Toyota has announced yet another large recall in the United States, this time impacting more than 1.41 lakh hybrid vehicles after a defect in the rear door system raised safety concerns. The move adds to a growing list of recent corrective actions by the Japanese auto giant as it navigates rising scrutiny over electronic components.
The recall covers 141,286 vehicles and centres on a fault that could cause a rear door to open while the car is moving, a risk that directly affects passenger safety.
According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, water may enter the rear door switch assembly in certain vehicles manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation. If moisture causes a short circuit and the door remains unlocked, the system may allow the door to unlatch unexpectedly.
In practical terms, that means a rear door could open while the vehicle is in motion. For families with children or elderly passengers seated at the back, the risk feels immediate and personal.
Toyota has said it has not received reports of crashes or injuries linked to the issue so far. Dealers will modify the rear door switch circuitry free of cost to prevent malfunction, and owner notification letters are expected to roll out by mid-March.
The recall applies to select model years of the Toyota Prius (2023–2026) and the Toyota Prius Prime (2023–2024 and certain 2025–2026 plug-in variants).
The Prius remains one of Toyota’s most recognisable hybrid nameplates, often associated with fuel efficiency and long-term reliability. For many American households, it serves as a daily commuter car, making the recall more than just a technical correction. It interrupts routine, raises concern, and forces dealership visits.
Owners can check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Toyota’s recall portal or the NHTSA database to confirm whether their vehicle falls under the campaign.
This development follows several recent recalls from Toyota. Earlier this year, the company recalled thousands of Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks over rear-view camera display issues. Later in the year 2025, Toyota and Lexus recalled over a million automobiles due to defects in the functioning of the cameras.
The pattern follows a wider industrial reality. Today's cars rely on electronic systems, sensors, and software. As the complexity grows, big brands also can't avoid quick recourse when a glitch pops up.
Meanwhile, for the owners of Toyota, the message is clear: check the VIN, make the appointment, and stay up to date. Safety, after all, begins with awareness.