Toyota Voluntarily Recalls Millions of Vehicles for Fire Risk

Toyota has recalled 2.5 million vehicles to inspect and apply special fluorine grease to the driver’s side power window master switch (PWMS).

The recall applies to 12 models from various years. 

The total list of vehicles, according to Toyota, are as follows:

• 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)

According to a news release from Toyota, 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," said Toyota. "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."

Toyota said 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 starting in late October 2012. The repair will take approximately one hour depending on the dealer’s work schedule.

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