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Model-year record

2018 Toyota Prius
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Toyota Prius

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Federal source records

Complaints filed

36

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

52

EPA estimate

Known issues

Exterior Lighting issues lead owner complaints (14% of 36 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (14%).

Exterior Lighting14% · 5 reports
Visibility/Wiper14% · 5 reports
Air Bags8% · 3 reports
Structure8% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other8% · 3 reports
Electrical System6% · 2 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling6% · 2 reports
Power Train6% · 2 reports

+ 8 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 36 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11724219, ODI 11511131, ODI 11288235, ODI 11278866, ODI 11278660.

Individual complaint reports(36)

Showing the 36 most recent reports
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2026 · ODI 11746813Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine constantly overheated. An unidentified warning light was flashing on the instrument panel. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. One month later, the same failure reoccurred. A second independent mechanic inspected the vehicle, and the coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a coolant leak into the head gasket. The dealer advisor referenced a customer satisfaction program as the cause of the failure; however, the vehicle was over the mileage limit for the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.

Reported
Jun 2026
Incident date
May 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11746813 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingMar 2026 · ODI 11724219Details +

Both taillamps holding moisture. Could cause electrical issues or fire. .. same year and model car have same reported issues and were fixed by manufacturer. This vehicle is the same but different level.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11724219 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2025 · ODI 11683274Details +

Driver door lock actuator not working. This seems to be a common problem for Toyota over the last decade, but they yet to put more vehicles to their recall list. Actuator just stopped working. I have to use key out of FOB to manually open. This is a safety issue if I’m trying to get in my car quickly for safety reasons and it does not open.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Dec 1969
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11683274 at NHTSA →
Latches/Locks/LinkagesJul 2025 · ODI 11670706Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Prius. The contact stated the trunk opened at a slow speed and failed to remain open. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be taken in to be inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall. The manufacturer directed the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Reported
Jul 2025
Incident date
Jun 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11670706 at NHTSA →
VisibilityApr 2025 · ODI 11656375Details +

Was driving around 35 mph and my right side mirror blew up. The back blew off and the mirror was shattered and hanging. Nothing hit it. Contacted Toyota and the parts have been on a stop, but there is no recall. It has been 4 months.

Reported
Apr 2025
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11656375 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingMar 2025 · ODI 11650717Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed heat exchanger, catalytic converter, and exhaust system. The contact was informed that the heat exchanger, the catalytic converter, and the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,682.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Feb 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11650717 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesDec 2024 · ODI 11629049 · crashDetails +

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The brake pedal was applied but failed to respond. The driver crashed into the front passenger side of the Lexus. The vehicle continuously moved forward. The contact was eventually able to pull over safely. The pre-collision malfunction warning light illuminated. The brake malfunction light was flashing. The air bags did not deploy. There was no reported fire or injury. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who could not determine the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an autobody center where it remained. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11629049 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2024 · ODI 11575061Details +

The Airbag lights were lit, the person sitting with seatbelt on (flashing) and the person sitting with an inflated airbag in front of them. I ran an OBD2 scan on SRS and got code B1656. Driver seat belt buckle Left Hand. I Investigated the latch and found one wire was snapped off and a couple of inches shorter that the wire that was still connected. I have included 2 pictures of the back end of the seat belt latch. You can see the broken wire and where it use to be connected.

Reported
Mar 2024
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11575061 at NHTSA →
SeatsOct 2023 · ODI 11552860 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

Someone rear-ended my Prius and they were driving a Ford 250 truck pulling a large flatbed truck that had a huge box on it. My seat went forward and backwards - I slammed my knee under the dashboard and then slammed by head into the headrest and I could not reach the pedals after this. I have repeatedly asked the collision center to look at it because there is nothing about it on the report of the estimate of repairs. My adult son was a passenger in the front and his seat didn't move.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Sep 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11552860 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2023 · ODI 11521644Details +

AIRBAG LIGHT ON

Reported
May 2023
Incident date
May 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11521644 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingMar 2023 · ODI 11511131Details +

The automatic high beams will occasionally fail to operate and are stuck in low beams until about 2 minutes have passed, or until the automatic high beams switch is turned off to disable the system. This seems to be a software issue, as it seems to occur when an approaching vehicle passes by with bright lights. When this happens, all high beams are disabled for a couple of minutes, even if the high beam lever is switched to low beams and back to high.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11511131 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJul 2022 · ODI 11472644Details +

