US government expands investigation into Toyota fires

The US government has expanded an investigation into fires that can start in the doors of several Toyota models, adding 600,000 Camrys and other vehicles to the probe.

The investigation now includes 1.4 million cars and SUVs from the 2007 to 2009 model years. When the probe began in February, it involved more than 800,000 Camrys and RAV4 SUVs from 2007.

Certain Camrys from 2008 and 2009, as well as some 2007 to 2009 Yaris subcompacts and all 2008 Highlander Hybrid SUVs, have been added to the investigation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The vehicles were built from September 2006 to August 2008, the safety agency said.

Toyota and the government have received 161 complaints of fires involving the vehicles. Nine people have been hurt, according to government documents.