firmware update - is this available and should it be done?

I have a 2018 Prime Advanced and there definitely have been of few campaigns that were fixed via software updates.
One I remember vividly was one concerning the Prime going through a carwash and driving the senors nuts.

 

Yes. Also automatic wipers.

 

My dealership is not aware of any updates.

Without using a dealership, how would a Prius owner go about getting and installing these updates?

 

Dealers use a tool called a "Techstream". I believe it's available to 3rd Party service locations.

 

There are two types of software updates. Mandated safety updates and TSB updates, well both are TSB's, to fix customer complaints/issues.
Of course the safety updates MUST be installed, the others are only installed if a customer complaints about the TSB issue. Dealerships don't want to install a software patch, for fear that it will break something else that you do use on a frequent basis.
You'll have to some research and lookup TSB's and complaint to the dealership of that very issue. They'll probably tell you they can't reproduce the issue, that's when you mention the TSB states to reflash/update the firmware.

Another alternative is to find a dealership willing to update all your software to the latest versions.

Hope this helps.....

 

Well, I still have a 2018 and 2020 in the household... and there have been multiple software update campaigns for Canadian builds for both of these years.

However, it does help to be specific since there are a lot of modules/subsystems in almost any modern car that are subject to their own software updates. For instance, the head unit on the Advanced/Technology is one of those. To make it more confusing, the head unit can be more frequently updated for the maps alone (I do so every two years).

I would go to another dealer for a second opinion. Preferably one that is up-to-date in training their staff.
For instance, at my dealer, only technicians trained to service hybrids are allowed to touch these cars. Even for simple tasks as oil changes. Overkill? Perhaps.
Also at my dealer, the service advisor is able to search and find updates for these various systems, both optional/recommended and mandatory/safety campaign updates as the cars are being admitted. But then, once in the service bay, there have been times the technician was able to identify more once the vehicle was plugged in to TechStream.
Anyhow, I keep all the service invoices for this reason, not just to show the cars were serviced at proper intervals but also all the minor and TSB campaigns.

Cheers