Stopped at red light, then the car didn't accelerate when hitting gas. Engine revs but the car does not accelerate. It happened multiple time when the car was out in sun with full ac on(100f). Happened once in intersection and almost got hit head on

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11472644 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2022 · ODI 11470356Details +

UNKNOWN My car started stalling when it comes to a full stop. I.e. if I stop at a red light or stop sign, and I then press the gas, it stalls. It might inch forward, but it doesn’t really accelerate. This happened last year, and I took it to the dealer. They couldn’t reproduce the results, and they could only suggest changing my small 12V battery. Today, it stalled 8 times, between 2 short drives. Each at a stop sign only travelling ~5 miles total. I have an appointment at the dealer but this is exactly what happened last year with no diagnosis. No check engine light is on or anything.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11470356 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperMar 2021 · ODI 11399109Details +

MY WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED TWICE WITHOUT BEING STRUCK BY AN OBJECT AND WITHOUT BEING NEAR ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING. I WAS NOT SPEEDING OR DRIVING RECKLESSLY. BOTH TIMES REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD AS THE CRACK QUICKLY SPREAD AND AFFECTED A GOOD PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. I AM REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD (TWICE). THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED TODAY, MARCH 4, 2021.

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11399109 at NHTSA →
StructureFeb 2021 · ODI 11397301Details +

ON DEC 2, 2020 WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH OUR SUNROOF EXPLODED CAUSING US TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SHADE WAS CLOSED WHICH SAVED US FROM EXPLODING GLASS. THERE WERE NO ROAD HAZARDS, NO ISSUES OTHER THAN A SPONTANEOUS EXPLODING OF OUR SUNROOF. THE ORLANDO POLICE DEPT WAS SUMMONED AND THE ROADRANGERS STOPPED TO ASSIST US. I TOOK THE CAR DIRECTLY TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN CLERMONT, FL AND THEY REPAIRED THE GLASS AT NO CHARGE BUT TOLD ME HAD THE CAR NOT BEEN UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY I WOULD HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT. IF THE SHADE HAD NOT BEEN CLOSED THE ENTIRE PASSENGERS WITHIN THE CABIN WOULD HAVE BEEN SPLATTERED WITH SHATTERED GLASS.

Reported
Feb 2021
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11397301 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMay 2020 · ODI 11324401 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED INTO THE HIGHWAY, WITHOUT STOPPING, AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FENDER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION, INCLUDING BACK, NECK, ANKLE AND HEAD INJURIES. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE RIPPED THE TENDON ON THE RING FINGER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. *LN*JB

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11324401 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2020 · ODI 11296751Details +

ERROR CODES P0113 AND P0102 AND WARNING MESSAGES FOR CHECK ENGINE AND ICS MALFUNCTION* LAPPEARED WHEN STARTING THE GARAGED VEHICLE IN APPROXIMATELY 55F ROOM TEMPERATURE. TOYOTA OF ESCONDIDO AND TOYOTA'S CUSTOMER CARE TELEPHONE CENTER EXPLAINED THAT THEY WILL NOT INSPECT (ALTHOUGH UNDER THE 3-YEAR/36,000 MILES WARRANTY) WITHOUT A SERVICE FEE. ONLINE, REPORTS THAT A FAILING 12V BATTERY MAY CAUSE MULTIPLE CODES TO BE TRIGGERED WERE ALSO MET WITH A REQUEST FOR A $110 DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE BATTERY IS ALSO UNDER THE 3-YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY. ERROR CODES AND MESSAGES IMPLICATE FUEL EFFICIENCY, POLLUTION AND SAFETY ISSUES. *ICS IS THEIR COLLISION SENSOR SYSTEM.

