Washington, Oct 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Making the biggest international car recall since 1996, Toyota announced Wednesday it was recalling 7.4 million vehicles after discovering that faulty window switches in 12 different models could pose a fire hazard.

The recall affects 2.5 million Toyota vehicles sold in the United States, 250,000 in Russia, and also covers Australia, China and other parts of Asia and the Mideast.

The Japanese automaker said there have not been any accidents or injuries associated with the defective switches, which are located on the driver's side of the vehicles.

Toyota said car owners "may experience a 'notchy' or sticky feel during operation" of the window, adding that,"If commercially available lubricants are applied to the switch in an attempt to address the 'notchy' or sticky feel, melting of the switch assembly or smoke could occur and lead to a fire under some circumstances."

Toyota said the recall would involve inspection, switch disassembly, and application of a special fluorine grease to correct the defect.

The recall is the largest by an auto company since Ford was forced to call back eight million vehicles in 1996 to replace defective ignition switches that could have caused engine fires.