In the midst of an intensifying NHTSA investigation, Toyota issued a voluntary recall of 1.13 million 2005 to 2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix models. The recall relates to problems with engine stalling.

Here’s Toyota’s official explanation:

On vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive, there is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on the electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage (varistor), on the ECM’s circuit board. In most cases, if a crack occurs at certain solder points or on certain varistors, the check engine may illuminate, harsh shifting could result, or the engine may not start. In limited instances, if cracking occurs on particular solder points or varistors, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.

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It looks like Toyota may have another major recall in the works for the disastrous year of 2010. According to the NY Times, the NHTSA has raised its investigation of stalling Toyotas from “preliminary evaluation” to “engineering analysis,” which is one step below a full-blown recall. The investigation applies to 1.2 million 2005 to 2007 Corolla and Matrix models.

The NHTSA began its preliminary evaluation last November, and has received 163 complaints about an issue that relates to the engine suddenly stalling without any warning–a rather different problem than the oh-so-popular “unintended acceleration.” The engine control unit is thought to be the cause of the stalling. Toyota said that it received six complaints of accidents but no injuries were reported. [ NY Times via Carscoop]

No, no new recall is underway. Yet. But Toyota is currently looking at possible fixes for a stalling issue with 1.2 million Matrix and Corolla models from 2005, 2006 and 2007. The problem relates to stalling due to failure in the engine control module. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 26 complaints detailing this problem as of November. It opened up a preliminary evaluation at that time.  

Toyota sent a letter to NHTSA requesting a meeting with safety officials to discuss an early-stage investigation of the issue. It is currently considering different fixes  and  doesn’t believe the issue poses a significant risk to drivers.

It looks like somebody may have learned its lesson. [via Auto News]

We reported last week that there was yet another issue with Toyota models: the power steering on 2009-2010 Corollas causes the cars to veer when reaching speeds above 40 m.p.h. Today it looks as though the company is inching closer and closer to an official recall. According to the Huffington Post, the Japanese automaker is currently looking into nearly 100 complaints of steering issues and is considering a recall–a procedure its gotten pretty adept at as of late. Toyota isn’t certain what is causing the steering problems and is investigating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association is also reviewing the complaints. [via Huffington Post]

We thought that Toyota might finally have aired out all its dirty laundry with the Prius recall today, but another major issue could be on the horizon. An Automotive News report says that the NHTSA is considering opening a new Toyota investigation involving reports of steering problems on 2009 and 2010 Corolla models.

The agency has received 83 complaints about steering problems since April 2008. Most of the complaints involve sudden veering when the cars reach 40 mph, as if hydroplaning. Within the complaints, 10 injuries and six accidents are listed.

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