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Jan 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11296751 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingDec 2019 · ODI 11288235Details +

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 HTTPS://WWW.RAV4WORLD.COM/THREADS/AUTO-HIGH-BEAM-ISSUES.242329/

Reported
Dec 2019
Incident date
Nov 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11288235 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingNov 2019 · ODI 11278866Details +

THE CAR IS INADEQUATE IN THE WINTER. WHEN IT SNOWS I CAN'T KEEP THE WINDOWS CLEAN. THEY CHANGED THE FITTINGS AND I CAN'T EVEN PUT WINTER BLADES ON THE CAR. ALSO, AND THIS APPLIES TO ALMOST ALL NEW CARS AS WELL, THE LED LIGHTS FREEZE OVER. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD NOT TO HAVE LIGHTS THAT WORK. AND IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD TO HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS TO TRY AND SCRAPE ICE OFF THE WINDOWS AND LIGHTS. THE FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS GET CAKED WITH ICE AND SNOW. THIS PICTURE IS OF MY WINDSHIELD AFTER AN HOUR OF WARMING UP. THE WIPERS STAY CAKED WITH ICE. AND WHEN I TURN THEM ON, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS. THEY SMEAR THE WINDSHIELD WITH ICE. THEY SMEAR IT WITH WATER TOO. I CAN'T SQUEEGEE WATER WITH ICE. I'D LOVE TO TRADE IT IN, BUT EVERYONE HAS LED LIGHTS. THEY'RE A SAFETY HAZARD. AND THESE ISSUES ARE KEEPING ME FROM BUYING A NEW CAR. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU ADDRESSED THESE ISSUES. THE CAR COMPANIES WON'T LISTEN TO ME. THANK YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11278866 at NHTSA →
Exterior LightingNov 2019 · ODI 11278660Details +

AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAMS DIM AND THEN FAIL TO BRIGHTEN INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN DRIVING, AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAMS FUNCTION AS INTENDED THEN THE DASH INDICATOR SPONTANEOUSLY TURNS OFF AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL TO BRIGHTEN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT TWICE FOR THIS. THE SECOND TIME , THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BOTH IN MY VEHICLE AND IN A 2019 PRIUS FROM THE INVENTORY. TOYOTA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IS ADAMANT THAT THE PROBLEM IS NORMAL FUNCTIONALITY. I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE HIGH BEAMS NOT BRIGHTENING WHEN THEY SHOULD DURING NIGHT DRIVING IS NORMAL FUNCTIONALITY.

Reported
Nov 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11278660 at NHTSA →
StructureOct 2019 · ODI 11271167 · crashDetails +

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 DAMAGE TO BOTH THE GARAGE AND THE AUTO.

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Oct 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11271167 at NHTSA →
StructureOct 2019 · ODI 11267998Details +

THE HEAT SHIELD ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR, BY THE STORAGE BATTERY CAME LOSE WHILE DRIVING AND WAS DAMAGED. IT IS HELD IN PLACE BY ONLY FOUR PLASTIC PINS. THE CAR IS SO LOW TO THE GROUND THAT IT IS HARD TO CLEAR NORMAL SPEED BUMPS LET ALONE OLDER LARGER ONES. WE WERE TRAVELING A HOUSING ADDITION LESS THAN 20 MPH AND JUST WENT OVER AN OLDER HIGH SPEED-BUMP AND PUDDLE WHEN IT OCCURRED. WE DROVE THE LAST 100 OR SO FEET HOME AND WIRED IT UP OUT OF THE WAY SO THE CAR COULD BE DRIVEN AT LOW SPEED TOO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THIS WAS DAMAGE DUE TO OUR DRIVING NEGLIGENCE IE: "WE HIT SOMETHING". WHEN THIS SHIELD COMES OFF IT FALLS STRAIGHT INTO THE VEHICLE EXHAUST PIPE AND GROUND, THERE IS NO SIMPLE WAY TO REMOVE THE PIECE UNTIL A FULL REPAIR CAN BE COMPLETED. IT MUST BE WIRED UP OFF THE GROUND OR PART OF THE WHEEL AND EXHAUST MUST BE DISCONNECTED. IT TOOK THE DEALERSHIP THREE TRIES AND OVER A MONTH TO GET THE CORRECT SHIELD IN AND PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE PART NUMBER IN THE TOYOTA PARTS SPECIFICATION AND THE REPAIR PARTS WAREHOUSE OR NOT THE SAME.

