Toyota has identified that water infiltration into the Prius locks can cause the doors to open while driving
Toyota issued an urgent statement extending the recall to Prius and Prius Prime models in Canada, after a critical safety flaw was found. The automaker identified that the rear doors of vehicles can unlock and open inadvertently while the car is in motion. The problem, which affects about 20 thousand units, stems from a deficiency in the insulation of electrical components against water.
According to the technical report, moisture infiltration into the rear door handles can cause a short circuit in the lock switches. If the doors are not locked by the central system, they can open without passenger intervention, drastically increasing the risk of accidents or ejection of occupants.
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The current call is an extension of a security campaign that began in 2024. The recurrence of the problem forces owners of models manufactured between 2023 and 2026, even those who have already undergone previous inspections, to return to dealerships. The ultimate solution involves replacing the opening switches with new components with reinforced sealing.
While the repair is not carried out, Toyota recommends a palliative measure: activate the automatic door locking function when engaging gear (position “P” to “D”). According to the brand’s engineering, the central locking system overrides the false command generated by the short circuit, ensuring the temporary safety of the occupants until the visit to the workshop.
Simultaneously, the Japanese automaker recalled 12,179 units of the Tundra pickup (including hybrid versions), 2024 and 2025 models. The defect, in this case, is electronic: an error in the management software of the panoramic view monitor. The failure can cause the image of the reversing camera to freeze or not be displayed, compromising visibility in maneuvers. Unlike the Prius, the repair of the Tundra is simpler, requiring only a software update in the vehicle’s multimedia center.
