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Campaign 12V491 Posted October 10, 2012 2,519,424 units

2007-2009 Toyota Recall 12V491: Window Switch Fire

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 12V491 covers 2,519,424 2007-2009 Toyota, Scion, and Pontiac vehicles for overheating power window switches. Free repair at a franchised Toyota dealer.

Toyota is recalling 2,519,424 2007-2009 vehicles, including Camry, RAV4, Corolla, and Tundra models, because the power window master switch can malfunction and overheat after an imprecise lubrication process. An overheated switch can melt and result in a fire; the Toyota dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The power window master switch is the main window control, usually mounted on the driver's door. On Toyota's 2007-2009 Camry, RAV4, Corolla, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Yaris, Xb, Xd, Vibe, and related hybrid or Matrix models, this switch sends the command that raises or lowers the windows. It has small internal pieces that need the right lubrication so the switch moves and contacts properly.

In this recall, some switch assemblies were built with a less precise lubrication process. When the lubrication is uneven, the internal parts of the switch do not move as designed. That creates a path for the switch to malfunction and overheat inside the door control area.

There is no warning sign before failure. The window switch can appear normal until it malfunctions, so the VIN check and dealer repair path matter more than waiting for a symptom.

Who's affected?

The scope spans multiple model lines, with the same power-window control component listed for every model.

2009 Toyota Camry visibility component
2009 Scion Xd visibility component
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid visibility component
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid visibility component
2007 Toyota Camry visibility component
Units affected2,519,424

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

An overheating power-window switch can melt and result in a fire. If your VIN is included, have the switch inspected and repaired by the dealer, and do not attempt your own switch repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2009 Toyota recall vehicle (Camry, Xd, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Highlander, Xb, Yaris, RAV4, Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Vibe, or Corolla Matrix) is included in this recall.
  2. Contact Toyota customer service or a franchised Toyota dealer for current repair scheduling guidance.
  3. Reference recall number 12V491 when you call the dealer or customer service desk.
  4. Schedule the free power-window master-switch inspection, grease application, or switch replacement that fixes the overheating switch risk.
  5. Avoid trying to repair the switch yourself before the dealer inspection.

What happens at the repair

Once Toyota opens the dealer remedy, a Toyota technician will inspect the power window master switch. The technician will apply special grease to limit heat buildup inside the switch, or replace the switch if the defect has damaged it. The dealer repair will be free once available. If the switch acts up before the repair is completed, do not try to repair it yourself. Contact a Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center for direction.

Timeline

October 10, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
November 5, 2012 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V491?

Recall 12V491 covers 2,519,424 2007-2009 Toyota vehicles with a power window master switch that can overheat if the internal lubrication was applied unevenly. If the switch overheats, it can melt and start a fire. Dealers inspect the switch, apply special grease, or replace a damaged switch for free.

What should I do if my 2007-2009 Toyota vehicle is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V491. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the power window master switch inspection. Do not try to repair the switch yourself. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 12V491, dealers inspect the power window master switch and apply special grease, or replace a damaged switch, free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire from an overheated power window master switch. The recall filing says the switch can malfunction and overheat because of irregular lubrication inside the switch assembly. If your VIN is included, have the dealer complete the free inspection and repair.

What if I bought this vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle is included in recall 12V491, then contact a franchised Toyota dealer and reference the recall number when you schedule service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V491000
Toyota customer service1-800-331-4331
NHTSA recall #12V491
NHTSA recall # (full)12V491000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →