The fifth-generation Toyota Prius is undoubtedly the most appealing version of the seminal hybrid there’s been yet, still offering all the fuel economy benefits the model’s always brought to the table but with some newfound design flare and driver appeal.
Things haven’t all been smooth sailing for the car since it launched in 2022, though – in 2024, it was hit with a recall because a fault was found that might cause the rear doors to open unexpectedly while the car was in motion. Now, it’s facing a second recall in North America, for the same issue no less.
Where One Door Closes, Another Opens
Two separate recalls for North American market Priuses were issued on 28 January, one by the NHTSA and another by Transport Canada, both highlighting the same issue. The potentially dangerous problem can be caused when water enters the car’s electric door latches.
According to the NHTSA recall notice, “Water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.” This, it goes without saying, is a problem if the car’s in motion, especially with rear passengers. The issue affects both regular and PHEV Priuses from between the 2023 and 2026 model years – potentially as many as 141,286 cars in the US, and a further 19,399 in Canada.
Not the First Time
If this all sounds a little familiar, it’s because it’s not the first time the Prius has been recalled for this exact issue, with an initial recall being announced in April 2024. Both the NHTSA and Transport Canada are announcing their recalls as an expansion of the original ones, and cars already repaired in 2024 will need to go back to the dealer for a second fix.
The repair is likely to be rolled out in the Spring, with March 15 earmarked in the US for owner notification letters to start getting sent out. In the meantime, Toyota advises that owners activate the automatic door-locking function (which we hope they might have been able to figure out themselves). Hopefully, this second fix solves the issue once and for all, and owners of the otherwise very good fifth-gen Prius can go about their business free from worries about their doors suddenly springing open.
About the author
Mike Bartholomew
News Editor