Toyota recalls 7.4m cars over faulty window switches

Toyota Motor Corporation recalls 7.43 million vehicles, among which Yaris, RAV4, Auris and Corolla models built between September 2006 and December 2008, over a faulty power-window switch.

It has been concluded that the faulty power-window switch is a potential fire hazard, and 138,000 UK models could be affected over a fault with electric window switches. 

Other countries affected by the recall include 2.47 million cars in the US, 1.39 million in Japan, 1.4 million in China, 298,000 in Australia, 490,000 in the Near and Middle East, 240,000 in Canada, 372,000 in Asia and 330,000 elsewhere, marking the biggest single recall since Ford pulled back 7.9 million vehicles in 1996.

Vios, Matrix, Camry, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia, XB and XD models were also recalled.  

The manufacturer said that there have been no reports of accidents, injuries or deaths caused by the problem, but it warned that owners should not attempt to solve the problem with standard shop-bought lubricants as this could cause the part to overheat or melt.

Toyota’s US news release stated that the problem could lead to fire if commercially available lubricants were used on the switch. 

More than 200 problems were reported in the US and fewer numbers of problems were reported elsewhere, including 39 cases in Japan, said Toyota spokesman Joichi Tachikawa.

The manufacturer added that the recall, intended to fix a malfunctioning power-window switch on the driver’s side, primarily affects cars in the United States, China and Europe. It was estimated the recall and repair could cost the firm at least $128 million. 

The latest problem marked quality set-back in the reputation of Japan’s chief automaker, and was first reported in September 2008. Since then, shares in Toyota ended down 1.9%, in line with the broader Nikkei index, and the company battled its way back from multiple difficulties. 

The firm is also currently under fire for apparent engine problems with its 86 sports car, however, it regained its crown as the world’s best-selling automaker in the first half year and expects to sell 9.76 million cars and light trucks globally this year. 

Fadi Elhusseini