Mass Recall of Toyota’s 5th Generation Prius
210,000 Vehicles Affected Worldwide
Emergence of Serious Safety Concerns for South Korean Consumers
The renowned Japanese carmaker Toyota is dealing with grave safety concerns after it was found that there were irregularities during the safety inspection processes preceding the introduction of a new vehicle model. This has resulted in a major setback to Toyota’s reputation for safety.
It’s crucial for Toyota to rebuild consumer confidence urgently. Against this backdrop, the company is faced with further adverse news. Their iconic 5th generation Prius has been recalled over performance issues. Alarmingly, this involves a model launched as recently as 2022. The total number of vehicles being recalled is a staggering 210,000. We will explore more about this unfolding event.
Beginning of a Huge 210,000 Prius Recall
Potential for Doors to Open While Driving Recognized
As reported by Kyodo News on April 17th, Toyota is initiating a recall of approximately 211,000 Prius vehicles, both domestically and internationally. Faults have been found in the rear seat locking mechanisms of select cars. Toyota is accordingly conducting the recall according to the laws of each respective country of sale.
Toyota has disclosed the main cause behind the recall of the 5th generation Prius. The concern is that, “the switch that controls the mechanism for opening the rear seat door lacks effective waterproofing, which could result in a situation where the door might open while driving due to water ingress causing a short-circuit.” To date, there have been three reported incidents of this problem occurring.
Suspension of Toyota Contracts
Are South Korean Prius Models Recalled as Well?
In response to the defect, Toyota is temporarily deactivating the malfunctioning switches by removing the corresponding fuse. The company will provide a free replacement once the correct parts are prepared. Kyodo News has also reported that Toyota has put a hold on producing new units and on new sales contracts until fixes for the defect are implemented.
It remains uncertain if Priuses sold beyond Japan’s borders are implicated in the recall. This has sparked significant concern amongst Prius owners in South Korea. The 5th generation Prius has been available for sale in South Korea since December 2023.
FAQs About the Toyota Prius Recall
- Why is the Toyota Prius being recalled?
- The recall is due to a defect in the waterproofing of the switch that operates the rear seat door. Insufficient waterproofing may lead to a short-circuit and could result in the door opening unintentionally while the car is in motion.
- How many Toyota Prius vehicles are affected by the recall?
- Approximately 210,000 units of the 5th generation Prius are affected worldwide.
- Has Toyota identified a solution to the defect?
- Toyota plans to address the issue by disconnecting the fuse for the affected switchgear and will replace the switch on affected vehicles at no charge to the owner as soon as parts are available.
- Are Toyota Prius models sold in South Korea included in the recall?
- The details regarding the inclusion of South Korean Prius models in the recall have not been clearly stated, leading to concerns among South Korean owners.
Conclusion
The recall of the 5th generation Prius presents a significant challenge for Toyota as they strive to rebuild consumer trust in the wake of safety inspection controversies. Prioritizing customer safety and promptly addressing these issues will be critical to maintain Toyota’s reputation as a reliable automobile manufacturer. Owners of affected Prius models are encouraged to follow Toyota’s recall process to ensure their safety on the road.