Reported
Oct 2019
Incident date
Jan 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11267998 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2019 · ODI 11252385 · crashDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A SECOND PARKED VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER DCH TOYOTA (1504 US HWY 1 NORTH BRUNSWICK NJ) BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

Reported
Aug 2019
Incident date
Aug 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11252385 at NHTSA →
EngineJul 2019 · ODI 11230722Details +

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, VALLEJO, CA 94591, 707-552-4545) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,600.

Reported
Jul 2019
Incident date
Jul 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11230722 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlJun 2019 · ODI 11220031Details +

I STARTED MY CAR, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND BEGAN TO MAKE A U TURN OUT OF A PARKING LOT WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. I HAD THREE TURNS I HAD TO MAKE IN QUICK SUCCESSION (U TURN, LEFT ON PUBLIC DRIVEWAY, RIGHT ON MAIN ROAD) TO GET ON TO THE MAIN ROAD, AND I DID THIS AT BREAK NECK SPEED. BY THE SECOND TURN I WAS GIVING ALL MY STRENGTH TO TRYING TO GET THE BRAKE TO WORK, UNSUCCESSFULLY (LOCKED), AND WAS FULLY FOCUSSED ON TURNING THE CAR SAFELY TO SAVE MY LIFE AT SUCH HIGH SPEED. MY TIRES SQUEALED ON THE THIRD TURN AND MY CELL PHONE FLEW THROUGH THE AIR. I COULD NOT MAKE A TIGHT RIGHT TURN SO MADE MY TURN IN TO THE LEFT LANE (PROUD OF MY DRIVING SUCCESS GIVEN THE SPEED). ONCE I NAVIGATED THE TURNS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND BRAKES WORKED AS NORMAL. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN AROUND 20 SECONDS I'D GUESS, AND LESS THAN 1/4 MILE I THINK. JUST FORTUNATE THERE WERE NO CARS COMING IN EITHER DIRECTION. I AM ALIVE TO TELL THIS STORY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A DEALER AND AM AWAITING TO HEAR WHAT THE HAVE TO SAY. I AM PETRIFIED AT THE THOUGHT OF GETTING BACK IN TO THAT CAR.

Reported
Jun 2019
Incident date
Jun 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11220031 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperApr 2019 · ODI 11202667Details +

I OWNED A 2008 PRIUS WITH 273,453 MILES WHEN I TRADED IT FOR A 2018 PRIUS ON 3/15/18. MY 2008 NEVER HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED; MEANWHILE, THE 2018 HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND THE 2ND IS NOW CRACKED WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF REPLACEMENT. ON 8/7/18 I WAS DRIVING IN A SINGLE LANE ROAD WITH NO VEHICLES AHEAD OR IN THE ONCOMING DIRECTION WHEN I HEARD A POP. WITHIN 5 MINUTES A CRACK BEGAN AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED ABOUT 9' UPWARDS AND TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE END OF THE DAY. NEXT MORNING THE CRACK WAS 17' LONG, AND BY THE 3RD DAY THE CRACK WAS 26'. AFTER THAT THE CRACK SEEMS TO STABILIZE. ON 10/9/18 I WAS DRIVING ON I-95N HEARD ANOTHER POP AND A 2ND CRACK BEGAN TO FORM. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I HEARD A POP. AN ADDITIONAL CRACK STARTED THAT CURVED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE AND EXTENDED 14' FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD 3' FROM THE OLD CRACK TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE. THE 2ND CRACK AFFECTED MY VISION SO I HAD HAVE IT REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. ON 11/2/18 I HAD THE OEM WINDSHIELD REPLACED FOR $250 (DEDUCTIBLE) PLUS $477 (TOYOTA CAMERA RECALIBRATION). ON 12/19/18 I HEARD A POP WHILE AT A STOP SIGN AND THE NEW WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK FROM THE BASE OF THE GLASS EXTENDING UPWARDS 4' THEN CURVED TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE FOR ANOTHER 7.5' BY THE END OF THE DAY. THE NEXT DAY THE CRACK CURVED UP AND TO THE RIGHT SIDE FOR ANOTHER 7.25'. BY THE 3RD DAY, IT GREW ANOTHER 12' UPWARDS. ON 1/29/19 A SECOND CRACK FORMED NEAR THE INITIAL CRACK AT 3' HIGHER FROM THE BASE. THIS CRACK EXTENDED FOR 12' TOWARDS THE DRIVER SIDE. SO NOW I AM FACED WITH REPLACING THE WINDSHIELD AGAIN; INCURRING THE COSTS AND INCONVENIENCE. GIVEN THE FACT THERE WERE NO VEHICLE AROUND WHEN THE CRACKS HAVE REPEATED APPEARED I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND NOT A FACTOR OF MY DRIVING.

