About 1,300 units of the Toyota Prius in Singapore are being recalled after a defect was identified in the rear door lock mechanism. The issue could, in rare circumstances, cause the back doors to open while the vehicle is in motion.
The recall was announced by Borneo Motors Singapore, the authorised distributor for Toyota vehicles in the country. According to reports, including coverage by Channel News Asia, the problem involves the electric rear door opener switch.
How the Rear Door Issue Occurs
Borneo Motors explained that under certain conditions, water may seep into the rear door switch. Over time, changes in temperature and heat exposure could weaken the sealing around the component. If the vehicle is subjected to heavy water splashes — such as during a car wash — moisture may enter the system.
If the water contains detergent, it could trigger a short circuit. In that situation, the electrical fault may activate the door switch unintentionally, potentially leading to the rear doors opening while the car is moving.
Although no related incidents have been reported locally, the company has opted to take preventive action to eliminate any safety risk.
Owners to Be Notified, Repairs Free of Charge
Affected vehicle owners will be contacted by mail. The repair involves modifying the circuits of both rear door switches so that they cannot activate even if a short circuit occurs. The corrective work will be carried out free of charge and can typically be completed on the same day.
The Singapore recall follows a similar action taken in the United States and Canada in January, where nearly 20,000 Prius vehicles were affected. Toyota stated that the measure aligns with its global safety standards.
Reminder on Vehicle Electronics and Safety Standards
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems, and even a minor component fault can create unexpected risks. While recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry, manufacturers routinely issue them to address potential problems before accidents occur.
In Singapore, where car ownership costs are among the highest globally due to certificates and taxes, reliability and safety remain key expectations for drivers. The swift recall and free repairs are likely to reassure customers, reinforcing the importance of ongoing safety checks in today’s increasingly electronic vehicle designs.