Today, Wednesday 10th October, Toyota GB and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) have issued a recall on RAV4, Yaris and Auris and Corolla models. This is because of issues with the electric window controls (or Power Window Master Switch) that controls the windows for both driver and passengers.

RAV4, Yaris, Auris and Corolla models built between September 2006 and December 2008 have been highlighted as the main concern. The PWMS usually located on the driver’s door may feel “notchy or uneven over time when it’s operated.” Continuing to use this feature can cause the switch to stick and inevitably become inoperable.

You may think this can be easily solved with a little WD40 or something similar, but alas that isn’t the case. The lubrication required to restore full function isn’t available commercially, and using an over the counter lubricant has the possibility of leading to overheating or melting the switch assembly. There is a silver lining, however – only one case has been reported in the UK and no accidents have been caused by this malfunction.

A spokesperson at Toyota has issued a release stating, “Toyota places the highest priority on customer safety and the quality of our vehicles. We are constantly monitoring the performance of our vehicles through a variety of sources. From time to time, we become aware of a situation where a certain component or aspect of the vehicle does not meet our strict standards.”

So Toyota has decided to recall them all. Owners affected by this little glitch will be contacted by Toyota GB within the next six weeks, and asked to make an appointment at their nearest Toyota centre. The dealer will check the operation of the PWMS, and if it’s operating properly then a special non-conducting lubrication will be applied. If it is faulty then of course the PWMS will be replaced free of charge, and the work shouldn’t take more than an hour.

VIN or specific vehicle information is expected to be made available by VOSA by the end of this week to determine who is affected. Once this has become available to Toyota, the ownership section of the website (www.toyota.co.uk) will host a registration search function enabling all Toyota owners to check if their vehicle is within the affected range.

Anyone requiring further information is instructed to contact Customer Relations on 01737 367600.