Toyota recall 7.4 million cars

Toyota have recalled more than seven million cars worldwide including the Toyota Yaris, RAV 4, Auris and Corolla models due to faulty window switches. No accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of the problem, though there is a possibility that the malfunctioning switches could emit smoke

Toyota will be contacting drivers with the affected models over the coming weeks and asking them to bring their car in for checks to see if there is a fault. Toyota said fixing the switch should take approximately 40 minutes. Spokeswoman Monika Saito said “the process to repair (the power window switch) is not an extensive one it involves putting heat-resistant grease on the switches, or exchanging them.”

Toyota declined to say how much the recall would cost, or what impact it may have on future earnings. The voluntary move is the biggest single recall since Ford pulled 8 million vehicles off the road in 1996 to replace defective ignition switches that could have caused engine fires.

Toyota has battled its way back from multiple difficulties since 2008, including a series of recalls involving more than 10 million of its vehicles in 2009-11.