Toyota Recall Issued for 7.4M Vehicles After Reports of Fires

|
Irvin Jackson

Add Your Comments

In the largest auto recall in more than 15 years, Toyota has announced it is recalling more than 7.4 million vehicles worldwide, due to a defective power window switch that has cause fires in some of the leading models sold in the United States. 

The Toyota recall was announced on Wednesday, impacting millions of Toyota and Scion vehicles from the 2007 through 2009 model years, including Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, Tundra, Scion xD, Scion xA and Yaris models.

Problems may develop with the Toyota vehicles because a power window switch that may not have been properly greased during manufacturing, which could spark fires in affected vehicles.

Do You Know about…

Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuits

Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are being investigated for individuals who suffered unnecessary shocks, burns or other problems, often resulting in the need for additional surgery to remove the SCS.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION
Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit
Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit

Do You Know About…

Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuits

Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are being investigated for individuals who suffered unnecessary shocks, burns or other problems, often resulting in the need for additional surgery to remove the SCS.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

Although no auto accidents have been attributed to the defective Toyota power window switches, the problem may cause friction and smoke to come from the driver’s side window.

According to a report (PDF) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been reports of at least 161 fires and nine injuries linked to the defect.

Approximately 2.5 million vehicles sold in the United States are affected by the recall, including about 1 million Toyota Camry vehicles. The rest of the effected vehicles were sold mostly in Europe and Japan.

According to a Toyota press release, the U.S. Toyota and Scion vehicles affected include:

  • 2007 to 2008 Yaris (approx. 110,300)
  • 2007 to 2009 RAV4 (approx. 336,400)
  • 2007 to 2009 Tundra (approx. 337,100)
  • 2007 to 2009 Camry (approx. 938,100)
  • 2007 to 2009 Camry Hybrid (approx. 116,800)
  • 2008 to 2009 Scion xD (approx. 34,400)
  • 2008 to 2009 Scion xB (approx. 77,500)
  • 2008 to 2009 Sequoia (approx. 38,500)
  • 2008 Highlander (approx. 135,400)
  • 2008 Highlander Hybrid (approx. 23,200)
  • 2009 Corolla (approx. 270,900)
  • 2009 Matrix (approx. 53,800)

Toyota reports that the driver’s side Power Window Master Switch (PWMS) may experience a sticky feel when operated. The company urges consumers not to attempt to use commercially available lubricants to fix the problem, as this could increase the risk of fire.

The company has suggested that vehicle owners allow dealers to inspect, disassemble and regrease the switch. Owners of vehicles affected by the recall will receive notification starting in late October, according to the company’s press release.

Consumers with questions can call (800) 331-4331 or visit the company’s website at www.toyota.com/recall.

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielctw/ / CC BY 2.0

Written by: Irvin Jackson

Senior Legal Journalist & Contributing Editor

Irvin Jackson is a senior investigative reporter at AboutLawsuits.com with more than 30 years of experience covering mass tort litigation, environmental policy, and consumer safety. He previously served as Associate Editor at Inside the EPA and contributes original reporting on product liability lawsuits, regulatory failures, and nationwide litigation trends.

Tags: Fire, Toyota, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Rav4, Toyota Recall, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Tundra
Image Credit: |

More Lawsuit Stories

0 Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Share Your Comments

This field is hidden when viewing the form
I authorize the above comments be posted on this page
Post Comment
Weekly Digest Opt-In

Want your comments reviewed by a lawyer?

To have an attorney review your comments and contact you about a potential case, provide your contact information below. This will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

MORE TOP STORIES

Medtronic SCS Lawsuit Alleges Intellis LT Neurostimulator Caused Worsening Pain
An Illinois woman has joined a growing number of plaintiffs alleging that the Medtronic Intellis neurostimulator, and similar devices, may fail to relieve chronic pain and instead lead to worsening complications.
Court Outlines Plan To Prepare Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits for Trial in Early 2028
Four Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits will eventually be selected and prepared for bellwether trials set to begin in March 2028, according to a court order.
Hair Relaxer Class Action Lawsuit Certification Sought For Medical Monitoring Claims
A federal judge is being asked to certify seven hair relaxer class action lawsuits seeking medical monitoring for users, following studies that link the products to an increased risk of cancer.