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Toyota Recalls 141,286 Prius Models Over Rear Doors That Can Open While Driving

Owners will be contacted in late March for a no-cost dealer fix.

Overview

  • Scope includes 102,515 2023–2025 Prius hatchbacks, 23,243 2023–2024 Prius Prime PHEVs, and 15,528 2025–2026 Prius Plug‑In Hybrids sold in the U.S.
  • Water intrusion can short the electronic rear door switch and let an unlocked door unlatch, a risk heightened by car washes, detergents, or slamming the door.
  • Dealers will modify both rear door switch circuits to block unintended activation even if a switch shorts, and Toyota will reimburse owners who already paid for repairs.
  • Toyota says it has no reports of related crashes or injuries in the U.S.; if a rear door opens in motion, a dashboard alert and buzzer notify the driver.
  • Toyota cannot pre‑identify specific vehicles and listed a 1% estimated defect rate; dealers were notified Jan. 28, with owner mailings planned for Mar. 15–29 under NHTSA campaign 26V049 (Toyota 26TB03/26TA03).