The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·10V384000·Announced 2010-08-26

Toyota Recalls 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix for Engine Control Module Defect

Toyota is recalling 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix vehicles because a defect in the engine control module could cause the engine to shut off while driving, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where the engine can shut off while driving, explicitly increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Toyota Motor North America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles. The recall involves vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive. The defect is located in the Engine Control Module (ECM), which may have been improperly manufactured, potentially leading to cracks at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.

This defect can result in various warnings and consequences, including an illuminated engine warning lamp, harsh shifting, the engine not starting, or the engine shutting off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace it if necessary at no charge to the owner. Toyota began mailing interim owner notifications in the middle of September 2010 to advise owners of the defect and that a future notification would be sent when parts become available for the free remedy. The safety recall began on November 29, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TOYOTA MATRIX, COROLLA
Brand
TOYOTA
Manufacturer
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Category
Vehicle — Sedan / Hatchback
Hazard
Affected units
1,128,659

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • MATRIX
  • COROLLA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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