agent Entrepreneur logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Toyota Recalls 2.5 Million Vehicles on Fire Risk

October 10, 2012
2 min to read


TORRANCE, Calif. – Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. (TMS) will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 2.5 million vehicles to inspect and apply special fluorine grease to the driver’s side Power Window Master Switch (PWMS). The vehicles involved include:


• 2007 to 2008 Yaris (approx. 110,300)

Ad Loading...

• 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)

Ad Loading...

• 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)

Ad Loading...

• 2009 Matrix (approx. 53,800)


The driver’s side PWMS may experience a “notchy” or sticky feel during operation. If commercially available lubricants are applied to the switch in an attempt to address the problem, melting of the switch assembly or smoke could occur and lead to a fire under some circumstances.


The “notchy” or sticky feel may be caused by an uneven application of the grease during the switch assembly process at the supplier. If the grease is not applied evenly, frequent use of the switch and normal operation may cause the grease to become carbonized and may eventually result in the deterioration of its lubricating properties.


The recall remedy will involve an inspection, switch disassembly and application of special fluorine grease. The switch inspection and repair will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner.


Owners of vehicles covered by this safety recall will receive a notification letter via first class mail starting in late October 2012. The repair will take approximately one hour depending on the dealer’s work schedule. This recall is for U.S. market vehicles only. No other Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles are involved, and the company stated that it is not aware of any vehicle crashes for this condition.

More Industry

Foreign Cars Italia dealership store in front of sunset
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 2, 2026

Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands

A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.

Read More →
inside of car, person with hands on black steering wheel
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 2, 2026

Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars

At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.

Read More →
Woman's hands holding an wallet empty of cash
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 1, 2026

Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt

Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rob Mancuso sitting in a chair on stage
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 1, 2026

Agent Advocate

Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.

Read More →
Photo of a touchscreen on a car's dashboard
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 25, 2026

Driving Under Distraction

Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.

Read More →
split background green and blue. 2019 to 2025 with car going from starting location to end point. $37,310 and $48,402. Agent Entrepreneur logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 25, 2026

Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past

More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of multiple new SUVs on a car dealership lot
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 22, 2026

State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads

The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.

Read More →
Gas pumps.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 15, 2026

Consumer Outlook on the Rise

Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.

Read More →
Group photo of men outside storefront.
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 28, 2026

Pennsylvania Dealership Under New Retailers

The sale of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store puts a family auto group on a leaner path as first-time dealers take the helm.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Hallway with lockered wiring and computer
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 28, 2026

Battery Storage Takes Priority Over EVs

U.S. automakers are prioritizing battery energy stationary storage over electric-vehicle production as the consumer demand for EVs lags the rest of the world.

Read More →
Ad Loading...