Toyota Corola recall
The automaker says it will recall 1 million 2005 to 2008 model year vehicles to address a problem with an electronic component that can cause the cars to stall. The recall also affects 200,000 Pontiac Vibe models.
"Toyota has recalled more than 1 million of its Corolla and Matrix cars, just days after U.S. auto safety regulators stepped up a probe into the risk that the vehicles could stall because of defective electronic engine control units. The recall also affects 200,000 Pontiac Vibe models built by a joint venture between General Motors Co. and Toyota".
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. said Thursday that the recall of the 2005 to 2008 model year vehicles sold in North America was to address a problem with an electronic component called an engine control module that might have been improperly manufactured. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in this recall.
Toyota has known about the engine problem since 2005, when it issued dealers a notice — called a technical service bulletin — that explained how to fix it. "We have known about the fact that there have been complaints of stalling engines," Toyota spokesman John Hanson said. Before the recall, if a customer complained about the issue the dealer would be expected to make a repair during the warranty period and charge the expense to the automaker. Toyota plans to replace the module on all of the recalled vehicles at no charge to owners. It will mail notice of the recall to owners starting in mid-September. Car owners with questions can go to http://www.toyota.com/recall or call Toyota at (800) 331-4331.
The Vibe was designed and engineered by Toyota, GM said.
Toyota's announcement today that it will, indeed, recall 1.1 million Corollas and Matrixes for computer glitches that can cause them to stall in traffic marks the 15th Toyota or Lexus recall so far this year, Toyota says.
Model years of recalled vehicles vary. Lexus Division
LX470: steering problems
LS: valve springs
HS250h: fuel safety in a crash
LS: steering problems
GX460: stability software
HS250h: brakes
Toyota division
Corolla: engine computer problems
Avalon: steering problems
Sequoia: steering problems
Sienna: spare tire cable
Tacoma: Drive shaft
Prius: brakes
RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Avalon, Camry, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia: sticky accelerator pedals that could cause the car to become a runaway.