Toyota issues voluntary recall for 1.1 million Corolla/Matrix models, beats Feds to it

It's official: that little snafu Toyota had a few days ago with the stalling Corollas has evolved from an Engineering Analysis to a full-blown (voluntary) recall. The world's largest automaker will recall around 1.13 million vehicles, specifically the 2005-08 Corolla and Matrix (and Vibe?) for "improperly manufactured" engine control modules. Toyota will replace the modules for free on affected cars, while providing people who have already had to replace theirs with the opportunity to file a claim for reimbursement.

Toyota says this recall specifically affects cars that have the 1ZZ-FE (1.8-liter) engine and front wheel drive. The issue stems from cracks that could form on the solder points or varistors (an "electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage") on the ECM.

Signs to look out for are a premature engine warning light (so embarassing), jerky shifts, and the engine failing to start. Another red flag would be the car stalling while driving, although Toyota implies that this is highly unlikely. Who's going to be the first person to fake a stalling debacle for media attention?

Toyota's North American chief quality officer Steve St. Angelo says, "This recall is an example of our commitment to standing by our products and being responsive to our customers. Our goal is to help ensure that Toyota drivers are completely confident in the safety and reliability of their vehicles."

According to the Japanese automaker, there are three unconfirmed accidents alleged to be related to this condition, one of which reported a minor injury.

Thoughts?

By Phil Alex

Just when you thought it was Safe to get back in the Toyota: Stalling Issues Could Prompt Recall of 1.2 Million Cars

Toyota isn't out of hot water just yet, although many people have conveniently forgotten their accelerator issue after BP went all "Look at me! I'm dangerous, too!" For those who don't recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been dealing with another problem regarding some ToMoCo products: a stalling issue with up to 1.2 million 2005-2007 Corollas and Matrixes (Matrices?). That means possibly beating dead-horse Pontiac some more, since the Vibe was a brand-engineered Matrix.

As for the update: our Toyota Warning level has been elevated from "Preliminary Evaluation" to "Engineering Analysis" (one step below Recall) due to the cars still stalling at any speed and not being able to restart. To your battle stations!

Word from the safety agency is that over 160 complaints have come in about a situation where "the engine can stall without warning at any speed and not restart" due to a faulty ECU. Although Toyota doesn't seem to think it's a problem, I'd venture to say engine cut-off on a highway or intersection might be a major problem.

Toyota says the issue stems from either cracks in solder joints on, or defective coating of, the ECU circuit board. According to some commenters, the repair could cost owners up to $1,000. And the hits keep coming...

By Phil Alex

Source: NY Times

New GM Backs out of NUMMI Partnership with Toyota

Following the announcement on the termination of the Pontiac Vibe that was the last remaining project of the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyota, the so-called 'New GM' said today that it plans to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection without its 25-year old California tie-up with the Japanese automaker.

"Given that, GM believes it is in the best interest of the 'New GM' and its stakeholders that we place our ownership interest in NUMMI in 'Old GM'," the company said in a prepared statement.

General Motors added that the two sides could not reach an agreement on a future product plan that "made sense for all parties" and that there are no future GM vehicles planned for the joint venture at this time.

GM Decides to Kill Pontiac Vibe After All, Production Ends August 2009

Only a week after General Motors stated that the Vibe would be the only Pontiac model to be offered for retail sale in the brand's 2010MY portfolio, the automaker announced today its decision to discontinue production of the compact crossover by the end of August 2009. The Vibe is produced alongside its sister model, the Toyota Matrix, at the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) facility jointly operated by GM and Toyota in Fremont, California.

"While no replacement for Vibe production has been determined, GM and Toyota remain in active discussions regarding potential future production at NUMMI," General Motors said in a statement.

As we speak, the automaker's original plan is to gradually phase out the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010, though we wouldn't be at all surprised if General Motors decides to pull the plug on the historic marque at an earlier point.

Pontiac's 2010MY Roster Limited to the Vibe, G6 Available only for Fleet Buyers

As you all know, the Pontiac era is scheduled to end by late 2010 so it comes to no surprise that the only model offered for retail sale in General Motors' 2010 Product Guide for the United States is the Vibe - most probably because of the fact that it is produced by GM's joint venture with Toyota called NUMMI. The compact crossover continues in the new model year with a few minor upgrades.

These include the replacement of the 'Mystic Blue Metallic' finish with the 'Ignition Orange Metallic' color, a new luggage rack for the AWD models, the availability of a Cargo management package and Sun & Sound package on the base 1.8L while air-conditioning will be standard on all models.

Pontiac will also offer the G6 in its 2010MY portfolio, but the company said that it will be available exclusively for fleet customers only.

662,178 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe Models Recalled

This month’s first recall concerns 662,178 MY 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and subsequently its Pontiac sibling, Vibe due to a problem with the front electric powered windows. The driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off, leading the door glass to separate from the window regulator.

This could cause the door glass to bind and shatter during operation of the power windows, causing driver distraction and/or injury. Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger door glass bolts with newly designed bolts free of charge.