In the single largest automotive recall since 1996, Toyota will be recalling a grand total of 7.4 million vehicles worldwide, including roughly 2.5 million here in the US. While the “unintended acceleration” recalls totaled 10 million vehicles, they were issued separately, which is how this is the largest we’ve seen since the 90’s. The issue stems from faulty driver’s-side window switches, which have a “sticky” or “notchy” feeling, according to Toyota. Read on for more details and a breakdown of which years and models are being recalled.
Toyota claims that the problem was caused by uneven applications of lubricant by the supplier of the switches during the manufacturing process. When commercial lubricant is applied to the master window switch on the driver’s door, it can cause the internal components to emit smoke or possibly catch fire. A special fluorine grease will be applied as part of the recall, which should remedy the sticky operation of the switches. As usual, the recall will be at no cost to owners. Toyota will begin mailing out recall notices to owners of affected vehicles starting in late October.
Here’s a breakdown of the recalled vehicles:
| Model | Year(s) | # Affected Vehicles (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Camry | 2007 2008 2009 |
938,100 |
| Camry Hybrid | 2007 2008 2009 |
116,800 |
| Corolla | 2009 | 270,900 |
| Highlander | 2008 | 135,400 |
| Highlander Hybrid | 2008 | 23,200 |
| Matrix | 2009 | 53,800 |
| RAV4 | 2007 2008 2009 |
336,400 |
| Sequoia | 2008 2009 |
38,500 |
| Tundra | 2007 2008 2009 |
337,100 |
| Yaris | 2007 2008 |
110,300 |
| Scion xA | 2008 2009 |
77,500 |
| Scion xD | 2008 2009 |
34,400 |
[pressrelease]
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.
[/pressrelease]
by John Suit
Source: Toyota