Toyota issues recall for several models

MANILA, Philippines - Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) is calling on owners of Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Vios and Yaris models produced from 2006 to 2010 to bring their cars to dealers for corrective measures on the faulty power window master switch in line with a global recall.

TMPC vice president for corporate affairs Roque Rommel Gutierrez said in a text message yesterday that owners of affected vehicles may already bring their cars to dealers so that a specialized grease could be applied to the power window master switch.

“We will conduct a special service campaign by advicing affected customers to visit our dealers for application of specialized grease in the power window master switch of their vehicles,” he said.

The move is part of a global recall of more than 7.4 million vehicles as the faulty power window switch could potentially cause fire.

There have been no reports of a fire, but there is at least one case of smoke coming from a window switch in the United States.

Gutierrez said around 22,000 units are affected by the recall in the Philippines.

For the affected vehicles, he said the sliding electrical contact point in the driver’s side power window master switch may experience a “notchy” or sticking feeling during operation which causes the button to get stuck.

If vehicles are serviced by non-Toyota dealers and commercially available lubricant is used, melting of the switch assembly may occur.

“As a preventive measure, we will inspect the power window master switch and apply specialized grease or replace specific component if deemed necessary, at no cost to the customer,” he said.

He said TMPC would start informing vehicle owners of the recall as soon as possible.

He also said the recall is not expected to have an effect on the firm’s car sales performance.