Reported
Apr 2019
Incident date
Aug 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11202667 at NHTSA →
WheelsDec 2018 · ODI 11161416Details +

NEW CAR JUST OVER 1000 MILES. REAR TIRE BLOWS ON FREEWAY, NO POTHOLE OR ANYTHING HIT. SINCE OWNING THE CAR I'VE HEARD A FAINT THUDDING WHEN GOING OVER 65 MILES AN HOUR. NO INDICATOR LIGHT AND THE TIRES FELT HARD, NOT DEFLATED WHEN I CHECKED. SO I THOUGHT IT MIGHT JUST BE AN UNEVEN ROAD MAKING THAT SOUND. NOW I BELIEVE IT WAS THE TIRE. I HAVE TONS OF PHOTOS IF NEEDED. I FISHTAILED ON THE FREEWAY AND WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO AN EXIT THAT I GOT OFF ON IT. LUCKILY DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Reported
Dec 2018
Incident date
Dec 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11161416 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperOct 2018 · ODI 11138822Details +

LAST YEAR,JUNE 2017, WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED WE NOTICED THERE WAS A HAIRLINE CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD. WE RECEIVED SOME QUOTES SAYING IT WOULD BE ABOUT $900 TO FIX. SO WE DECIDED TO GO WITH AN ADHESIVE INJECTION AND PAID ABOUT $50 FOR SOMEONE TO COME FIX IT. HOWEVER, AFTER A MONTH, IT SPREAD. WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. LAST MONTH, SAME THING HAPPENED. CAR WAS PARKED, NOTHING HIT IT. SAME HAIRLINE CRACK. I HAVEN'T FIXED IT BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY EXPENSE. BUT IT HAS SPREAD. CHECKED ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND FOUND THERE'S A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS BUT IT'S FOR 2014-2016 TOYOTA PRIUS. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM FOR THE 2017 PRIUS. ALSO, THERE'S A RECALL FOR MY CAR FOR ANOTHER ISSUE.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Sep 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11138822 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperJul 2018 · ODI 11112886Details +

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.

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11112886 at NHTSA →
SeatsJul 2018 · ODI 11112078Details +

HORRIBLE BACK PAIN CAUSED BY THE PRIUS' DRIVER SEAT. CAR SEAT SHOULD NOT PASS STANDARDS. EXTREMELY UNHEALTHY.

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11112078 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJul 2018 · ODI 11110559Details +

CONNECT THE PHONE TO STEREO, ACTIVATE DEVICE ASSISTANT, PHONE CALL OR PLAY AUDIO FROM THE DEVICE THROUGH STEREO. THE STEREO WILL REBOOT. THIS HAS OCCURRED A NUMBER OF TIMES DURING THE FIRST COUPLE WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP. DOESN'T MATTER IF VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR NOT.

Reported
Jul 2018
Incident date
Jul 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11110559 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2018 · ODI 11103813Details +

THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR I PURCHASED. THERE IS A HIGH-PITCHED NOISE THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL MAKES WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. I THOUGHT THIS WAS PART OF THE BEEPS THE CAR MAKES, BUT IT'S NOT. THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS REPLACED, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUES TO MAKE A HIGH-PITCHED CHIRPING NOISE. I RETURNED TO TOYOTA SERVICE TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT, BUT THEY SAID THAT THIS IS A NORMAL SOUND THAT OTHER PRIUSES MAKE. THIS CONCERNS ME THAT THE BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE SINCE I'VE NEVER HEARD OF BRAKES THAT SOUND LIKE THIS.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
May 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11103813 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2018 · ODI 11103383Details +

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.

