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TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota Motor Sales USA said Thursday it is recalling roughly 1.13 million Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles in the U.S. for a potential problem with the Engine Control Modules that can lead to "harsh shifting" or an inability to start the engine.

General Motors, meanwhile, revealed that Toyota is also recalling 200,163 Pontiac Vibe vehicles of the same model-year classes for the same condition, noting that the two-wheel-drive version of the model and the Matrix are "sister vehicles."

As most know, the former New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant — a joint venture between the two automakers — was used to manufacture the Vibe and Matrix. These were built between April 2004 and January 2008.

According to Toyota, "in a limited instance," the Engine Control Model issue could result in the engine coming to a halt during the course of driving.

There are roughly 200,300 units being pulled by Toyota Canada.

The affected units in the U.S. and Canada are all in the 2005- to 2008-model-year classes, and Toyota officials emphasized that this recall does not include any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles.

Toyota conducted the engineering and design of these models. 

In a press release explaining the Corolla and Corolla Matrix recalls, Toyota officials stated: "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," they added. "In limited instances, if cracking occurs on particular solder points or varistors, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.

This issue has allegedly been involved in three "unconfirmed" accidents. Officials said there was a "minor injury" reported during one of these accidents.

In a press release, Toyota Canada said it is "not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition in Canada."

Toyota is replacing the ECM on involved units for free and is sending out interim notifications to owners in the middle of next month to let them know about the recall. The notice will also inform them they will get a future notice to alert them with the necessary repair parts come in.

Drivers who have already paid to replace the ECM for this specific condition and are seeking a reimbursement are advised to consult their owner letter.

"This recall is an example of our commitment to standing by our products and being responsive to our customers," explained Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America. "Our goal is to help ensure that Toyota drivers are completely confident in the safety and reliability of their vehicles."

Meanwhile, GM officials indicated: "Vibe customers will receive preliminary recall letters in September and a follow-up letter when replacement ECMs are available for their vehicles. Since GM has wound down the Pontiac brand, owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to other GM dealerships for service, which will be performed free of charge."

Toyota Still Recall "Poster Child"

Commenting on Thursday's news, James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com, had a bit of a mixed reaction.

On one hand, it seems the recall problems never end for Toyota, he shared. On the other, the automaker has learned its lesson and is handling this recall better, Bell suggested.

But that doesn't keep it from being the face of this issue that has plagued the industry in 2010, he further noted. 

"Just when Toyota was likely feeling the long tentacles of the dreaded recall monster begin to release their grip on the company and its vaunted brand equity, along comes news that 1.1 million of the popular and high-volume Corolla (and its hatchback sister, the Matrix) from model-years 2005-2008 now are being asked to return to dealers," Bell stated.

"As if to rub gasoline in Toyota's already painful wounds, this round of recalls is in response to consumer complaints of unexpected and therefore dangerous engine stalling, rather than the equally unexpected acceleration problems earlier this year," he continued.

"Toyota obviously has learned from previous mistakes and now is following a strict policy of openness and disclosure … even to the point of describing the precise technical issue that prompted this action," Bell added. "Such candor will go a long way toward mitigating long-term damage from this and future recalls, but today's news also further solidifies Toyota as the ‘poster child' of this recall-infused year."