TORONTO -

Toyota Canada Inc. announced a new safety recall this week for issues with the driver’s side power window master switch in certain vehicles.

In impacted vehicles, the power window master switch may have been manufactured with insufficient lubricant grease.

“If sufficient grease is not applied, under certain conditions the switch may develop a short circuit that can cause the switch assembly to overheat and melt. A melting switch can produce smoke and potentially lead to a fire,” the company said in the statement announcing the recall.

As of Thursday, the VIN range of possible affected vehicles was still subject to confirmation, and Transport Canada will be notified as soon as the number becomes available, the company said.

That said, the automaker has reported the issue impacts 6.5 million vehicles worldwide, 2 million of which are in the U.S.  

Affected models include:

  • 2007 and 2009 Toyota Camry and Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Highlander and Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Matrix
  • 2006-2007 and 2009-2011 Toyota RAV4
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Tundra
  • 2006-2007 and 2009-2011 Toyota Yaris
  • 2006 and 2009-2011 Scion xB
  • 2009-2011 Scion xD

Interestingly, Toyota previously recalled a group of 2007-2009 model-year vehicles for a similar conditions, and this safety recall serves to add vehicles not previously involved in the prior action that utilized an alternative lubricant application method.

Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by mail. When owners bring their vehicles in, Toyota dealers will inspect the switch and apply heat-resistant grease. Then, if the switch is not operating normally, the switch circuit board will be replaced.