Toyota Ireland has announced a voluntary recall of certain Toyota Prius vehicles due to a defect in the electric rear door lock system. The recall, issued on 17 April 2024, affects 250 vehicles in Ireland. The defect may cause the rear door to open unexpectedly, posing a risk of injury to occupants.
Affected Vehicles
- Model: Toyota Prius
- Production dates: 15 March 2023 – 29 March 2024
- Number affected in Ireland: 250 vehicles
- Distributor: Toyota Ireland
Details of the Fault
The affected Toyota Prius vehicles are fitted with an electric rear door lock system, which includes:
- A door opener switch
- A rear door lock release actuator
The issue arises from insufficient waterproofing of the door opener switch. If exposed to a large amount of water (e.g., at a car wash), water could enter the switch and cause a short circuit.
This may result in:
- The rear door opening unexpectedly if the door is unlocked
- A notification on the combination meter and an audible buzzer warning if the vehicle is in motion
- Increased risk of injury in the event of sudden door opening or during a crash
Risks
- Unexpected door opening during driving or in a collision
- Increased injury risk to occupants, particularly rear passengers
- Possible loss of load if items are stored in the rear compartment
What Owners Should Do
Toyota Ireland will contact owners of affected vehicles. Steps for owners:
- Schedule an appointment with an authorised Toyota service centre
- Have the rear door lock system inspected and corrected if necessary
- All recall repairs will be carried out free of charge
How to Check if Your Car is Affected
- Visit the Toyota Ireland website and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Contact Toyota customer service or your nearest Toyota dealer
- Check the official CCPC recall database
Official Sources
FAQs
Q: How many Toyota Prius cars are affected in Ireland?
A: 250 vehicles.
Q: What production years are included in the recall?
A: Vehicles built between March 2023 and March 2024.
Q: What is the main risk of this defect?
A: The rear door may open unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official recall information provided by Toyota Ireland and the CCPC. Details were correct as of April 2024 but may be updated. Owners should confirm the latest instructions with Toyota.
