Toyota and Scion recall 2 million vehicles: Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and more

Toyota has issued a massive recall affecting 2 million US Toyota and Scion vehicles from the 2007 to 2011 model years. A manufacturing problem with the power window master switch could in some cases cause a fire.

A woman speaks on a phone next to a Toyota car at a Japan's Toyota Motor Corp car dealership in Kiev, Ukraine. Toyota has issued a recall of 2 million Toyota and Scion vehicles, affecting several models manufactured between 2007 and 2011.

Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters/File

October 22, 2015

This morning, Toyota issued a massive recall affecting 2,000,000 U.S. Toyota and Scion vehicles from the 2007 to 2011 model years. According to a statement from the automaker, a manufacturing problem with the power window master switch could in some cases cause a fire.

The problem stems from a lack of lubricant grease on the master switch. Toyota explains that the lack of lubrication can cause the device to short circuit. In some cases, that may make the switch overheat and melt. In some instances, it can result in smoke or even fire.

Sound familiar? It should. Three years ago, Toyota issued a similar recall affecting 2.5 million vehicles from the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years. Today's expansion affects one Toyota model from that same period, but most vehicles on the list are newer. Toyota believed that the components on these vehicles were immune to the problem because they were lubricated using a different method, but apparently not. 

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Today's list of recalled vehicles includes:

  • 2007 & 2009 Toyota Camry 
  • 2007 & 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla
  • 2008-2011 Toyota Highlander 
  • 2008-2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Matrix
  • 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2009-2011 Toyota Tundra
  • 2006-2010 Toyota Yaris
  • 2009-2011 Scion xB
  • 2009-2010 Scion xD

Worldwide, today's recall affects a total of 6.5 million vehicles.

Toyota says that it will mail recall notices to owners via first-class mail. After receiving those notices, owners can take their vehicles to a dealership, where the power window master switch will be inspected and heat-resistant grease will be applied. If the switch has already been damaged, Toyota will replace the related circuit board.

For further information, you're encouraged to visit Toyota.com/recall and run a search for your vehicle's VIN to see if it's affected by this or any other recall. You can also call Toyota Customer Service at 800-331-4331 for assistance.