Toyota Pulls Trigger on Another Hefty Recall
By Bill Visnic August 26, 2010Proving true to its word of being more responsive to consumer concerns while at the same time likely still smarting from the biggest recall-related fine ever paid by an automaker, Toyota Motor Corp. today announced it will recall more than 1 million Corolla and Matrix models to replace a potentially faulty electronic circuit board.
Toyota's move comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was broadening its own scrutiny of consumer complaints about the cars' proclivity to stall or run rough and fail to start. In all, about 1.13 million Corolla and Matrix vehicles from the 2005 to 2008 model years will be recalled to replace engine control modules that might develop cracks at solder points or varistor, which protects against voltage surges.
The recall also encompasses about 161,000 Pontiac Vibes, which use the same engine and other mechanicals. The Pontiac brand was discontinued by General Motors Co. last year.
"There are three unconfirmed accidents alleged to be related to this condition," Toyota said in a release today, "one of which reported a minor injury.
The recall reportedly is the 15th Toyota has initiated this year and comes after the company's past practices that sought to delay or otherwise subvert possible recalls were exposed during Congressional hearings earlier this year. Toyota's top management pledged to be more cognizant of consumer complaints and to install a new structure to monitor and ensure quality in all its global markets.
Matrix photo by Toyota
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