Toyota recalls Vitz cars

Toyota cars in New Zealand are being recalled due to a faulty window switch.

More than 82,220 Vitz compact cars have been recalled in Japan after it was found that the defective window switch could short out due to excessive lubrication, possibly causing it to catch fire.

Toyota spokeswoman Sarah Lynn said a number of 2005 imported vehicles in New Zealand were affected by the problem.

The company was consulting with Land Transport to confirm the number of cars involved, but it was expected to be in the low hundreds, she said.

Those car owners would be contacted by Toyota and asked to bring their cars in to be repaired at no cost.

Japan's transport ministry has recorded 32 malfunction cases, including one fire, due to faulty window switches in the Vitz since 2007, AP reported.

No one was injured in the fire.

- NZPA