Toyota has issued a recall for certain 2023-2024 Prius models due to a concerning safety issue with the rear doors. The recall addresses a problem where water ingress can lead to a short circuit in the electronic rear door latches, potentially causing them to open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.
Approximately 211,000 Prius and Prius Prime units worldwide are affected by the recall, including models sold in Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia. In the United States alone, around 55,000 vehicles are subject to the recall. To rectify the issue, Toyota will replace both the right and left rear door opener switches with enhanced components at no cost to the owners.
As a precautionary measure, Toyota advises owners to activate the automatic locking feature when shifting into gear. This additional safety measure can help prevent unintended door openings, mitigating the risk associated with the faulty door latches. However, given the potential safety implications, Toyota urges affected Prius owners to take immediate action to address the recall.
For more information about the recall and to check if their vehicle is affected, Prius owners can visit Toyota’s recall website or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).