries
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Event reported to Toyota and owner's auto insurance provider.
Keyless Entry and Engine Start Safety Gap
The push-start system with keyless remote allows the engine to continue running even when the key fob is outside the vehicle and out of range, with no warning or automatic shutoff.
When: Timing of this particular failure instance not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine remains running after driver exits vehicle and closes door with key fob outside vehicle; No notification to driver that key is out of range; No automatic engine shutoff when key leaves proximity
Mold Growth Inside Instrument Panel
Mold grows inside the instrument panel, indicating moisture intrusion and potential air conditioning or ventilation system failure.
When: Reported at approximately 10,000 miles, very early in vehicle life.
Symptoms owners cite: Visible mold growing inside instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer technician unable to determine cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of failure.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Brake actuator failure requires actuator and master cylinder replacement. All dash lights came on while driving. The vehicle was diagnosed at Brian Easler Toyota in Hendersonville North Carolina. The brakes are still operational temporarily but spongy and expected to fail so the car is not drivable. I expect to have the actuator and master cylinder replaced in then next few weeks at a cost…
2013 toyota prius V. 64,000 miles and ABS Light is on also VSC warning light and brake light. There has been many issues with this type of vehicle as i researched on internet. I didnt know there has been a recall on this vehicle. And i did not make it time. 10 yrs or 150,000 k whichever comes first. many other vehicles this year have this problem its common.. i cannot brake in time because…
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Toyota Prius V?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Toyota Prius V?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 45,000 and 106,853 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 106,853. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Toyota/Prius V.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.