Toyota Recalls 1.1 Million Vehicles
Toyota is recalling 1.13 million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks because their engines may stall, the latest in a string of quality problems at the Japanese automaker. 
The recall covers vehicles from the 2005-2008 model years sold in North America. It also includes the Pontiac Vibe, which is mechanically identical to the Matrix.
Three accidents and one minor injury have been reported, though Toyota said a link to the engine issue has not been confirmed.
The automaker said vehicles with 1ZZ-FE engines may contain a defective engine control module, the computer that regulates the performance of the engine. In some cases, a crack may develop on the module's circuit board, which could prevent the engine from starting, harsh shifting or an engine stall.
"After we conducted our field testing, we decided the problem would likely continue in the field, and we decided to conduct this voluntary recall," Toyota spokesman Jon Hanson told WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert.
Toyota said it will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles at no charge. It will begin mailing notifications to customers with affected Corollas and Matrixes starting in mid-September.
Toyota Motor Corp. has recalled more than 10 million vehicles worldwide over the past year for a range of problems, including faulty gas pedals, floor mats that can trap accelerators and braking problems in its Prius hybrid.
Analysts say the company is likely to be much more sensitive to safety issues in the future, and quicker to order recalls.
"Toyota's not taking any chances" says Bill Visnic, senior editor of Edmunds.com. "They are going to recall or take a very hard look at what the problem is to make sure there's no perception of impropriety now.
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert contributed to this story.
(Copyright 2010 WWJ Radio. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
