2018 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (often abbreviated as the Prius PHV and known as the Prius Prime in North America, South Korea, and New Zealand) is a plug-in hybrid liftback manufactured by Toyota. The first-generation model was produced from 2012 to 2016. The second-generation model has been produced since 2016. Production of the third-generation model began in 2023.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid was the second most sold plug-in electric car in 2012, and became third-best all-time in December 2014. As sales declined after the end of its production, the Prius PHV fell to fifth place in the global ranking by November 2015, after being surpassed by both the Tesla Model S and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. As of December 2017, sales were led by North America with 66,800 units, followed by Japan with 48,800, and the European market with 13,100 units. The U.S. was the leading country market with 65,703 units sold by 2017. As of December 2019, cumulative global sales of both Prius plug-in generations totaled 209,000 units.
Concept and demonstration models
The Prius Plug-In Hybrid Concept was exhibited at the September 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the October 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, and the December 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicle was based on the third-generation Toyota Prius (model XW30) but outfitted with 5.2 kWh lithium-ion batteries. The selected battery capacity is the minimum required for a vehicle to be eligible for the U.S. federal tax credit of US$2,500, which under the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 is applicable to the first 200,000 plug-ins sold by an automaker.
After displaying the concept version in these three shows, a global demonstration program involving 600 pre-production test cars began in late 2009 and took place in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The demonstration vehicles were made available for lease to fleet and government customers, of which, 230 were delivered in Japan beginning in late December 2009, 125 in the U.S. by early 2010, and 200 in Europe in spring 2010. All program vehicles were equipped with data tracking devices to allow Toyota to monitor the car's usage for further development of the plug-in hybrid system.
The pre-production Prius Plug-in used three different batteries: two added batteries to provide all-electric drive and the standard hybrid battery which engages when the first two are depleted, allowing the car to operate like a regular hybrid Prius. According to Toyota, when the vehicle started, it operates in all-electric mode, drawing electrical power directly from the first battery pack. When the first battery was depleted, it disconnected from the circuit and the second pack engaged. When the second pack was depleted, it disconnected from the circuit and the vehicle defaulted to conventional hybrid mode, using the main battery as the sole electrical power source. Pack one and pack two would not reengage with the circuit until the vehicle was plugged in and charged.
According to Toyota, the demonstrator was rated at 1.76 L/100 km (134 mpg‑US; 161 mpg‑imp) on the Japanese JC08 cycle with a combined efficiency based on 43.6% of driving in EV mode, and CO2 emissions of 41 g/km. Fuel efficiency operating as a gasoline-electric hybrid, like the regular Prius, is 3.3 L/100 km (72 mpg‑US; 86 mpg‑imp) with CO2 emissions of 76 g/km.
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Common 2018 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems
The Toyota Prius Plug-In is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that offers an extended electric driving range compared to the regular Toyota Prius. While the car has been praised for its reliability and economy, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most significant issues is related to the brake booster pump. In some cars built between April 26 and June 3, 2019, the brake booster pump may stop working, leading to increased braking effort required to slow down the vehicle. Toyota dealers can replace the pump to solve the issue.
Another problem is related to the inverter in the hybrid system. In cars made between January 18 and December 10, 2016, the inverter may be loose, requiring replacement by a Toyota dealer.
A part of the engine wiring harness could chafe on the engine, wearing through the insulation material and potentially leading to a fire. This issue affects cars built between March 23, 2016, and May 14, 2018.
The combination meter or instrument cluster of some examples manufactured between July 10 and 31, 2019, could short circuit and go blank. Toyota dealers can replace the cluster to prevent further issues.
In addition to these specific issues, some owners have reported problems with the exhaust system, including muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, and leaks. These issues can result in replacement costs of around $500.
The small battery (not the hybrid one) in some 2018 Toyota Prius models may need jump-starting if the car is driven for short distances, approximately 2 miles between starts. Toyota suggests using a trickle charger to prevent this issue, which is not uncommon for a Prius.
Finally, some owners have reported cracked windshields that needed replacement.
It is worth noting that the Toyota Prius Plug-In did not feature in the hybrid category of the latest reliability survey, but Toyota as a brand finished in an excellent second place out of 32 manufacturers.
What are the most common problems on a 2018 Prius?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. ...
- Electrical Accessories. ...
- Paint And Trim. ...
- EV Battery. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Steering And Suspension.
How many miles does a 2018 Prius last?
With regular maintenance, a Toyota Prius owner can expect to get between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their Prius, with some owners topping the 300,000-mile mark and going strong. As the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius has an established history of reliable service for more than two decades.
How long does a plug in Prius last?
The spark plugs and battery on the other hand can last for up to one hundred thousand miles before needing to be replaced. As for the transmission.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
What are the most common problems on a 2018 Prius?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. ...
- Electrical Accessories. ...
- Paint And Trim. ...
- EV Battery. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Steering And Suspension.
What is the most common problem of Toyota Prius?
A list of some of the most common issues Prius owners have to deal with.
- Bluetooth Echos During Calls. ...
- Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
- Unintended Acceleration. ...
- Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
- Prius Headlight Problems. ...
- Prius Brake Defects. ...
- Toyota Excessive Oil Consumption.
How long do Prius plug in batteries last?
8 to 10 years
How long do Toyota Prius batteries last? The general estimation is that it will run effectively for 8 to 10 years or anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, but there are factors that will help determine which end of the spectrum your battery life falls on.
What is the range of the 2018 Prius Prime plug in hybrid?
25 miles
A CVT routes power to the front wheels. The Prius Prime delivers an EPA-rated (2017 figures) 55/53 mpg city/highway when in hybrid mode and can travel up to 25 miles on all-electric power (133 mpg-e combined). The Prime has a long driving range of 640 miles based on 45-percent highway and 55-percent city driving.
2018 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-16
- VIN: JTDKARFU7J3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: DRIVING 60 MPH ON INTERSTATE A PIECE OF DEBRIS HIT MY WINDSHIELD. THE PIECE WAS SO SMALL I DIDN'T EVEN SEE IT HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE PIECE DID PRETTY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD AND IT SPIDERED OUT IN ALL DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, LARGER THAN A QUARTER. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE BEEN IN OTHER VEHICLES AND HAD DEBRIS HIT THE WINDSHIELD THE SAME SITUATION THAT IS LARGER AND JUST BARLEY PUT A NICK IN THE WINDSHIELD. IVE READ ON COMPLAINTS ABOUT 16' AND 17' MODELS HAVING THIS ISSUE AS WELL AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE TOYOTA IS ADDRESSING THE ISSUE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF MY WINDSHIELD.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid problems:
BATTERY LIFE PROBLEMS WITH PRIUS PLUG-IN | PriusChat
This seems to be an inherent problem, not widely known or discussed. Though the car may be switched off, there is a small (50 mil amp, I am told) ...
What's Wrong with the Toyota Prius Plug-in?
The Most Common Prius Plug-in Problem · Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. Somewhere in the mid-2000's there was an industry-wide push by automakers to replace ...
2018 Prius Prime EV battery problem | PriusChat
Hello all members, My name is Can Doan and I live in Boston, MA. I bought my car from Expressway Toyota in Dorchester, MA.
2018 Toyota Prius Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Toyota Prius? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2018 Toyota Prius Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · Electrical Accessories · Paint And Trim · EV Battery · Brakes · Steering And Suspension · Engine Major · Electric Motor.
Other years of Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid
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