Toyota Recalls 7.43 Million Cars

The recall, announced on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 affects more than a dozen models produced from 2005 through 2010. The electric window switch on the driver's side didn't have grease applied evenly during production, causing friction in the switch and sometimes smoke, according to Toyota.

No crashes nor injuries

No crashes or injuries have been reported related to the problem, but more than 200 problems were reported in US. Fewer problems were reported elsewhere, including 39 cases in Japan, Toyota spokesman Joichi Tachikawa said.

A spokesman for Toyota SA said no incidents had been reported in South Africa but the local company would be taking pre-emptive action. Cars involved are believed to be the RAV4, Corolla, Yaris, Camry and Auris from the indicated date range.

Owners in South Africa will be contacted when more information is available from Toyota Japan.

The recall announcement follows on news earlier in 2012 of an investigation into electric window switch fires that affected Toyota and GM products.

Recalled in North America are the Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia and Scion models xB and xD, spanning 2.47 million vehicles.

Some 460 000 vehicles are being recalled in Japan. The models are the Vitz and Belta (Yaris hatchback and sedan), Ractis, Ist, Auris and Corolla Lumion. The Yaris, Corolla, Auris, Camry and Rav-4 are being recalled in Europe, totaling 1.39 million vehicles.

The sprawling recall also applies to cars in Australia, China and elsewhere in Asia and the Middle East.

Toyota has been trying to fix its reputation after a series of massive recalls of 14 million vehicles over several years.

Before that, Toyota had boasted a reputation for pristine quality, centered around its super-lean production methods that empowered the worker to hone in on quality control.

Toyota executives have acknowledged the escalating recalls were partly caused by the company's overly ambitious growth goals.