Several automakers continue to look into their companies’ car making processes designs in order to develop safer vehicles. But even as they work hard to make sure that future recalls can be avoided, major companies like Toyota are launching huge recall campaigns over issues that could expose countless consumers to major risks.
According to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota Motor Company has launched a recall that impacts all units of the 2009 through 2011 Tundra, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Scion xB vehicles as well as the 2008 through 2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. Other vehicles also impacted include the 2007 and 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, the 2006 through 2010 Yaris, and the 2009 and 2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
Regulators warn that recalled vehicles have been fitted with certain Power Window Master Switches (PWMS) with sliding electrical contacts that did not receive grease lubricant consistently during the manufacturing process. As a result, the electrical contacts may not be sufficiently protected and the debris and moisture may get into the switch and cause a short circuit.
If that occurs, the witch assembly may overheat and end up melting, increasing the risk of a possible fire.
According to the NHTSA, Toyota will be contacting impacted vehicle owners. If you have one of the recalled vehicles in your possession, your car will be inspected for the switches. If needed, the parts will get more lubricant. In worst cases, the company should replace the switches entirely for free to avoid fires in the future.
According to the NHTSA, 2,000,000 vehicles have been impacted by this particular recall campaign.
For the official report, follow this link.
Consumers who are impacted by this recall should keep in mind that ignoring this type of recall could lead to accidents.
Equipment failure is a serious issue, especially when it leads to accidents that could then lead to deadly injuries. As we have been seeing with the investigations related to the Aurora bridge bus accident, vehicles left unrepaired after issues are discovered are dangerous.
Whenever you learn of a recall campaign that impacts one of your vehicles or a vehicle that a loved one drives, do not hesitate to have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible. Too often, accidents happen even after people were alerted that a recall campaign was launched.
Stay on top of the news by following our blog or downloading the NHTSA app. The federal agency developed an app to give drivers access to their recall campaign database.
