Feds probe stalling Matrix and Corolla,... Vibe Next?

[Zig]

http://www.detnews.com/article...odels Federal safety officials have opened a probe into two models of Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles after drivers reported that their cars stalled in traffic, sometimes at highway speeds.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted a document late this week launching the investigation into Toyota's Matrix and Corolla cars. It's just the latest in a recent string of quality-related issues for the Japanese automaker.The document cited 26 complaints from drivers of 2006 model year Matrix and Corolla vehicles. Consumers "allege stalls occurring randomly while driving, including some on highways and some in intersections," the agency stated.The new investigation is another blow to an automaker that has seen its long-held reputation for quality come under attack amid a flurry of safety-related recalls and investigations this year.Last week, Toyota said it would recall more than 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because their design increases the risk that they could suddenly accelerate out of control. In addition Toyota recalled 110,000 Tundra pickups because of a rust problem that could cause the spare tire to fall onto the road, creating a hazard for other vehicles.Toyota has announced recalls of more than 4.8 million cars and trucks in the U.S. and Canada since January. Other than this year, Toyota's largest annual total of recalled vehicles over the past decade was 1.1 million in 2004.In 2000, Toyota recalled just 8,379 vehicles.In addition to the Corolla and Matrix probe, which covers 397,000 vehicles, NHTSA is investigating the 2003 Sequoia based on allegations that the electronic stability control system seizes control of the brakes at inappropriate times. That investigation targets 68,289 SUVs.Toyota spokesman John Hanson acknowledged the new investigation of Corolla and Matrix cars but would not speculate on the potential causes."It's the first step," he said. "They're asking us for a preliminary evaluation. We'll submit that to them, and they'll decide whether to take this to the next level."NHTSA's records of complaints show numerous incidents of Corolla and Matrix vehicles stalling, often in situations where other vehicles could strike the car. One details a Corolla that stalled in heavy traffic in December of last year, blocking a right-turn lane for two hours until it could be towed.The agency indicates the problem could be linked to the onboard computer, or electronic control module. Toyota on its own issued a service bulletin to its dealers two years ago, calling for replacement of that component in Corolla or Matrix vehicles experiencing "harsh shift."Neither the Corolla nor the Matrix is included in the massive recall announced last week. That affects the 2007-10 Camry, the 2004-09 Prius, the 2005-10 Avalon, the 2005-10 Tacoma and the 2007-10 Tundra, the 2007-10 Lexus ES 350, and the 2006-10 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350.

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by Zig » The document cited 26 complaints from drivers of 2006 model year Matrix and Corolla vehicles. Consumers "allege stalls occurring randomly while driving, including some on highways and some in intersections," the agency stated.26 cases? That's it? And there are how many Matrix and Corollas out there?Those 26 cases could probably be explained through improper maintenance or worn out components. Fuel pump, O2 sensor, failed MAF sensor, lots of things can cause an engine to stall. But still, Toyota has some problems to deal with!

[vibolista]

Could be marsh gas affecting those 26 Corollas. The massive recall just announced was precipitated by floor mats and stuck accelerator pedals that caused at least on tragic accident. The one accident I heard about involved a Lexus 450 running away at nearly full speed, killing 4 occupants. The driver made a 911 call before dying. It was apparently a loaner car, so I guess he didn't know how to shut the engine down. In that car, it would probably require holding to power button down over 3 seconds or so... the same as a Prius. I hope everyone on this forum takes a minute to think about an emergency like this... and know that you can turn the engine off and still steer and brake, as long as you don't lock your steering wheel. Don't turn the key to the lock position.I had a '92 Suzuki Swift that I used as a commuter car, and in extremely cold conditions (-10 to -20F) it would sometimes accelerate, pulling the gas pedal to the floor by its self. The only way to stop it was to turn the key off and hit the clutch. Luckily, it only happened a few times on isolated roads. It happened fast, so I had little time to think about what to do. In traffic, it would have been an extremely dangerous situation. And everyone thought that Audi owners were the only ones that had this kind of problem.

[Capt.Vibe]

Looks like the feds are putting serious pressure on Toyota. Anyone know if the Vibe's ECU is made by Denso or Delphi Electronics?

[djkeev]

Not to be negative towards the American worker here, but aren't these models mentioned made in the good 'ole USA ???

[jake75]

Most recalls are caused by parts made by others. Of course the basic engineering could be at fault rather than the manufacturing.

[Old Tele man]

...ECU is "made in Japan"

[epcIII]

According to this article, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34...utos/, it's engines "stalling on 2006 Corollas and Matrixes equipped with 1ZZ-FE engines".