According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota Motor North America, Inc. is recalling 2,519,424 vehicles as the result of a defect in power window controls, which creates a fire hazard. This number is only the potentially affected vehicles in the United States, however. USA Today reports that Toyota is recalling 7.43 million vehicles globally, their largest recall to date.
The power window master switch assemblies in some of the recalled vehicles may have been built according to a less precise process for lubricating the switch assemblies’ internal components, resulting in irregularities in the lubrication process. Such irregular lubrication can cause the master switch assemblies to malfunction, overheat, and melt, potentially resulting in fire. The vehicles affected by this recall include:
- 2009 Pontiac Vibe
- 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry HV
- 2007-2009 Toyota RAV4
- 2007-2009 Toyota Tundra
- 2008 Toyota Highlander
- 2008 Toyota Highlander-Hybrid
- 2008-2009 Toyota Scion XB
- 2008-2009 Toyota Scion XD
- 2008-2009 Toyota Sequoia
- 2009 Toyota Corolla
- 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix
Toyota will notify owners of the above vehicles and dealers will inspect the potentially defective switch and replace as necessary or apply a heat-inhibiting grease at no cost. General Motors (GM) will notify Pontiac owners and GM dealers will repair the switch as needed. For additional information, owners may call Toyota at (800) 331-4331 and Pontiac at (800) 762-2737. The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is also available at (888) 327-4236.
At Blume Forte, our experienced defective car attorneys in New Jersey can help you understand your legal rights and potential options if you have been injured as the result of a defective auto product. For a no-cost consultation, contact us at 973-845-4421.