VehicleVerdict

2018 Toyota Prius problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Toyota Prius sits mid-pack among Prius years: 45 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 214, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (6), other (5), and lighting (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

45

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Prius years?

Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted3,482 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 215 complaints2002: 201 complaints2003: 123 complaints2004: 737 complaints2005: 1,298 complaints2006: 1,690 complaints2007: 2,451 complaints2008: 1,894 complaints2009: 644 complaints2010: 3,482 complaints2011: 662 complaints2012: 537 complaints2013: 533 complaints2014: 273 complaints2015: 210 complaints2016: 215 complaints2017: 127 complaints2018: 45 complaints2019: 51 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 11 complaints2022: 28 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 28 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Prius NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Prius years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Toyota Prius problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers613%
Lighting511%
Other511%
Brakes49%
Engine49%
Speed Control49%
Body & Structure37%
Airbags37%
Electrical System24%
Fuel System24%
Seats24%
Transmission24%
Tires & Wheels12%
Driver Assistance12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 2018 Toyota Prius have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V579000Electrical SystemSeptember 5, 2018 · 192,347 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN AT 55MPH A VERY SMALL PEBBLE/BUG STRUCK THE LOWER RIGHT WINDSHIELD BELOW THE WIPER. IT WAS NOT VERY LOUD, BUT DID CREATE A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD WITH A FEW MINUTES. WITHIN A FEW DAYS THE CRACK HAS SPREAD ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 13, 2018

“BACK UP ALARM TOO LOUD, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. FACT IT IS SO LOUD YOU CAN NOT HEAR THE REAR CROSS-TRAFFIC ALERT OR ANY PERSON OUTSIDE THE CAR YELLING. TOYOTA NEEDS TO EITHER DEVELOP A METHOD SO THE OWNER CAN ADJUST THE BACKUP ALARM VOLUME OR HAVE THE DEALER TURN DOWN THE VOLUME FREE OF CHARGE. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 11, 2018

“AUTO HIGH BEAM FEATURE INTERMITTENTLY CUTS OUT AND THEN RESUMES, ESPECIALLY FREQUENTLY IN RAINY WEATHER. WHILE OFF, I CANNOT ENGAGE THE HIGH BEAM WITHOUT FIRST SHUTTING OFF THE AHB FEATURE. MANY SIMILAR REPORTS REGARDING TOYOTA VEHICLES; SEE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 30, 2019

“I WAS DRIVING UP TO MY GARAGE ON THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE ON A CLEAR DAY, EARLY AFTERNOON. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 3 MPH AND TRIED TO STOP TO PARK IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE DOOR. I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT DID NOT ENGAGE, BUT LURCHED FORWARD INTO THE GARAGE, CRASHING INTO THE GARAGE AND CAUSING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 4, 2019 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND EVERYTHING IN THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOST POWER. WHILE THE VEHICLE COASTED, THE ENGINE RESTARTED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO TOYOTA VALLEJO (201 AUTO MALL PARKWAY,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 4, 2019

2018 Toyota Prius — common questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Prius reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 45 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Prius year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Prius problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (6 complaints), other (5 complaints), lighting (5 complaints).

Does the 2018 Toyota Prius have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Toyota Prius. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Toyota Prius under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Prius years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Prius years to avoid are 2010, 2007, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2011, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Prius years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2018 Toyota Prius?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Toyota Prius earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.