This page covers 1 recall, 34 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Toyota Prius.
52 mpg combined
4.5 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints filed for the 2018 Prius spread across several systems, with exterior lighting and visibility drawing the most reports. Owners frequently describe moisture accumulating inside the taillamps, raising concerns about water intrusion affecting the rear lighting assembly. Wiper and visibility issues make up the next cluster, followed by vehicle speed control complaints. A handful of owners report problems with door lock actuators failing to operate, requiring the physical key to open the vehicle. Isolated reports include a side mirror reportedly shattering without impact and a check engine light tied to a failed heat exchanger, catalytic converter, and exhaust system diagnosis. The taillamp moisture pattern appears most consistently across multiple accounts, with owners describing both left and right assemblies affected.
34
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
At a glance
What can fail
The engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit can wear against its cover and short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wire harness and replace it if damaged, then add protective sleeve or tape to prevent future wear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
