1.13 Million Toyota Corolla And Matrix Compact Cars And General Motors' 200,000 Pontiac Vibes Are

By Author: danielaiden
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Toyota Motor (TM) has taken a voluntary step recalling about 1.13 million Corolla and Matrix compact cars. This recall is to fix a faulty engine control module in Corolla and Matrix compact cars that can create problems such as stalling while driving.

In North America the recall involves 2005-08 model year Corolla and Matrix compact cars. These 2005-08 model year Corolla and Matrix compact cars are equipped with 1ZZ-FE engines and two-wheel drive. No other Toyota or Lexus brand vehicles are involved in the recall.

The stalling problem in these 2005-08 model year Corolla and Matrix compact cars is believed to have been caused by cracks that can develop at certain solder points or on the electronic component. These solder points and electronic components are used to protect circuits from excessive voltage on circuit board of the module.

* When these points develop cracks
* The vehicle's check engine may illuminate
* Harsh shifting could result
* The engine may not start

The engine of a 2005-08 model year Corolla and Matrix compact car could stop while the vehicle is ...
... in motion.

There have been three alleged accidents one of which is a minor injury due to this condition. In response to complaints by consumers, federal officials stepped up their investigation into 2005, 2006 and 2007 model year Corolla and Matrix cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the investigation into 2005, 2006 and 2007 model year Corolla and Matrix cars began on the 18th of August.

General Motors is also recalling more than 200,000 Pontiac Vibes for the same problem, separately. The Vibe, like the Matrix was built under a joint venture between Toyota and GM at the same factory in Fremont, California.

Toyota and GM will begin notifying consumers of affected vehicles by mid-September. They will be instructed to take their cars to a dealer to have the module replaced at no charge. The Pontiac brand has been phased out but the Pontiac Vibe owners can take their cars to other GM dealerships for service.

The recall of 1.13 million Corolla and Matrix compact cars is the latest in a series of recalls by Toyota, the world's largest automaker this year. Since January, Toyota has recalled about 10 million cars worldwide. This was to fix problems related to unintended acceleration, erratic brakes, defective software and other issues.

This information is not intended as legal advice. Please direct your specific questions to K&M attorneys and know more about your lemon law rights. If you want to pursue your lemon law claim, call 1-800 US LEMON® (800-875-3666) toll free, to reach Krohn & Moss for your FREE initial consultation. Or submit your information online for your free case evaluation.