1,300 Toyota Prius units recalled in S’pore over rear doors that could open while car is moving

1,300 Toyota Prius cars in Singapore are recalled due to a fault causing rear doors to open while the car is in motion. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE – Some 1,300 Toyota Prius cars are being recalled in Singapore over a fault in the rear electric doors, which can cause them to open while the car is in motion. Borneo Motors Singapore, the authorised distributor of Toyota here, is notifying their owners by post.

Based on information posted on the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) electronic vehicle recall system, the rear doors of the popular hybrid car can unlock unexpectedly because of a short circuit caused by water entering the system.

In response to The Straits Times, Borneo Motors said on Feb 27 that the rectification involves modifying the left and right rear door switch circuits, to prevent the switch from activating if a short circuit occurs.

A short circuit may happen if large amounts of water enter the rear door opener switch, such as during a car wash, after its seal – a protective barrier around the switch – degrades over time.

If the door is shut with force, water may seep into the switch. Should the water contain detergent, it could trigger the switch and cause the rear doors to open.

Rectification work has already begun, and the repair can be completed within the same day. Owners will not be charged for the work. While waiting for their appointments, customers can continue to drive their vehicles, said Borneo Motors.