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Toyota recalls 1.3 million Corolla, Matrix models

Posted by Clifford Atiyeh  August 26, 2010 03:18 PM
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Another month, another Toyota recall.

Actually, there aren't enough months in the year as there have been Toyota recalls in 2010. According to The New York Times, the total is now 15. Problems with sudden acceleration, floor mats, misshapen gas pedals, locking steering wheels, braking consistency, improper stability control activation ... the full list is here. Nearly every model is on it.

On Thursday, the Japanese automaker announced a voluntary recall of 1.3 million Corolla, Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe models for engines that can fail to start or stall while driving. The recall, which affects the 2005 to 2008 model years, stems from a December investigation by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration after 26 complaints were received about the Corolla's engine shutting down. The Vibe was built alongside the Matrix in a joint manufacturing plant in California, which was shut down at the very end of March.

Toyota says the problem is from a faulty electronic control module — which regulates idle speed and throttle position, among other vitals — that can crack, causing "harsh shifts" or an engine that "could stop while the vehicle is being driven." The modules will be replaced after owners receive letters next month and dealers receive parts, the company said.

The Corolla is the world's best-selling car of all time, and continually ranks alongside the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Honda Civic as one of the top-selling passenger cars sold in the United States.

Update: The total number is now 1.3 million, up from 1.13 million, and includes 161,754 Pontiac Vibe models. When including Canadian vehicles, the total is 1.5 million, according to the Detroit Free Press.

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Clifford Atiyeh is the automotive editor for The Boston Globe and Boston.com. He has spent his entire life driving cars he doesn't own.
In the garage: 1995 21-speed Iron Horse, 2002 Jeep Wrangler X (by association).
Bill Griffith has reviewed cars for more than 10 years. He was also the Globe's assistant sports editor for 25 years and the paper's sports media columnist.
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John Paul is public affairs manager for AAA Southern New England and an automotive columnist for The Boston Globe. A certified mechanic, Paul tests dozens of new cars each year and also hosts a radio show on WROL.
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Keith Griffin is president of the New England Motor Press Association and edits the used car section on About.com. He is also founder of the Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards and contributes to various weekly newspapers in Connecticut.
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George Kennedy is a senior writer for WheelsTV in Acton, which produces video reviews for Yahoo, MSN, and other auto websites.
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