Toyota Motor Corp. says it will recall about 1.1 million Corolla and Matrix models from the 2005 to 2008 model years to fix certain engine control modules, or ECMs, that may be defective. This marks the latest in a wave of recalls Toyota and its Lexus luxury division have conducted this year.
General Motors Corp. says the recall includes 199,163 Pontiac Vibe models from the same model years. The Vibe and Matrix are sister vehicles built between April 2004 and January 2008 at the former New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., or Nummi, joint venture between GM and Toyota.
Toyota says in two-wheel-drive versions of the vehicles with the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine known as the 1ZZ-FE, there is a chance a crack may develop at certain soldered points or on the ECM’s circuit board. In most cases the check-engine light comes on if cracks occur. The transmission may shift harshly and the engine may not start. In some cases the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.
Toyota says there are three “unconfirmed accidents alleged to be related to this condition,” one of which reportedly involved a minor injury. GM says it knows of no accidents involving Vibes.
Toyota says it will replace the ECMs on affected vehicles at no charge to the owner. Beginning in mid-September the company will notify owners of this recall and advise them on getting their cars repaired. The notification letters will include information about reimbursement for owners who previously paid for an ECM replacement related to this problem. Since GM has wound down the Pontiac brand, owners will have to take their cars to other GM dealerships for service.
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