2018 Toyota Prius c Problems & Complaints

Better than average62% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Prius c at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2018 Toyota Prius c with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 62% fewer than a typical Prius c model year at the same age, making the 2018 one of the better Prius c years. The most reported problem area is the windows, wipers & sunroof (1 complaint, typically around 10,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

6complaints
2recalls
1crashes
0fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most common 2018 Toyota Prius c problems

  • Other / not specified~10,000 miles
    350%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~10,000 miles
    117%
  • Steering~25,000 miles
    117%
  • Electrical system
    117%
  • Engine & cooling
    117%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    117%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Toyota Prius c complaints by model year

20122013201420152016201864573317126
Owner complaints per model year, Toyota Prius c. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Prius c years: 2018, 2016, 2015. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013. Compare all years →

2018 Toyota Prius c recalls (2)

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA recall 19V-491 · Jun 26, 2019 · 464 vehicles

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.

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.

Equipment › Other › Labels

NHTSA recall 18V-176 · Mar 15, 2018 · 19 vehicles

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.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2018 Toyota Prius c:

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA investigation DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V-063

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.

2018 Toyota Prius c engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.5L 4-cyl hybridCVTFWD48 / 43 / 46

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Prius c a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Prius c rates better than average: 62% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Prius c at the same age. It is one of the best Prius c years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Toyota Prius c?

The windows, wipers & sunroof — 1 complaint, 17% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (1) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Prius c have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2018 Toyota Prius c, the most recent from June 26, 2019 (hybrid propulsion system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Prius c?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2016 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2013. See the full Toyota Prius c years comparison.

At what mileage do 2018 Toyota Prius c problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.