Toyota Recalls 7.4 Million Cars For Fire Danger

Published October 20, 2012 by Scott Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney

Toyota has recalled 7.43 million vehicles worldwide – included 2.4 million in the United States – because a faulty power window switch can cause a fire eruption.

The recall includes more than a dozen models manufactured between 2005 and 2010. The problem stems from the manufacturer’s failure to properly apply grease to the power window master switch during production.

General Motors has recalled its 2009 Pontiac Vibe for the same reason.

Defective parts in cars can lead to tragedy on the road. Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, believes that by sharing this recall information we can work together to make our roadways safer. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that might have been caused by the power window switch defect in the Toyota and General Motors recall, we are available to provide a free case evaluation. Call (607) 724-7700 or use our online form to contact us.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall notice:

“The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat. If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.”

The recall covers the following vehicles:

2007-2009 Toyota/Camry
2007-2009 Toyota/Camry HV
2009 Toyota/Corolla
2009 Toyota/Matrix
2008 Toyota/Highlander
2008 Toyota/Highlander Hybrid
2007-2009 Toyota/RAV 4
2008-2009 Toyota/Scion XB
2008-2009 Toyota/Scion XD
2008-2009 Toyota/Sequoia
2007-2008 Toyota/Tundra
2007-2009 Toyota/Yaris

In September 2009, Toyota recalled 3.8 million vehicles due to braking problems. That recall was triggered by a high-speed crash that killed four members of a family. Some critics complained it took some time before Toyota acted. This time, Toyota moved more quickly to address the problem.

If you own one of the above vehicles, you will be notified by Toyota. Do not try to fix the problem yourself. A Toyota dealer will inspect the switch and apply a special grease to inhibit heat buildup or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. You may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

General Motors will contact 2009 Pontiac Vibe owners. GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. You may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Injured? Contact Our New York Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

For decades, Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, has stood up and fought for those injured in auto accidents caused by the negligent and reckless conduct of others. Call Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, at (607) 304-4121 if you have been in a Binghamton vehicle accident involving an automobile, motorcycle, truck or bicycle.

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