Toyota recalls 2.5 million vehicles over fire risk

AutoBlog: Toyota recalls 2.5 million vehicles over fire risk

2009 Toyota YarisToyota has announced a voluntary of around 2.5 million vehicles for faulty window switches. The automaker says the driver's side power window master switch may develop a sticky or notchy feel during operation, and that if owners or technicians apply commercial lubricant, the switch my smoke or catch fire.

The recall covers certain Yaris, RAV4, Tundra, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Sequoia, Corolla and Matrix models as well as Scion xD and xA units. All vehicles fall between the model years 2007 and 2009. Over 200 incidents involving the switches have been reported in the US alone, though the trouble hasn't caused any accidents or injuries. Take a look at the full press release below..

Toyota technicians will inspect, disassemble and apply special flourine grease to the switches free of charge. Owners can expect to receive a recall notice starting later this month. The recall only covers US vehicles and does not involve any other Lexus or Scion units.

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Vehicles For The Driver's Side Power Window Master Switch

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 10, 2012 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), today announced that it will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 2.5 million vehicles to inspect and apply special fluorine grease to the driver's side Power Window Master Switch (PWMS). The vehicles involved 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 xA (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)

The driver's side PWMS may experience a "notchy" or sticky feel during operation. If commercially available lubricants are applied to the switch in an attempt to address the "notchy" or sticky feel, melting of the switch assembly or smoke could occur and lead to a fire under some circumstances.

The "notchy" or sticky feel may be caused by an uneven application of the grease during the switch assembly process at the supplier. If the grease is not applied evenly, frequent use of the switch and normal operation may cause the grease to become carbonized and may eventually result in the deterioration of its lubricating properties.

The recall remedy will involve an inspection, switch disassembly, and application of special fluorine grease. The switch inspection and repair will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner.

Owners of vehicles covered by this safety recall will receive an owner notification letter via first class mail starting in late October 2012. The repair will take approximately one hour depending on the dealer's work schedule.

Today's announcement is for U.S. market vehicles only. No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved. We are not aware of any vehicle crashes for this condition.

Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.