2018 Toyota Prius Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 14%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2018 Toyota Prius, 14% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car is inadequate in the winter. When it snows I can't keep the windows clean. They changed the fittings and I can't even put winter blades on the car. Also, and this applies to almost all new cars as well, the LED lights freeze over. It's a safety hazard not to have lights that work. And it's a safety hazard to have to get out of the car in dangerous conditions to try and scrape ice off the windows and lights. The front and rear lights get caked with ice and snow. This picture is of my windshield after an hour of warming up. The wipers stay caked with ice. …”
NHTSA complaint #11278866, filed 2019-11, 26,000 miles“Automatic high beams dim and then fail to brighten intermittently. When driving, automatic high beams function as intended then the dash indicator spontaneously turns off and the headlights fail to brighten. Vehicle has been to the dealership service department twice for this. The second time , the dealer was able to duplicate the problem both in my vehicle and in a 2019 Prius from the inventory. Toyota technical assistance is adamant that the problem is normal functionality. I fail to understand how the high beams not brightening when they should during night driving is normal functionality.”
NHTSA complaint #11278660, filed 2019-11, 25,000 miles“Both taillamps holding moisture. Could cause electrical issues or fire. .. same year and model car have same reported issues and were fixed by manufacturer. This vehicle is the same but different level.”
NHTSA complaint #11724219, filed 2026-03“The automatic high beams will occasionally fail to operate and are stuck in low beams until about 2 minutes have passed, or until the automatic high beams switch is turned off to disable the system. This seems to be a software issue, as it seems to occur when an approaching vehicle passes by with bright lights. When this happens, all high beams are disabled for a couple of minutes, even if the high beam lever is switched to low beams and back to high.”
NHTSA complaint #11511131, filed 2023-03Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 33% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 4 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 14% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 | 6 | 3% |
| 2013 | 12 | 3% |
| 2012 | 36 | 8% |
| 2011 | 48 | 9% |
| 2010 | 149 | 5% |
| 2009 | 111 | 22% |
| 2008 | 579 | 39% |
| 2007 | 1,060 | 53% |
| 2006 | 941 | 65% |
| 2005 | 346 | 33% |
| 2004 | 184 | 30% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Toyota Prius
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Toyota Prius
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology