2018 Toyota Prius problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 37.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Unknown or other
Exterior lighting
Visibility/wiper
Safety recalls (1)
Recalls that cover the 2018 Toyota Prius. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
Electrical system › wiring
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles. A portion of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit (PCU), could contact the cover at this connection and wear, causing an electrical short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine wire harness assembly and replace it if damage is found. A protective sleeve or protective tape will be included to prevent any future damage. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0T.
Questions to ask the seller
Do all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work? Any headlight replacements or moisture inside the lenses?
5 owner complaints mention the exterior lights.
Do the wipers work on every speed and park correctly? Any wiper motor repairs?
5 owner complaints mention the wipers, half of the reports with mileage are between 10,000 and 26,000 miles.
Any unexpected acceleration, surging, or cruise control problems? Test cruise control on the highway.
4 owner complaints mention the throttle or cruise control.
Has the airbag warning light ever stayed on? Was any airbag replaced after a crash?
3 owner complaints mention the air bags.
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
3 owner complaints mention the engine.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year.
Other Toyota Prius years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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