Toyota has announced the recall of 1 million 2005 to 2008 Corolla and Matrix models and 200,000 Pontiac Vibe models due to an engine defect that may cause sudden stalling. The LA Times reports that the recall has been issued to address a potentially defective engine control module, which is a vital electronic component. Due to a possible manufacturing defect, cracks may develop in or on the component which, may result in, among other problems, the engine not starting or the engine stalling while the vehicle is being driven.
The auto company has reported that the defective electronic engine control units are alleged to be connected to three unconfirmed collisions. One of the accidents may have resulted in an injury.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began a preliminary evaluation into the potential engine defect last November after receiving 26 complaints of vehicles stalling unexpectedly. By the time federal safety regulators initiated an engineering analysis of Corolla and Matrix vehicles, 163 complaints were reported. NHTSA has announced that the engine in affected Toyota vehicles can stall at any speed without a motorist being warned and not restart.
Although Toyota has been aware of the engine issue since 2005 and provided dealers with a technical service bulletin explaining how to fix the problem, owners were not informed of this potential risk until now. It was only after more extensive testing that Toyota decided to announce a recall. The auto company’s probe revealed that the engine control module was not passing about 13% of the tests conducted.
With this new vehicle defect recall, Toyota has recalled approximately 10 million vehicles in the last year worldwide, which is close to the total amount of automobiles that will be sold by all automakers nationwide in 2010.
Defective vehicle components, especially those in engines, can cause accidents that would otherwise not occur, putting motorists, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. Automakers are responsible for designing and manufacturing vehicles that are safe and do not contain defects that could cause harm to drivers or others. The Los Angeles auto product liability lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have the experience and resources to help those who have been injured or suffered the death of a family member because of a defective vehicle. Contact us today to find out how we can build a strong case on your behalf. Call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation.
