Toyota Recalls 6.5M Vehicles Due to Switch Defect, Fire Risk

Toyota is recalling 6.5 million vehicles, including 2 million cars in the US. According to Law360, the recall is being issued because the power-window driver’s side switch may have been manufactured with inadequate amounts of lubricant grease, which presents a fire hazard if there is a short circuit and the switch overheats, melts and causes smoke. The recall affects certain model years of the Camry and Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, Tundra, Yaris, Scion xB and Scion xD.

In response to the recall, dealers will apply heat-resistant grease to the switch and also replace the internal circuit board if the switch not functioning properly.

This recall is similar to one that Toyota issued in October 2012 affecting over 7.4 million vehicles. Similar to this recall, there was a defect in power-window controls that could lead to a fire.

In September, Toyota issued a recall affecting over 420,000 RAV4 vehicles. The recall was issued because corrosion from water could cause the windshield wipers to stop working when the wiper link is separated from the wiper motor crank arm. A non-functioning windshield wiper can impair driver visibility and increase the risk of an accident.

Toyota also recalled 625,000 Prius hybrids in July due to a software glitch that can cause the system to shut down while driving. The recall affects roughly 340,000 vehicles in Japan, 160,000 in Europe and 120,000 in North America.

Toyota has also been affected by the Takata Corp. exploding air bag recall; a defect in the airbags can cause shrapnel to propel towards occupants. The company expanded its recall in June to an additional 2.86 million vehicles in China, Japan and Europe.

from Parker Waichman http://www.yourlawyer.com/blog/toyota-recalls-6-5m-vehicles-due-to-switch-defect-fire-risk/