After almost 200 complaints of vehicle fires from Toyota drivers, the federal government is expanding its investigations. Currently, nine people have been hurt by the fires that have started in a number of Toyota Camrys, Yaris and Highlanders between the model years of 2007 and 2009.
It is unknown if these dangerous products have injured anyone in Lake Charles yet, but the possibility that a Louisiana resident could be hurt by one of these common cars is quite real. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the switches that work the power windows on the driver’s side can overheat, causing the fires.
A spokesperson for the car company said owners should take their vehicles into their dealers for an inspection, especially if the car starts to heat or they smell smoke.
Due to the expanded investigations, more than 1 million vehicles will be examined. Prior to this, 800,000 RAV4 and Camrys had been part of a federal inquiry. When the government is finished, they may choose to issue a recall.
Toyota has been in the spotlight in recent years due to other safety concerns, as well. Roughly 14 million Toyotas were recalled after problems with unintended acceleration caused a number of crashes. The company, however, corrected the problem by replacing faulty pedal assemblies and floor mats that could become stuck under pedals.
Louisiana drivers shouldn’t have to be afraid that their cars are going to start on fire or cause injury to anyone. When there are repeated stories of individuals injured or inconvenienced by something as serious as a car fire, it may be important to contact a dangerous product lawyer.
Source: The Associated Press, “Feds add more models to Toyota fire investigation; power window switches can overheat,” Tom Krisher, June 18, 2012
