Toyota has expanded its recall to 141,000 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles built between 2023 and 2026 after discovering that water can enter the electric rear‑door lock switch and cause a short circuit that may unlatch a rear door while the car is moving. The defect is linked to the Tokai Rika‑supplied lock system and is expected to affect only about 1% of the recalled fleet.
This recall is a repeat of the April 2024 recall (NHTSA 24V274) that addressed the same door‑lock issue in 2023‑24 models. Vehicles that were repaired under the earlier recall will receive a new remedy that modifies the left and right rear‑door switch circuits to prevent activation even if a short occurs. The new fix is designed to eliminate the risk that the door could open while the vehicle is in motion.
Owners will receive notification letters between March 15 and March 29, 2026, and dealers will perform the free repair. Toyota has not reported any injuries or crashes linked to the defect in the United States, and the company has stated that the recall is a proactive safety measure to protect rear‑seat passengers.
The recall will require significant dealer appointments and parts inventory, adding to Toyota’s operational costs and potentially straining service centers. However, the company’s prompt action and free repair program aim to mitigate reputational damage and maintain consumer confidence in its hybrid lineup. The repeat nature of the recall also signals to regulators that the initial fix was insufficient, which could lead to increased scrutiny of Toyota’s quality control processes.
The incident reflects a broader industry trend of electronic component failures caused by water intrusion, a concern that has prompted safety reviews in other markets, including a recent Canadian recall of nearly 20,000 vehicles. Toyota’s handling of the recall will be closely watched by competitors and regulators alike, as it underscores the importance of robust design and testing for critical safety systems in modern vehicles.
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