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 |
by John Suit
Source: Toyota