Toyota recalls 7.4 million cars for faulty window switch
A 2008 Toyota Yaris sits on the Affordable Motors sales lot on October 10, 2012 in Miami, Florida. The 2008 Yaris is one of 7.43 million that Toyota says it is recalling globally for a faulty power-window switch that may stop working or catch fire in more than a dozen models .
Toyota announced that it was recalling 7.4 million cars worldwide after warning of a faulty power window switch.
The Japanese automaker said that the driver side Power Window Master Switch (PWMS) can develop a sticky feel to it.
No crashes or injuries have resulted from the problem.
According to CBC News, when commercial lubricants are added to the switch to fix the problem there is a chance that it could melt.
Reports also indicate that smoke or fire could occur with the application of certain lubricants.
Xinhua said that the sticky switch may have been due to an uneven application of grease during production.
Toyota said that certain models will be recalled for inspection and for a free application of flourine grease to the switch.
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Models affected include Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Auris, Camry and RAV4, said the Daily Mail.
This is Toyota's largest recall since the automaker recalled 10 million vehicle for unintended acceleration issues in the United States in 2009 and 2010.
The recall comes during a period when Toyota is rebuilding its image and regaining market share.
Analysts, however, don't think this week's recall will have the same negative effect as the one in 2009.
“While the number of recalled vehicles is staggering, it doesn't have the panicked safety concerns like the acceleration issues in 2010,” said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with auto information company Edmunds.com, said the Los Angeles Times.
“It doesn't seem like it will deal a huge blow to the company's U.S. market share. Right now, increased competition and China should pose greater threats for the company."