Toyota China Recalling Almost 690,000 Cars

BEIJING August 24, 2009; Marketwatch reported that Toyota Motor Co. is recalling 688,314 sedans in China due to a problem with the vehicles' electronic window control systems, China's quality regulator said Sunday.

Electronic controls on the driver's side window may short circuit because an excessive amount of lubricant was applied during the manufacturing process, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement on its Web site.

The excess lubricant may cause overheating and melting. In rare instances, the flaw may cause the interior door panel to melt. The faulty parts originated from one supplier, the statement said.

The recall affects 384,736 Camry sedans made between May 15, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2008; 245,288 Corolla sedans made between May 17, 2007, and Dec. 25, 2008; 35,523 Vios sedans made between Feb. 18, 2008, and Dec. 25, 2008; and 22,767 Yaris sedans made between May 15, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2008, the statement said.