Toyota has announced a recall affecting approximately 141,000 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles due to a risk of rear doors opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. The recall encompasses 2023–2026 Toyota Prius models, 2023–2024 Prius Prime vehicles, and 2025–2026 Prius Plug-In Hybrid models sold in the United States.
The issue arises from a malfunction in the electric rear door lock system, which may occur if water infiltrates a door switch, potentially leading to a short circuit. If the rear door is not securely locked under certain conditions, it may unlatch while driving. This scenario increases the risk of injury, especially for rear-seat passengers. In such cases, drivers will receive a warning notification on the dashboard accompanied by an audible alert if the switch activates while the vehicle is in motion.
While the precise number of affected vehicles remains unclear, the issue was confirmed following internal testing and an incident reported overseas. Fortunately, Toyota stated there have been no reports of injuries or accidents in the U.S. linked to the defect thus far.
To address the problem, Toyota dealers will modify the circuit of the left and right rear door switches to ensure that the switch cannot activate, even if it experiences a short circuit. This repair will be provided at no charge to vehicle owners. Notifications to affected customers are expected to be sent out by late March. Affected owners can also check for recalls by visiting Toyota’s or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s websites and entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate information.
Why this story matters: Manufacturer recalls highlight potential safety concerns and the importance of addressing them proactively.
Key takeaway: Toyota is taking steps to rectify a potentially hazardous issue with certain Prius models at no cost to vehicle owners.
Opposing viewpoint: Some consumers may feel frustrated by the need for recalls, questioning vehicle reliability and the manufacturer’s quality control measures.
