Toyota recalls 2.5 million vehicles in US for window switch fires
Worldwide, a total of 7.43 million cars are affected, making it the largest single recall in 16 years.
By Clifford Atiyeh Oct 10, 2012 5:31AM
Toyota is recalling 2.5 million cars in the United States for faulty power window switches that can cause a fire in the driver's door, according to a statement from the automaker early Wednesday. Toyota said that the driver's side window switches may not be completely greased from the factory, which can result in the switches sticking or feeling "notchy." If aftermarket grease is then applied, the switch could short and cause a fire. Among the included models: The 2007 to 2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Tundra; 2007 to 2008 Yaris; 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; 2008 to 2009 Sequoia; 2008 to 2009 Scion xA and xD; and the 2009 Corolla and Matrix.
Dealers will begin repairing the switches and applying "special fluorine grease" in late October, Toyota said. Affected owners can visit www.toyota.com/recall or call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
In the U.S., Camry models comprise roughly 42 percent of all recalled cars. Toyota is recalling an additional 4.93 million models worldwide, making it the single largest recall since Ford's 1996 recall involving 7.6 million vehicles, according to an early report from NBC News. Toyota's infamous sticking throttle and floormat recalls eventually reached 9 million cars worldwide, but not all at once. In June, Toyota added another 154,000 Lexus RX crossovers to the original 2009 recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has not yet posted the current recall to its database, had been investigating a span of 1.4 million Toyota models for window switch fires since February. The agency recorded 161 complaints of fires, 49 warranty-related fire claims, and nine related injuries. No fatalities have been reported.
In 2009, Toyota recalled certain 2007 and 2009 Camry and 2009 Yaris models built in China for potential fires in the driver's side power-window switches due to "excessive grease application" at the factory. In March, Toyota recalled 186,500 2009 Camry and 2009 to 2011 Venza models for brake lamps that could fail as a result of silicone grease coming into contact with the switches.
This year, many cars have been at risk of fires originating from driver's side power window switches. On Monday, Honda recalled more than 268,000 CR-V models for switch fires resulting from water contact or spilled fluids. In August, General Motors recalled nearly 250,000 SUVs for a similar problem.
[Source: Toyota]
481Comments
Oct 11, 2012 6:18AM
And for those who talk about our past soldiers.... you are completely wrong!! I fought, and many of my family did the same. You live in a country free of tyranny, and free to make your own choice. This is what I fought for. When someone burns / salutes a flag, or buys a Toyota / Ford, I fought so they could make that decision without fear of reproach. I may not like their choice of freedom, but non the less who am I to question their belief. A FREE MARKET serves us the consumer best. It keeps companies honest on price, and quality. And just so we are clear I choose to drive a Chevrolet.
Oct 11, 2012 5:59AM
Comments of I bought an "insert American owned brand name" years ago and it fell apart does not compare to the models they are building today. Granted they did not help themselves, and lost their own market share. The comments of I bought an "Insert Foreign owned name brand" and it never breaks is being completely naive. Regardless of how you feel, most cars are built by robots. What does upset me is when someone is in a union and does not support other union made products. So you want me to support your Union strike, but you drive a honda....... I am not in a union, but if you choose to be in one, then do it. Quit pushing your union on me when you don't stand for what being in one means.
Oct 10, 2012 9:21AM
I bought a new Chevy and it broke down in less than a year. So I got it fixed and traded it for a Toyota. Had my Toyota 3 years and no problems at all!!! I don't know about the rest you all who cry buy American made but I cannot afford to buy a new car just because it is a so called 'American made' then have to have it in the shop constantly.
Oct 10, 2012 11:23AM
Funny how when Toyota get a recall, its plasterd all over the internet, but when GM gets a recall its burried on page 11. The Volt had batteries exploding and the cobalt had major issues but were never pointed out like Toyota recalls have been! Toyota is a great car company while GM's "White Shirts" still screw the american public! Toyota also is more american then GM cause all of its cars and trucks SOLD here in the US are BUILT here! GM's plants are either in Canada or Mexico and get this, even in China!
Oct 10, 2012 7:52AM
Cars.com put up a story about what cars are the most "American Made" meaning having the most parts built and assembled in the USA. Guess who was #1. Not Ford, not Chevy, not Jeep...yes it was The Toyota Camry. In fact, toyota had 4 of the top 10. So dont just go crazy and think that because it has a foreign name plate its not American Made.
Oct 11, 2012 3:12PM
Everyone who has commented on "Government Motors" or Chrysler, I hope you do NOT carry a credit card from one of the Finance companies who took BILLIONS more than these car manufacturers. They not only stole from the American public, but never paid a dime in return. Then before Christmas paid out MILLIONS in bonuses to employees. These automobile manufacturers paid a portion back, and have tried to earn back your business. All these credit card companies did was raise rates and limit credit to us..... Think about this before you comment on a car company that shut down during WW2 to produce Tanks for our country. Doesn't mean buy a car from them, just don't be hypocritical. It's like arguing about politics when you don't vote. Just saying.....
Oct 10, 2012 12:32PM
Remember one thing . While our own AMERICAN companies are running to China , India and wherever in this world for Cheap SLAVE labor. the foreign auto makers are building plants here in AMERICA and providing pretty good jobs for some lucky americans , so don't be so shortsighted. All manufacturing processes incur problems at time, i'm sure they will fix these problems.
Oct 10, 2012 7:36AM
Oct 10, 2012 11:10AM
I am so glad that Toyota is taking the initiave to make the necessary repairs . This speaks volumes of the integrity of the company , to bad other car companies have not caught on . When an issue like this comes up some companies try to sweep it under the rug . I no longer buy my autos from these companies .
Oct 10, 2012 9:54AM
I bought GM's exclusively for 40 years, they are worn out by 100K, usually. Bought a used 4 Runner at 175,000 and it has 450,000 now and still going strong. I still love Chevy's but for the wallet Toyota's treat me better. I would not buy anything else but Japanese and American, they depend on us for their security and a top ally. They make us better quality producers. Where are the American hybrids, why are there so many people driving Prius'?
I also think the problem with quality is unionism in our car factories. If our employees were not always fighting the company more quality inovations would come from the employees. Unionism is one of the problems, "its not my job" syndrome!
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