RoadVitals

2018 Toyota Prius C

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Jul 4, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 26, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Toyota Prius C, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 169 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance116.7%
  • Electrical116.7%
  • Engine116.7%
  • Powertrain (other)116.7%
  • Steering116.7%
  • Visibility116.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Jun 26, 2019
464 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles. The DC-DC converter may fail resulting in the auxiliary battery no longer receiving power from the converter, which may cause a loss of drive.
The risk: A loss of drive increases the risk of crash.
The remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is K0K.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number K0KView on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Mar 15, 2018
19 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Prius C vehicles sold in Puerto Rico. The front passenger air bag and recommended child occupant seating positions label may not have been attached during assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: If the label is missing, occupants may not follow the proper restraint usage guidelines, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Toyota will notify owners and will mail the removable labels to all known owners of the subject vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0L.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number J0LView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP22005ClosedDefect Petition

Pedestrian alert sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023
Closed Aug 7, 2023

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEMLed to recall 22V063000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 4, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

I entered a large, strip mall parking area and was driving at the vastly reduced speed one would use in such a situation. My intention was to park my car to enter a store in the mall. I turned a corner to park on the side of the building (parking options were limited). As I entered a parking space (moving at the speed one would drive to do so; essentially INCREDIBLY slowly; moving forward into the space at almost 0 MPH and already applying the brake). Suddenly and with no warning, the car violently lurched forward at a vastly increased speed. I pressed down on the brake harder to try to stop the vehicle, but it propelled into and over the concrete curb stop and into the thick brick wall in front of me. There is considerable damage to the front end of my vehicle as a result. I was horrified at this dangerous situation. My safety was definitely at risk. I feel very fortunate that I wasn't seriously injured (and that no one, either a pedestrian or another driver, was involved in the accident). The airbags didn't deploy and I was of course, wearing my safety belt, which kept me from any severe injury. I do feel some physical injury effects this morning however (sore neck, shoulder, back; a slight headache). I'm not aware of any warning lamps, messages, etc. going off, but I must say everything happened very quickly. I've reported the accident to my insurance company & filed a claim. Given that the incident happened on the evening before the July 4th holiday, my insurance company scheduled vehicle towing (flatbed) for my car. It's my understanding that it's being stored at the tow company location & will be delivered tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/5/23) to the certified body repair facility recommended by my insurance company and chosen by me. An insurance adjuster will be doing their evaluation, likely in the next few days, at the earliest tomorrow morning. I've also advised the insurance company of these details & told them of my safety concerns and fears.

NHTSA ID
11530344
Incident
Jul 3, 2023
Electrical
Filed Dec 1, 2021

Certain 2018+ and all later Toyota Prius C modes have a 12V battery for which there is currently no OEM or aftermarket replacement. The battery has a form factor (shape and size) that is exclusive to these vehicles and not used in any other car sold in North America. Vehicles with failed batteries (like mine) cannot be operated. Toyota should retrofit these cars to accommodate the battery used in early (pre-2017) model cars which is electrically identical and available as an aftermarket replacement item.

NHTSA ID
11442218
Incident
Dec 1, 2021
Steering
Filed Sep 27, 2020

IRECEIVED THE WARNING THAT "PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THIS MORNING. THE WARNING MESSAGE ASKED ME TO STOP THE CAR AT A SAFE PLACE AND VISIT THE DEALER. AS SOON AS I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR STOPPED ITSELF, AND THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED. AFTER TURN OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY FOR A FEW MINUTES, I CAN RESTART THE CAR WITH THE WARNING MESSAGE PERSISTS. WHILE I WAS LOOKING FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PARK THE CAR, THE CAR GRADUALLY STOPPED ITSELF AGAIN, AND THE WHEEL STEERING LOCKED ITSELF AGAIN. THE CAR FAILURE AND THE FACT THAT THE STEERING WHEEL GOT LOCKED ITSELF PUT ME AND MY PASSENGER AT GREAT DANGER.

NHTSA ID
11361389
Incident
Sep 27, 2020
Mileage
24,578 mi
Filed Mar 19, 2019

THE PRE-COLLISION HAS NEVER WORKED , TOOK IT IN TO TOYOTA AND THEY SAID IT WAS GOOD AND THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO TEST IN REAL LIFE . BUT IT HAS NOT WORKED SINCE CAR WAS NEW . THERE HAVE BEEN MANY TIMES WHEN THERE WAS A CAR VERY CLOSE STOPPED OR MOVING SLOW IN FRONT OF CAR AND I AM APPARENTLY READY TO HIT ,BUT NO ALARM OR SIGNAL.

NHTSA ID
11190132
Incident
Mar 16, 2019
Mileage
1,500 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 4, 2018
1 injury reported

WHILE ON MY MORNING COMMUTE ON THE FREEWAY THE MOONROOF UNEXPECTEDLY EXPLODED SHOWERING FRAGMENTS OF GLASS INTO THE VEHICLE. ONE SHARD ACTUALLY SPLINTERED INTO MY FINGER REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION I HAVE NUMEROUS PICTURES ON MY PHONE

NHTSA ID
11133398
Incident
Oct 1, 2018
Mileage
10,222 mi
Filed Oct 4, 2018
1 injury reported

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME THE MOONROOF UNEXPECTEDLY EXPLODED SHOWERING THE INTERIOR WITH RAZOR SHARP SHARDS OF GLASS WHICH INFLICTED A SPLINTER. AFTER CONTACTING TOYOTA, I WAS INFORMED THAT MOONROOFS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY I HAVE PICTURES ON MY PHONE OF THESE SHARDS...

NHTSA ID
11133378
Incident
Oct 2, 2018
Mileage
10,233 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0119-15 Rev2

ENGINE

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

T-SB-0009-26

ENGINE

This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while performing a rescue charge. The GRX-5100 should be used wherever the Repair Manual references the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) charger.

T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

T-SB-0058-23 Rev1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota Prius C by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021000
2020000
2019011
2018Viewing621
2017211
2016120142.4
2015171150.4
2014320150.0
2013560153.6
2012630253.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.