As we told you earlier, Toyota is recalling 7.4 million — with an m — cars due to a problem with the power window switches. They stick, and when certain lubricants are applied to remedy the situation, they may start smoking and catch on fire.
That's a lot of cars. Here's how to know if your car is included and how to avoid possible fiery death.
First, take a look at your car. Does it have a large, stylized "T" or say "Toyota" on it anywhere? No? Are you sure? A lot of people own Toyotas, perhaps you just didn't realize it! Look again, please.
Still no? Well, ok, then you have no need to worry about fiery death caused by window switches.
But let's say that you do have one of these "Toyota" vehicles. Well, then you may have reason for concern. All of the cars that are being recalled were from the 2007 through 2009 model years.
Here's a list of all the cars being recalled:
- 2007 to 2008 Yaris (approx. 110,300)
- 2007 to 2009 RAV4 (approx. 336,400)
- 2007 to 2009 Tundra (approx. 337,100)
- 2007 to 2009 Camry (approx. 938,100)
- 2007 to 2009 Camry Hybrid (approx. 116,800)
- 2008 to 2009 Scion xD (approx. 34,400)
- 2008 to 2009 Scion xA (approx. 77,500)
- 2008 to 2009 Sequoia (approx. 38,500)
- 2008 Highlander (approx. 135,400)
- 2008 Highlander Hybrid (approx. 23,200)
- 2009 Corolla (approx. 270,900)
- 2009 Matrix (approx. 53,800)
The recall is also worldwide, so it doesn't matter what country you're in, your car could be one of the ones included.
What do I do if my car was recalled?
If you have one of these cars, it's recommended take it to your Toyota dealer post haste and avoid burning by window switch. Toyota will disassemble the switch, apply some special grease, put it back together, and badda bing, badda boom, problem solved.
This is more negative PR for Toyota, which was still trying to shake the various recalls that plagued them in 2010.
Photo Credit: mattu55/flickr