Toyota Australia recalls almost 300,000 vehicles

Toyota has recalled some 7.4 million vehicles globally – including almost its entire passenger car range and nearly 300,000 vehicles in Australia – to fix window switches that could stick, overheat and even melt if incorrectly lubricated.

In all, precisely 297,931 Yaris, Corolla, Camry, Aurion, RAV4 and Kluger vehicles built between 2006 and 2010 are affected in Australia, covering most of the Japanese giant's passenger car range for a five-year period.

So far there have been six reports of faulty window switches in Australia, none of which have led to accidents or injuries.

According to Toyota: “The recall is due to the power window master switch, located on the driver's armrest, not operating smoothly (sticky feel).

“This is due to the non-uniform application of lubricating grease resulting in wear to the internal sliding contact points. In some instances, the switch may become inoperative.

“In the worst case, if a commercially available lubricant has been applied to the switch in an attempt to rectify this operation, the switch assembly may overheat and melt.”

Toyota said the recall is a precautionary measure to check the switch mechanically and electrically for correct operation, before specialised electrical grease is applied to ensure it operates smoothly when pressed.

It expects only a small number of vehicles to require replacement of their power window electrical circuit board.

Inspection and repair, if necessary, is expected to take about an hour and will be conducted free of charge, however, Toyota says that depending on the dealer’s workload owners may be required to leave their cars for longer.

“Should Toyota owners experience sticking operation of the power window master switch, we recommend that the switch is no longer used prior to vehicle inspection and repair,” said Toyota.

Toyota will write to the owners of all affected vehicles at their last known address from mid-November, inviting them to make an appointment with their preferred Toyota dealer.

In the meantime, concerned customers can call 1800 987 366.

Toyota's latest recall is the single biggest automotive recall since 1996 and follows the call-back of more than 10 million Toyota vehicles globally in 2009 and 2010 to rectify problems associated with unintended acceleration.