2018 Toyota Prius V

2018 Toyota Prius V

The 2018 Toyota Prius V is a hybrid hatchback that offers a spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and a comfortable ride. It comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Other engine and transmission options include:

• 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with ECVT (electric continuously variable transmission): 134 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque
• 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission: 134 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque

Drivers appreciate the Prius V’s fuel efficiency and reliability, but some have encountered issues with its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

1.8-liter four-cylinder (all transmission options)

• Oil consumption: Excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage. Requires engine rebuild or replacement. $2,500 - $6,000+
• EGR system: Faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, causing reduced power and fuel efficiency. Replacement of EGR valve required. $500 - $1,000

Transmission

Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

• Slipping: Transmission slippage, resulting in loss of power and acceleration issues. Requires CVT replacement or rebuild. $3,000 - $5,000+
• Whining noise: Persistent whining noise during acceleration or deceleration. Typically caused by faulty bearings or gears. Repair involves transmission disassembly and replacement of affected parts. $1,000 - $2,500

Suspension

• Front strut mounts: Worn or damaged front strut mounts, causing clunking noises and reduced stability. Replacement of strut mounts and alignment required. $500 - $800
• Rear suspension: Sagging or uneven rear suspension, resulting in poor handling and reduced ride comfort. Repair involves replacement of springs or struts. $600 - $1,200

Electrical

• Battery drain: Premature battery discharge, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle. Requires battery replacement or repair of electrical system. $200 - $500
• Headlight wiring: Faulty headlight wiring, causing intermittent or complete headlight failure. Replacement of wiring harness or affected components needed. $500 - $1,000

Exterior

• Body panel gaps: Uneven or excessive gaps between body panels, affecting the vehicle’s overall appearance. Requires adjustment or replacement of panels. $500 - $1,500
• Windshield wiper motor: Malfunctioning windshield wiper motor, resulting in wipers failing to operate properly. Replacement of motor and linkage required. $300 - $600

Interior

• Dashboard creaking: Rattling or creaking noises emanating from the dashboard, particularly during uneven road conditions. Requires removal of dashboard and repair or replacement of affected parts. $500 - $1,000
• Seat belt sensor: Faulty seat belt sensor, causing the seat belt warning light to remain illuminated or the seat belt pre-tensioner to malfunction. Replacement of sensor or related components required. $200 - $500

Summary

The 2018 Toyota Prius V is a generally reliable vehicle, but it has experienced some issues with its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. While some issues, such as oil consumption and transmission slippage, can be severe and costly to repair, others are relatively minor and affordable. Overall, it’s important to research potential issues before purchasing a used Prius V and consider the cost of potential repairs.