Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid

Oct 10, 2012 — Recall Campaign #12V491000

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.

The recall was influenced by the Office of Defects Investigation with about 2,519,424 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

12V491000

Manufacturer:	Toyota Motor Corporation
Recall date:	October 10, 2012
NHTSA Campaign #:	12V491000
Units affected:	2,519,424

Description:: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
Consequeces:: If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Corrective action:: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Notes:: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affects the following:

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Complaints
The contact owned a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, an abnormal, booming sound was emitted from the vehicle as heavy, black smoke entered her vehicle. Due to the smoke, the contact's vision became obstructed, and the contact immediately shifted into park and jumped out of her vehicle for safety. It was unknown if there were any warning lights. As a result, the contact injured her right hip and strained her vocal cords. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames as authorities were called to the scene. The fire department extinguished the flames as both a fire and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was deemed a total loss. There was no property damage. The origin of the fire was unknown, and an investigation was opened by the insurance company. The contact sought medical attention the next day and was treated for the strain on her right hip. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was given a case number. The contact was also informed that she would receive a response from them within 45 days. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.;
2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID Complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 212,000.;
2008 TOYOTA TUNDRA Complaints
THIS OWNER'S 2008 TOYOTA TUNDRA 5.7L DASHBOARD LIGHTS LIT UP INCLUDING THE VSC, TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE AND 4 LO. THE 4 LO LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE TRUCK WOULD NO LONGER GO PAST 3000 RPM ON SOME OCCOSIANS. VEHICLE CODE READER IDENTIFIED THIS VEHICLE'S SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM REQUIRED REPAIR AND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH TOYOTA TUNDRAS. TOYOTA ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER VEHICLES IMPACTED BY THIS DEFECT, CODE p0418. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER ESPECIALLY IF RANDOM AND UNKNOWN TIMES WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC NORMALLY WOULD ALLOW TIME TO ACCELERATE SAFETLY BUT DUE TO THE SAIS MALFUNCTIONING IT COULD ACCELERATE SLOWLY AND CAUSE A COLLISION.;
2008 TOYOTA YARIS Complaints
Car was in park, ignition off, with the keys removed. The gear shift could apparently move in this locked position and the vehicle rolled backwards with a 6 year old child in the car. The car was totaled after hitting a concrete base to a light fixture. A failure occurred that allowed the car to shift gears off and in park.;
2009 PONTIAC VIBE Complaints
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Toyota 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine in my 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT suffers from excessive oil consumption due to a known piston ring defect. The rapid oil loss between changes puts the engine at risk of failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This issue poses a serious safety risk because: 1.Oil levels drop unpredictably, increasing the risk of sudden engine failure while driving, which could lead to accidents. 2.No dashboard warning appears when oil is low, making it difficult to detect before damage occurs. 3.Toyota acknowledged this defect under Warranty Enhancement ZE7, but Pontiac Vibe owners were excluded, despite having the same Toyota-manufactured engine. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Independent mechanics have confirmed the excessive oil consumption, consistent with the known Toyota 2AZ-FE defect. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •Toyota acknowledged the issue in their vehicles but refused assistance for the Pontiac Vibe GT. •GM has not inspected the vehicle, even though they marketed and sold it. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •No warning lights indicate low oil levels. •Symptoms include rapid oil loss, increased engine noise, and potential knocking if oil is not constantly monitored. Summary for NHTSA The Pontiac Vibe GT uses the Toyota 2AZ-FE engine, which Toyota admitted has a piston ring defect. Toyota extended warranties for their vehicles but excluded Pontiac Vibe owners, leaving us with a known defective engine. This creates a safety risk that should be investigated.;