Toyota Motor Corp. recently made headlines with the announcement of a recall affecting 135,305 Prius vehicles produced between November 2022 and April 2024. The reason behind the recall is a faulty switch located on the rear door that has the potential to cause the door to open unexpectedly, posing a safety hazard to the vehicle's occupants and other road users. This issue, related to the waterproofing of the switch, could lead to a short circuit if exposed to a significant amount of water, ultimately resulting in the door opening without warning.
Chief officer Hiroyuki Ueda of Toyota's External and Public Affairs Group expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to Prius owners, emphasizing the company's commitment to addressing the problem promptly. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Toyota has taken the decision to suspend the production of the Prius temporarily. This recall has also impacted the operations at the Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota city, Aichi Prefecture, where Prius production has been halted since April 4, with only Corolla manufacturing scheduled to resume on April 18.
The transport ministry highlighted the potential risks associated with this defect, stressing that in extreme cases, the faulty switch could lead to the rear door opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion. In response to the recall, Toyota intends to rectify the issue by offering complimentary repairs to Prius owners affected by the faulty rear door switch. The company's proactive approach in addressing this safety concern demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its customers and maintaining high-quality standards in its vehicles.