Toyota Recalls Over 141,000 Prius Vehicles Due to Rear Door Latch Defect
Areazine synthesizes this NHTSA vehicle recall directly from NHTSA's official public data feed. See our methodology for full source attribution and refresh cadence.
Toyota is recalling approximately 141,286 Prius models because water entry into the rear door switch could cause doors to open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.
What this NHTSA vehicle recall tells you, and what most readers miss
This notice was issued by NHTSA on April 6, 2026 and geographically references United States. Its severity classification of "high" signals how the issuing agency weighs the risk of harm if no action is taken - "critical" and "high" tier alerts typically carry direct consumer actions, while "medium" and "low" tend toward informational guidance or monitoring advisories. The category it belongs to - Vehicle Recalls - determines the consumer-protection framework behind it, which shapes what remedies (refunds, replacements, repairs, or the recall itself) are available to affected consumers and which agency holds statutory responsibility for enforcement.
Most readers skim a notice like this, check whether they are personally affected, and move on. The more useful lens is to verify its scope, source, and timestamp, then compare related notices without assuming that one record proves a broader trend.
Areazine pairs this record with the original agency URL so you can check the primary source before acting. Its related labels are recall, product-safety, nhtsa, Automotive.
What Happened
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain Prius vehicles due to a defect in the electrical system's wiring and switches. According to the manufacturer, water may enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit. This malfunction can allow an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly.
Which Products Are Affected
The recall affects approximately 141,286 units. The following models and years are included:
- 2023-2024 Toyota Prius Prime
- 2023-2026 Toyota Prius
- 2025-2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
What You Should Do
Owners are advised to take their vehicles to an authorized Toyota dealer to have the rear door switch circuits modified. This repair will be performed free of charge. Toyota expects to mail owner notification letters on March 15, 2026.
Consumers may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's internal reference numbers for this recall are 26TB03 and 26TA03.
Note: This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 24V274. Owners of vehicles that were repaired under the previous recall must still have this new remedy performed.
Why This Matters
A vehicle door that opens unexpectedly while the car is in motion significantly increases the risk of injury to occupants and poses a safety hazard to others on the road.
Source
Original source: NHTSA Official Notice ↗
Related Vehicle Recalls
All Vehicle Recalls →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this NHTSA vehicle recall.