Reported
Jun 2018
Incident date
Jun 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11103383 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2018 · ODI 11078610Details +

WHEN USING IPHONE WITH BLUETOOTH RANDOM SONGS PLAY WHILE DIRECTIONAL NAVIGATION PROMPTS PLAY (SEE HTTP://OSXDAILY.COM/2017/07/29/STOP-AUTOPLAYING-MUSIC-IPHONE-CAR-BLUETOOTH/). THIS CREATES DRIVER DISTRACTION. THE PROBLEM IS MORE-SO WITH APPLE IOS RATHER THAN THE PRIUS IN PARTICULAR.

Reported
Mar 2018
Incident date
Mar 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11078610 at NHTSA →
Power TrainFeb 2018 · ODI 11074394Details +

THE GEAR WOULD SHIFT EITHER FROM 'DRIVE TO NEUTRAL' OR 'REVERSE TO NEUTRAL' THIS HAPPENED MORE THAN 10 TIMES WHEN I HAD MY SISTER, MOTHER, AND FATHER IN THE CAR. 1) IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE (ABOUT 20 DEGREE ANGEL) GOING UP THE HILL. I WENT TO PICK THEM UP, ALL 3 PF THEM WENT IN. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND GEAR ON DRIVE, WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE GEAR SHIFTED AUTOMATICALLY ON NEUTRAL. AFTER, 3 TRIES, THE CAR FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GO FORWARD WITHOUT STRUGGLE. 2) I WAS TRYING TO BACK IN ONE OF THE SPOT (FLAT GROUND), FOOT ON THE BRAKE, GEAR ON REVERSED. WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE GEAR SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AUTOMATICALLY. I STRUGGLED FOR 3-4 TIMES BEFORE THE WAS ABLE TO HOLD ON REVERSED AND PARK THE CAR SAFELY. 3) WHEN I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION (FLAT GROUND). I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WHEN I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO MAKE A TURN, MY FOOT ON THE FOOT AND GEAR ON DRIVE, WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE GEAR SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL OF THE THE SUDDEN, I HAD TO TRY 3-4 TIMES BEFORE IT WAS ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT A STRUGGLE 5) I WAS ON A HILL (ABOUT 20-30 DEGREE ANGLE) FACING UP. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND GEAR ON DRIVE, WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL. I STRUGGLED FOR 5-10 MINUTES (GOING FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL BACK IN FORTH) AS MY CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO HOLD DRIVE MODE, I EVENTUALLY ASKED MY FAMILY TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AS I WAS GETTING WORRIED AND FRUSTRATED, MY FAMILY WAS OUT OF THE CAR BUT I WAS STILL STRUGGLING, IN THE PROCESS I HIT A CAR BEHIND ME. 6) I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PARK THE CAR IN WITH ANY PASSENGERS AND SOMEWHERE FLAT GROUND. I LEFT MY CAR FOR 30 MINUTES AND CAME TO DRIVE MY CAR. I STARTED MY CAR, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND GEAR ON DRIVE. I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THEN MY GEAR SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AGAIN, I STRUGGLED FOR 3-4 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR WAS ABLE TO HOLD ON DRIVE

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11074394 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperFeb 2018 · ODI 11074007Details +

DRIVING 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE A PIECE OF DEBRIS HIT MY WINDSHIELD. THE PIECE WAS SO SMALL I DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE PIECE DID PRETTY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD AND IT SPIDERED OUT IN ALL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, LARGER THAN A QUARTER. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE BEEN IN OTHER VEHICLES AND HAD DEBRIS HIT THE WINDSHIELD THE SAME SITUATION THAT IS LARGER AND JUST BARLEY PUT A NICK IN THE WINDSHIELD. IVE READ ON COMPLAINTS ABOUT 16' AND 17' MODELS HAVING THIS ISSUE AS WELL AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE TOYOTA IS ADDRESSING THE ISSUE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF MY WINDSHIELD.

Reported
Feb 2018
Incident date
Feb 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11074007 at NHTSA →

Recalls(1)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Electrical SystemMay 2018 · 18V579000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Prius1.8L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive545052

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Toyota Prius: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Toyota Prius?

Owners filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Toyota Prius. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Toyota Prius?

The most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (14% of complaints) and visibility/wiper (14%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Prius have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2018 Toyota Prius, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Toyota Prius get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Toyota Prius at 52 mpg combined.