Drivers Say Prius Doors Can Still Open On Their Own While Driving

Electric door latches are all the rage these days, if not for popularity then for actual rage, as buyers and lawmakers question their safety. Typically, that potential danger comes when they don’t do what they are supposed to do. Now, Toyota is recalling almost 20,000 cars in Canada because the electric latches could open while driving.

According to Transport Canada, the recall affects 19,399 Toyota vehicles, all of them Prius and Prius Prime models from the 2023 through 2026 model years. The issue stems from the rear doors, where water intrusion can reach the exterior door handles and short-circuit the electric door opener switches.

More: Oops, Toyota Actually Used Reflectors Instead Of Real Lights In Some Cars

When that happens, the rear doors could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, creating a clear safety risk for passengers. Transport Canada has assigned the recall number 2026-034, while Toyota lists it internally as SRC RL6.

This action expands on an earlier recall (2024-228) covering the same problem, meaning vehicles that were already repaired still have to return to dealers for additional work. In fact, it sounds just like the one Toyota issued in 2024 in the U.S.

Just as was the case in that recall, the issue here is that a short circuit can trigger the door latch without any actual input. Toyota says the risk can be reduced in the short term by enabling the automatic door locking function through the vehicle’s infotainment system, though that’s obviously not a permanent fix.

Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to visit a dealership, where technicians will modify the rear door switch circuits to address the issue properly.

A Different Problem With Tundras

All of this comes just days after Toyota recalled 12,179 Tundra trucks from 2024 and 2025. Those pickups all have a panoramic rearview mirror with a digital display. A software issue can cause the display to freeze or not display at all when the transmission goes into reverse.

The trucks all need a software update to remedy the problem. Technology is great when it works, but sometimes creates all new issues to fix in the meantime.