Toyota Prius Doors Could Fly Open, Cars Recalled

Toyota is calling back more than 140,000 Prius electric vehicles, the automaker recently announced. 

The cars’ rear doors may not correctly lock and may accidentally open due to water damage, according to Toyota. Faulty electrical switches are to blame for the snafu, the automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

“If the door is unlocked when this occurs, the door could open unexpectedly, and there will be a notification on the combination meter, and a buzzer will sound if the vehicle is in motion,” Toyota said in a recall notice. “If the door opens unexpectedly while driving, this could increase the risk of injury to occupants.”

The recall covers Prius hybrid and plug-in hybrid hatchbacks for model years 2023 to 2026. 

Seals on the electrical switches may fail under certain conditions, particularly when exposed to large amounts of water, such as during car washes, Toyota said. The risk may increase if doors are slammed shut, allowing water to penetrate the switch and cause short circuits.

Toyota, which received at least three related warranty claims, said it is not aware of any accident or injuries related to the problem. The automaker plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by the end of March. Owners, in the meantime, can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are part of the recall.

Toyota will ask owners to bring their cars to dealers for inspection and repair. “Toyota dealers will modify the left and right rear door switch circuits to prevent the switch from activating even if it is shorted,” the company said.

California Lemon Law Rights for Toyota Drivers

The world’s leading automakers recall millions of vehicles each year due to defects and malfunctions that pose serious safety risks. Recalls are often announced long after defective cars leave the factory and hit the road. 

Earlier this year, for example, Toyota recalled a small number of Highlander sport utility vehicles due to a serious seatbelt problem. The company said the SUVs’ third-row center seatbelts may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.

Fortunately, Californians have important rights and protections regarding malfunctioning and defective cars. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get your car fixed, with the vehicle manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back covered vehicles that they are not able to or refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

Talk with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back. Our attorneys combine decades of experience in these cases and have a strong track record of successful results.

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.