After years of outstanding reliability ratings, Toyota has yet another auto defect to address. A current government investigation, regarding potential fires that may start in the doors of some models with power windows, is expanding. Investigators have now added 600,000 additional vehicles, top selling Camrys, to their analysis.
Around 1.4 million autos and SUVs are now investigation subjects, including many in Pennsylvania. Camrys and RAV4 SUVs, from model years 2007 to 2009 were the original targets. The government has expanded their probe to include some Yaris models and all 2008 Highlander Hybrid models, along with the additional Camrys.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed they have received 161 consumer complaints claiming overheated power window switches are causing fires in doors. NHTSA documents indicate that nine people have been injured from the disturbing fires.
Not surprisingly, all the subject vehicles have the same power switch installed in the driver's doors. NHTSA refers to their investigation as an "engineering analysis," which often leads to a formal recall if an auto defect is confirmed. Working with the government, Toyota owners who smell smoke or whose doors give off heat are urged to contact dealers or just drive-in to have an inspection.
Interestingly, in December 2012, the NHTSA bestowed its top safety rating, five-star, on the Camry, the most popular car in America. This latest potential problem comes on the heels of the recent 14 million vehicle recall regarding unintended acceleration issues. Helped by NASA engineers, the government and Toyota found that the throttle controls were working properly. The culprit: Manufacturer floor mats that could trap gas pedals or throttle pedal assemblies that could "stick."
GM TrailBlazers (model years 2006 and 2007) have joined the engineering analysis to investigate the same issue. GM and NHTSA have already received 242 complaints, with 28 resulting fires. No one has yet suffered a reported injury. TrailBlazer owners who smell smoke should contact their dealers to cure the problem.
Source: Associated Press, "Feds add more models to Toyota fire investigation; power window switches can overheat," Tom Krisher, June 18, 2012