Toyota has issued a safety recall affecting the latest Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid, after discovering a fault that could cause the rear doors to open unexpectedly.
The recall covers 141,286 Toyota Prius models built between 2023 and 2026, including both self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
According to regulatory filings, the issue centres on the electrical switches used for the rear door locking and release system, which may fail under certain conditions.
At the heart of the problem is a seal within the door-opener switch assembly. Its job is to keep water away from the electrical components, but Toyota has found that the seal can be compromised when exposed to significant moisture.
Situations such as automated car washes, combined with repeatedly slamming the rear doors, can allow water – particularly soapy water – to seep inside. If that moisture causes a short circuit while the vehicle is unlocked, the rear door may release on its own.
Toyota’s documentation confirms that a warning icon will appear in the instrument cluster and an audible chime will sound if the fault occurs. Even so, the manufacturer acknowledges the risk of passenger injury, which has triggered the formal recall process.
The issue was detailed in filings submitted to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and while the notice applies to North American vehicles, UK owners are being advised to stay alert for official communication from Toyota GB.
The fix is straightforward. Owners will be invited to book their car into an authorised Toyota dealer, where the rear door switches will be inspected and repaired or replaced if necessary to prevent activation caused by water intrusion.
Toyota states that no accidents have been reported and only three warranty claims are linked to the defect. Dealer notifications are already underway, with owner letters scheduled to be issued by 29 March 2026.
