Toyota Recalls 6.5 Million Cars After Power Window Switch Fires

Fourth recall to fix power window switch fire risk due to lack of grease in the switch.

Toyota Recalls 6.5 Million Cars After Power Window Switch Fires

Posted in Recalls

— Toyota is recalling 6.5 million vehicles across the globe to fix power window switches that can catch on fire. This is the fourth recall ordered by Toyota over window switches that can overheat, melt and go up in flames.

About 2 million of those vehicles are in the U.S., all involving the driver-side power window switch.

  • 2007 and 2009 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla
  • 2008-2011 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Matrix
  • 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Tundra
  • 2006-2010 Toyota Yaris
  • 2009-2011 Scion xB
  • 2009-2010 Scion xD

Toyota says the power window switches might not have enough lubricant grease which could cause an electrical short and create conditions for the switches to melt.

In October 2012, Toyota recalled 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to apply special fluorine grease to the driver’s side power window master switch. The automaker says this newest recall includes some vehicles not previously included in earlier recalls.

The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Dealers will inspect the switch and apply heat-resistant grease. The automaker will replace an internal circuit board if the switch is not working properly.

If you own one of the recalled Toyota models and have questions or comments, contact the automaker at 800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.

Car fires caused by grease (or the lack thereof) aren't unheard of, as was seen in a Mazda recall of  1.2 million vehicles from grease in ignition switches.

Additionally, General Motors has recalled vehicles three times to fix driver-side power window switch modules that can catch on fire.

CarComplaints.com has many complaints about the Toyota vehicles named in the power window switch recall. Click on a model below.