Toyota recalls 7.4 million vehicles for balky window switches in reversal

Toyota announced this morning it would recall about 2.5 million cars and trucks in the United States and 7.4 million vehicles worldwide to fix power window switches that can stick, smoke and potentially cause a fire. There's no reports of major injuries from the problem, but it comes after Toyota told U.S. officials earlier this year that the problem wasn't that serious and didn't require a recall.The recall -- the largest by any automaker since 1996 -- involves inspecting and if necessary replacing the driver's side power window switch. Toyota says a combination of wear that causes the switches to get sticky over time and the grease applied to the switches when they are built can combine to cause overheating.

The move reverses a stance Toyota took earlier this year, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation in February after 32 complaints of smoking, overheating or small fires from the window switches; data from Toyota revealed an additional 129 complaints. NHTSA found 10 reports of minor injuries, none more serious than a blister on a driver's left hand.