Toyota recall

[Jim Goose]

7:46PM Wednesday Oct 10, 2012

Toyota recalls 300,000 cars

Matt Campbell
Motoring Writer


Toyota has announced a recall action on almost 300,000 vehicles in Australia – and 7.4 million cars worldwide – over a sticky power window switch.

According to the company, the recall is for a fix of the power window master switch on the driver’s arm-rest, which may not operate smoothly or become inoperative. Toyota says that in the worst case scenario, the switch assembly may overheat and melt.

The recall affects certain models built between 2006 and 2010, including the Yaris city car, Corolla small car, Camry and Aurion family sedans and RAV4 and Kluger SUVs. A total of 297,931 cars are affected here.

Toyota says that no injuries have been reported as a result of the issue, but there have been six reports of the sticky window switch found in Australia.
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Toyota Australia manager of public relations, Mike Breen, says the recall is "a precautionary measure" and that "there is no risk of any injury" as a result of the fault. He says the main concern is that owners may use the incorrect lubricant in the power window switch, which may cause it to overheat and possibly melt.

The company says it expects only a small number of vehicles will require the power window electrical circuit board to be replaced. If it does need to be changed, Toyota says the repair will take about an hour to complete, and the job will be performed at no cost.

The company says it will commence a mailout to owners from mid-November to remind them to schedule a repair with their dealer.

The Japanese company has experienced several high profile recalls in the past three years, including one in August that affected 750,000 SUVs – but that the local arm refused to perform a fix for.

Toyota is also currently under fire for apparent engine problems with its 86 sports car, which has been developed in conjunction with Subaru.

Since 2009, Toyota has recalled about 15 million cars, including numerous models in Australia, for potential faults including sticking accelerator pedals, floor mats that could trap the accelerator, braking problems, stalling engines, steering defects, fuel leakages, airbag non-deployment and malfunctioning seatbelt buckles.

Toyota is on track to become Australia's top-selling car brand for the tenth straight year in 2012, with the Japanese brand's Corolla, Camry, HiLux and RAV4 all ranking among the top performers for their respective sales segments.

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/t...010-27cz2.html