Car Yearsto Avoid

2018 Toyota Prius Problems

What owners have reported about the 2018 Toyota Prius, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2018 Toyota Prius a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Prius. Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, engine and lights.

37 complaints 1 recall, 1 fire risk 11th worst of 13 Prius years

Top 2018 Toyota Prius problems

1

Wiper and visibility problems

6 complaints (16%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the exterior.

Complaints 6 · Usually at 10,000–26,000 miles

2

Engine problems

5 complaints (14%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system.

Complaints 5 · Usually at 69,000–114,000 miles

3

Lighting problems

5 complaints (14%) name the lights.

Complaints 5 · Usually at 21,000–26,000 miles

4

Brake problems

4 complaints (11%) name the brakes, most often the ABS warning light.

Complaints 4 · Usually at 6,000–23,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Unknown or Other 16%
Wipers and Visibility 16%
Engine 14%
Lights 14%
Brakes 11%
Acceleration 11%
Body 8%
Airbags 8%
Transmission 5%
Seats 5%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (24 of 37). The amber line is the middle value, about 13,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2018 Toyota Prius recalls

Wiring

Fire risk

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. An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V579000 · Sep 2018
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Prius years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2010 Prius 2,823
2008 Prius 1,497
2011 Prius 521
2009 Prius 502
2012 Prius 424
2013 Prius 412
2014 Prius 208
2015 Prius 166
2016 Prius 155
2017 Prius 91
2018 Prius 37
2019 Prius 30
2024 Prius 27

Common questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Prius a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Prius. Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA, the 11th most of 13 Prius model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, engine and lights.

What are the most common 2018 Toyota Prius problems?

Owners most often report problems with the wipers and visibility, engine, lights and brakes. 6 complaints (16%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the exterior.

At what mileage do 2018 Toyota Prius wipers and visibility problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 10,000–26,000 miles, with a middle value near 22,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Prius have?

1. Wiring (18V579000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2018 Toyota Prius?

Ask for service records covering the wipers and visibility, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2019 and 2018 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.