Toyota has conducted a number of product recalls in the recent past, which could affect the brand image and overall sales of the company. For instance, in 2011, Toyota recalled 111,000 models of Toyota and Lexus brands’ vehicles due to the damage to elements of the substrate and potential shutdown of the hybrid system. Further in the year, Toyota recalled 181,000 vehicles in Japan in relation to abnormal noise and oil leakage that may have resulted from slack of bolts in the sub transmission and the rear wheel differential. In addition, the company was involved in government investigations related to product recalls. For instance, in February 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated a preliminary investigation of a potentially faulty power window master switch in the driver-side doors in model year 2007 Camry and RAV4 vehicles. This could also result in significant penalties, which could affect the operational margins.