Tokyo / Johannesburg - Toyota announced on Wednesday that it plans to recall 6.5 million vehicles worldwide over an electric window glitch that poses a possible fire risk.
A driver's side power window master switch could short circuit and cause parts to overheat and melt, Toyota said in an email. "A melting switch may produce smoking and, potentially, lead to a fire," it added.
The recalled models include the Yaris, Corolla, Camry and RAV4s produced between 2005 and 2010, it said.
The company said it had not received reports of accidents tied to the defect, but one customer may have suffered a burn on their hand due to the problem.
SA CARS AFFECTED?
Toyota South Africa says that at this stage it's not clear how many local cars are affected by the latest campaign, but promises to inform us as soon as the head office in Japan makes any relevant information available.
Toyota SA added that this latest global recall is an extension of a 2012 "special service campaign" that involved Corolla models built between 2006 and 2010 and 2006-2008 Auris hatchbacks as well as Yaris and Rav4 models manufactured between 2006 and 2010.
A total of 60 709 cars were affected by this and according to Toyota SA, 75 percent of these have received the service action at a Toyota dealer. The fix involves inspecting the window switch board and applying heat-resistant grease to the switch to ensure smooth operation. However, the switch board could also be replaced if necessary.
IOL & AFP