Toyota Prius Recall 2026, 142,000 Vehicles Affected By Faulty Door Switches—Check If Yours Needs Free Repair
What Is The Toyota Prius Door Switch Recall About?
Toyota issued a safety recall affecting approximately 142,000 Prius vehicles in the U.S. due to faulty electric door switches that can cause rear doors to open unexpectedly while driving. This isn’t Toyota’s first attempt to fix the problem. The recall expands an earlier April 2024 recall for the same issue, meaning vehicles already repaired must return to dealers for a second fix.
Water can enter the rear door switch and cause a short circuit, allowing an unlocked rear door to open unexpectedly. The defect affects the electric door opener switches on rear passenger doors. When water infiltrates these switches during car washes or heavy rain, it triggers a malfunction that pops the door open while you’re driving.
Toyota Prius recall 2026, door switch defect, rear doors opening while driving, affected models, free repair
NHTSA Recall Number: 26V-049
Recent Update: January 28, 2026 – Toyota filed recall expansion; owner notifications begin March 15, 2026
Which Toyota Prius Models Are Affected?
The recall covers three Prius variants manufactured between October 2022 and November 2025:
102,515 units of 2023-2025 Toyota Prius hatchbacks built between October 11, 2022 and November 3, 2025
23,243 units of 2023-2024 Toyota Prius Prime models built between October 13, 2022 and December 23, 2024
15,528 units of 2025-2026 Prius Plug-In Hybrid built between December 26, 2024 and November 3, 2025
Here’s critical information many owners don’t know: Toyota estimates only 1% of recalled vehicles actually have the defect, but the company cannot determine which cars are affected without inspecting each one.
How The Door Switch Defect Happens
The switches have a seal designed to prevent water from reaching electrical components controlling the rear-door locking system, but that seal can fail when exposed to large amounts of water, especially during car washes.
When the seal fails and water shorts the circuit, your dashboard displays a warning icon and sounds a chime. But if you’re on the highway with passengers in the back, that warning may come too late.
Timeline Of The Toyota Prius Recall
Toyota first received a report of an issue in February 2025 with a Japanese-market vehicle, conducted an investigation to determine the cause, and submitted a voluntary recall to the NHTSA on January 28, 2026.
Owner notification letters will be mailed starting March 15, 2026. Toyota will contact all affected owners by late March 2026.
What Toyota Dealers Will Fix For Free
Dealers will modify the left and right rear door switch circuits to prevent the switch from activating, even if it is shorted, free of charge. Unlike the 2024 recall repair that failed to solve the problem, this fix prevents switch activation even when water causes a short circuit.
Any owner who already paid for repairs related to this defect before the recall announcement may be entitled to reimbursement. Save your receipts and contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
How To Check If Your Prius Is Affected
Visit NHTSA’s recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You’ll find your VIN on the driver’s side dashboard visible through the windshield, or on your vehicle registration.
You can also check Toyota’s official recall portal at Toyota.com/recall by entering your VIN or license plate information.
Toyota reports no accidents from this defect and only three warranty claims have been filed. Still, the safety risk is real. Similar vehicle defects have led to serious injuries when doors open at highway speeds.
What You Should Do Next
Don’t wait for the March letter. Check your VIN now using NHTSA’s tool. If your Prius is affected, contact your nearest authorized Toyota dealer to schedule the free repair as soon as parts become available.
Until your vehicle is repaired, make sure rear doors remain locked while driving. The defect only causes doors to open when they’re unlocked.
If you’ve already paid out-of-pocket for door switch repairs before this recall was announced, gather your documentation and submit a reimbursement request to Toyota.
Other Recent Toyota Recalls You Should Know
Toyota isn’t alone in facing door-related safety defects. Ram recently recalled over 72,000 trucks for instrument panel displays that go blank while driving, and Ford recalled 119,000 vehicles over engine heater fire risks. These recalls highlight how critical it is to stay informed about safety defects affecting your vehicle.
FAQs About The Toyota Prius Door Switch Recall
When Was This Recall Issued?
Toyota submitted the recall to NHTSA on January 28, 2026. This is an expansion of an earlier recall issued in April 2024 that failed to permanently fix the problem.
Is The Repair Really Free?
Yes. Federal law requires manufacturers to cover all recall repairs at no cost to owners, regardless of warranty status or whether you’re the original owner.
How Long Will The Repair Take?
Toyota dealers will modify the rear door switch circuits. The repair typically takes a few hours, depending on parts availability and dealer scheduling.
What If My Door Already Opened While Driving?
Document everything. Take photos, save medical records if anyone was injured, and file a report with NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-owners. You may have legal options beyond the free recall repair if the defect caused injury or property damage.
Do I Need To Keep My Rear Doors Locked Until Repair?
Yes. The defect only causes unlocked doors to open unexpectedly. Keep rear doors locked while driving until the repair is completed.
Can I Still Drive My Prius Before The Repair?
NHTSA hasn’t issued a “Do Not Drive” warning. However, exercise caution, especially with rear passengers. Keep doors locked and schedule your repair immediately.
What If I Sold My Prius?
Recall obligations transfer with the vehicle. Notify the new owner about the open recall so they can get the free repair.
Last Updated: February 9, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides information about the Toyota Prius door switch recall based on official NHTSA filings and Toyota statements. It is not legal advice. For vehicle-specific questions, contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Next Steps: Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls today. Don’t wait for the March notification letter.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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