RoadVitals

2018 Toyota Prius Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
35
Latest Jun 26, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Toyota Prius, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Visibility615.8%
  • Exterior lighting513.2%
  • Brakes410.5%
  • Driver assistance410.5%
  • Airbags37.9%
  • Body & structure37.9%
  • Engine37.9%
  • Interior & seats37.9%
  • Fuel system25.3%
  • Powertrain (other)25.3%
  • Electrical25.3%
  • Other / unspecified12.6%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11656375 · filed Apr 23, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11399109 · filed Mar 4, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11724219 · filed Mar 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11511131 · filed Mar 10, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11629049 · filed Dec 5, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11271167 · filed Oct 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11629049 · filed Dec 5, 2024

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

NHTSA ID 11472644 · filed Jul 6, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11575061 · filed Mar 2, 2024

AIRBAG LIGHT ON

NHTSA ID 11521644 · filed May 12, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11397301 · filed Feb 22, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID 11271167 · filed Oct 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11746813 · filed Jun 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11650717 · filed Mar 26, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11670706 · filed Jul 2, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11552860 · filed Oct 31, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11472644 · filed Jul 6, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11470356 · filed Jun 22, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11472644 · filed Jul 6, 2022

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

NHTSA ID 11074394 · filed Feb 22, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11683274 · filed Aug 26, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11296751 · filed Jan 2, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11161416 · filed Dec 14, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .