What the heck is going on with 2007 cars? Investigations were opened last week into Toyota Camrys and RAV4s from 2007 stemming from consumer complaints about driver’s side door fires. Only six customers have complained so far, but if the investigation uncovers a real threat, up to 830,000 vehicles may be affected.
On Monday, federal investigators were looking into the exact same problem with Chevy Trailblazers from 2006 and 2007. Twelve complaints (that’s exactly double the amount of Toyota fires) have been lodged; the fires seem to begin in the driver’s side power window switch. Flames haven’t hurt anyone or even destroyed a vehicle (yet), and damage has been limited to melting door parts and singed seats.
What’s the common theme here?
NHTSA is looking into whether Toyota and GM bought switches from the same supplier. If this is the link, other vehicles from additional automakers may be checked. Mostly because it’s kinda hard to exit a burning car as a driver when the main way to get out (the driver’s side door) is starting to melt.
If you have a 2007 model and your driver’s side window switch has been acting funky, maybe it’s time you upgrade to a newer model.
[photo by slimjim]
