A near-perfect record
The 2018 Prius drew about half the model's average complaints per car sold and has few recalls. It is a very low-risk used car.
Updated November 2026 · based on 52 owner complaints and 1 recalls
59 49% below the Prius average
1 free to fix at a dealer
Every Prius year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Brake feel
A small number report inconsistent brake feel, normal for regenerative brakes but worth testing.
Fix: Inspection $100.
Brakes
Catalytic converter theft
Not a defect, but Prius converters are a frequent theft target.
Fix: Converter $1,500 to $3,000; a shield costs $150 to $300.
Exhaust
Warning lights
Occasional dash warnings, often from a weak 12-volt battery.
Fix: 12-volt battery $200 to $300.
Electrical
Recalls
An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Toyota Prius
- Check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Prius has 1 recall on record, listed below.
- Look under the car to see if the catalytic converter has a shield.Fresh oil or fuel under or around the engine means a leak. Small leaks are cheap to fix, but fuel and oil near hot parts are a fire risk.
- Ask the age of the 12-volt battery.Many electrical glitches on these cars trace back to a weak 12-volt battery or a failing alternator. A battery older than about four years is worth replacing.
Questions
Is the 2018 Toyota Prius reliable?
A near-perfect record. The 2018 Prius drew about half the model's average complaints per car sold and has few recalls. It is a very low-risk used car.
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Prius have?
1 recall. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Prius problems?
Brake feel; Catalytic converter theft; Warning lights.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.