Toyota has announced a recall action on 7.4 million cars worldwide – over a sticky power window switch. This is starting to verge on the ridiculous.
According to Toyota, 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.
Apparently, the usual fix is some lubricant squirted into the switch, but if that doesn’t fix it, a replacement switch may be required.
The recall affects certain models built between 2006 and 2010, including the Yaris, Corolla, Camry and Aurion sedans, Highlander, Tundra and RAV4 and Kluger SUVs. A total of round about 350,000 cars are affected in Asia.
The American arm of Toyota will have 2.5 million anxious drivers in the showroom, plus 1.4 million in China and another 1.4 million in Europe.
Toyota says that no injuries have been reported as a result of the switch problem, but there have been six reports of the sticky window switch found in Australia. That should strike terror into the hearts of the Toyota drivers, and I must advise my wife to be careful when driving the family Fortuner (;-))
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.
Toyota 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 carried out at no charge to the owner.
While Toyota does enjoy the economies of scale, when one common part plays up, the recall will cost Toyota several millions to smooth over.
Since 2009, Toyota has recalled about 15 million cars for potential faults including the so-called sticking accelerator pedals, floor mats that perhaps could trap the accelerator, braking problems, stalling engines, steering defects, fuel leakages, airbag non-deployment and malfunctioning seatbelt buckles.
And with the current spat over sovereignty of some islands being jointly and hotly contested by China and Japan, this has led to a 50 percent fall in Toyota sales in China last month. The sticking window switch might be the last straw?
