If you drive a Toyota, take note. E3 Spark Plugs just learned that Toyota has issued a recall of a whopping 6.5 million vehicles worldwide, including some 2.7 million here in North America. Officials say that faulty driver's side window switches can catch fire.
The culprit is improperly or insufficiently applied grease on electrical contact modules. If moisture or debris finds its way into these modules, they can short circuit, causing the switch assembly to overheat and melt. A melting switch can produce smoke and that can cause a fire. Thus far, the issue has caused at least one burn injury here in the US and 11 fire-damaged vehicle doors, according to Toyota reports.
Models affected in the recall include:
- 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
If you are the registered owner of a vehicle affected by the recall, check your mailbox for notification or search your car's VIN online. Then, head to your nearest Toyota dealership for a free-of-charge inspection and repair. Techs will either apply a heat-resistant grease or, if the switch isn't working properly, replace they internal circuit board.
