(October 10, 2012) Toyota plans to recall 7.43 million vehicles worldwide — including 2.47 million vehicles in the United States — in the single biggest automotive recall since 1996 to fix faulty power window switches.

The U.S. action covers various 2007 through 2009 models of the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Yaris, RAV4, Tundra, Scion xD, Scion xA, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Corolla and Matrix. About 240,000 vehicles in Canada are also affected.

Today's recall announcement came as President Akio Toyoda pushes to rebuild the company's reputation for quality. Toyota recalled more than 10 million units in 2009 and 2010 for defects associated with unintended acceleration.

Toyota didn't provide estimates on the cost of the recall. The power window switches can be repaired in about an hour depending on the dealer's work schedule, the company said in a statement.

"The process to repair (the power window switch) is not an extensive one," spokeswoman Monika Saito said.

The automaker said driver's-side switches are prone to having a "notchy" or "sticky" feel. If commercial lubricants are applied to address the issue, the switch assembly could melt or emit smoke and in some cases cause a fire.
The company said it's conducting the recall to inspect the vehicles and apply special fluorine grease to the switch.

Source: Wire reports, Automotive News