If you drive a Toyota, be aware of a faulty window switch that could pose a fire risk. Toyota Motor Corp. this week announced a voluntary recall of 6.5 million vehicles worldwide, including upward of 2.7 million in North America, over a driver’s side window switch defect that poses a fire risk. At issue is grease that was improperly or insufficiently applied during the manufacturing of electrical contact modules.
If moisture or debris enters those modules, it can short circuit, which in turn could cause the switch assembly to overheat and melt. A melting switch can produce smoke and potentially lead to a fire. Thus far, Toyota officials have received 11 reports (including seven in North America) of the defect causing fire damage to a vehicle’s door. Another incident here in the US caused a burn injury on a passenger’s hand. 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 an affected vehicle, look for notification via first class mail. If you haven’t suffered an injury or loss caused by the defect, take your vehicle to your nearest Toyota dealership, where technicians will inspect and repair the switch free of charge. However, if you have suffered an injury or loss that you believe is a result of the issue, call 800-251-1111 to speak with a product liability attorney with Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell who can help you secure fair compensation.