Toyota Recall Issued for 7.4M Vehicles After Reports of Fires

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.

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.

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