Toyota Prius 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Toyota Prius 2018 and 37 complaints filed by owners. It has 17% fewer complaints than the average Toyota Prius from 2016–2025 (45 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Toyota Prius 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Toyota Prius 2018
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V579000 · 2018-09-05
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
37 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
5 with a crash · 2 injuries
Most reported problems on the Toyota Prius 2018
- Exterior lighting: 5 (14% of complaints)
- Wipers: 5 (14% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 4 (11% of complaints)
- Engine: 3 (8% of complaints)
- Engine and cooling: 3 (8% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Toyota Prius 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test cruise control and smooth throttle response.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Toyota Prius recalls by year
- 2016 : 5 recalls · 180 complaints
- 2017 : 3 recalls · 91 complaints
- 2018 : 1 recall · 37 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 30 complaints
- 2020 : 0 recalls · 14 complaints
- 2021 : 0 recalls · 6 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recall · 24 complaints
- 2023 : 4 recalls · 20 complaints
- 2024 : 4 recalls · 27 complaints
- 2025 : 2 recalls · 16 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Toyota Prius 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Toyota Prius 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Toyota Prius 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: exterior lighting (5 of 37 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 16, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).