Toyota Recalls 2M Vehicles Over Window Switch Fire Risk

Toyota RAV4 EV
The Toyota RAV4 EV with its Tesla Motors underpinning

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 2,000,000 vehicles related to the driver’s side Power Window Master Switch.  The involved vehicles include certain:

  • 2007 and 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Corolla
  • 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Matrix
  • 2006-2011 RAV4
  • 2009-2011 Sequoia
  • 2009-2011 Tundra
  • 2006-2010 Yaris
  • 2009-2011 Scion xB
  • 2009-2010 Scion xD

The Power Window Master Switch in the involved vehicles may have been manufactured with insufficient lubricant grease.  If not enough grease is applied, under certain conditions the switch may develop a short circuit that can cause the switch assembly to overheat and melt.  A melting switch can produce smoke and potentially lead to a fire.

Toyota previously recalled certain 2007-2009 model year vehicles for a similar condition. This Safety Recall adds vehicles not previously involved in the prior action that utilized an alternative lubricant application method.

Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Toyota dealers will inspect the switch and apply heat-resistant grease.  If the switch is not operating normally, an internal circuit board will be replaced.

Aaron Turpen
An automotive enthusiast for most of his adult life, Aaron has worked in and around the industry in many ways. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), and freelances as a writer and journalist around the Web and in print. You can find his portfolio at AaronOnAutos.com.