Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

toyota corolla

2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix – Click above for high-res image gallery

toyota matrixToyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.

To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.

This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.

Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official press release.

*UPDATE: We mustn’t forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.

Gallery: 2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]

Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. intensifies investigation into Toyota Corolla stalling

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is intensifying its investigation into stalling Toyota Corolla models. According to the Associated Press, the agency has opened what it calls an engineering analysis into 1.8 million Corolla and Matrix models sold between 2005 and 2007. So far, NHTSA has received around 163 complaints about stalling in those vehicles, and the government seems to believe the problem may be due to a faulty coating on the vehicle’s circuit boards. It’s also possible that a crack could develop in a particular glass coating in the vehicle.

NHTSA hasn’t gone so far as to issue a recall in this particular case as its research into the problem is ongoing. Previously, investigators were only looking into Corolla and Matrix models produced in 2006, though the recent expansion indicates that the issue may be more widespread than previously believed.

Last we heard, Toyota was considering a voluntary fix for the problem, though since then nothing has come up in terms of a proposed solution from the carmaker. Back in March, NHTSA said that the problem doesn’t pose any danger to drivers.

[Source: Associated Press]

U.S. intensifies investigation into Toyota Corolla stalling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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