Toyota Recalls 1.1 Million Corollas & Matrixes; GM Recalls 200,000 Pontiac Vibes

On Thursday, Toyota issued a recall affecting 1.33 million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks in the United States and Canadas due to a potential for engine stalling. The recall covers vehicles from the 2005 to 2008 model years.

Three accidents and one minor injury have thus far been reported. This recall is one of the largest since it began recalling cards and trucks last October. Worldwide, the automaker has since recalled more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota says that the affected Corollas and Matrixes are equipped with 1ZZ-FE engines, and may contain a defective engine control module, which is the computer that regulates the performance of the engine. In some instances, a crack could develop on the module's circuit board, which would prevent the engine froms tarting or could cause harsh shifting or an engine stall.

General Motors Co. is also recalling 200,000 Pontiac Vibes in North America because of the same problem. Similar to the Matrix, the Vibe was built under a joint venture between Toyota and GM.

Both Toyota and GM said that they will replace engine control modules on the recalled vehicles at no charge. Notifications will be sent to owners of the affected vehicles beginning in mid-September.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating the possibility of engine stalling in the Corolla and Matrix models since late November.