2013 Toyota Prius: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Petrol and Diesel versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2013 Toyota Prius
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- 1.8 hybrid
Oil use and head gasket (1.8 petrol)
Some owners treat the Prius like an electric car and forget the oil and coolant. Low oil can wreck the engine, and a failing head gasket can go unnoticed.
At the viewing: Check the oil on the dipstick and the coolant level, and look for regular servicing.
- All
Hybrid battery age
A new hybrid battery from Toyota is expensive. Reconditioned packs from established UK firms are cheaper.
At the viewing: Ask whether the hybrid battery has been replaced and by whom.
- All
Air-con compressor
The air-con compressor has its own electric motor that can wear out, and it's costly to replace. A seller saying it 'just needs a regas' is a warning sign.
At the viewing: Run the air con and check it blows properly cold.
- All
Rusty brake discs
Because the hybrid system does much of the braking, discs often rust rather than wear, and fail the MOT that way.
At the viewing: Look at the discs through the wheels for heavy rust or a ridged surface.
Looking at a Toyota Prius?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota Prius compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,232 | Tyres 16% |
| 2022 | 2,834 | Tyres 16% |
| 2021 | 6,606 | Tyres 15% |
| 2020 | 26,304 | Tyres 18% |
| 2019 | 47,795 | Tyres 16% |
| 2018 | 42,725 | Tyres 16% |
| 2017 | 45,148 | Tyres 17% |
| 2016 | 43,989 | Tyres 18% |
| 2015 | 40,082 | Tyres 17% |
| 2014 | 35,918 | Tyres 20% |
| 2012 | 23,311 | Lights and electrics 24% |
| 2011 | 21,036 | Lights and electrics 31% |
| 2010 | 28,189 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2009 | 20,260 | Lights and electrics 35% |
| 2008 | 19,495 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2007 | 19,325 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 2006 | 10,324 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2005 | 6,989 | Lights and electrics 44% |
| 2004 | 2,573 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2003 | 406 | Suspension 46% |
| 2002 | 129 | Suspension 46% |
| 2001 | 227 | Suspension 42% |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |