Toyota mulls fix for stalling in 1.2M Corolla, Matrix models (computer flaws)

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Detroit Free Press

By Justin Hyde

WASHINGTON — Toyota is considering how to fix computer flaws in up to 1.2 million Toyota Corolla and Matrix models that can cause engines to stall, but has told federal auto safety regulators the problem does not pose “an unreasonable risk” to safety.

The new disclosure adds to the quality questions dogging the Japanese automaker, which has been forced to recall 8 million vehicles worldwide, launch heavy incentives to lure U.S. car buyers into its showrooms and faces several probes into its handling of sudden acceleration complaints and its technology.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a probe last November into 26 complaints of engines stalling in 2006 Corolla and Matrix models. Several owners said the problem happened without warning and in some cases the engine was hard to restart or kept stalling. There were no reports of injuries or crashes linked to the models.

As of earlier this month, the agency had received a total of 76 complaints from Corolla or Matrix owners of stalling problems, including one reported fire. Several of the owners who complained said the vehicles died in intersections or as they were merging onto highways.


Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20100317/BUSINESS01/100317078/1319/Toyota-mulls-fix-in-1.2M-Corolla-Matrix-models

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2 page story.

[DJ13]

1. What do they consider a "reasonable" risk?

[tilsammans]

2. Uh-oh. I have a 2006 Matrix . . . n/t

:shrug:

[pipoman]

3. I have been on

some of the unintended acceleration threads espousing by belief that the vast majority of UA reports/claims are likely operator error.

The problem that all of these owner claim based allegations with any make or model is that reports are made by emotionally involved owners. That one only need stand in the foyer of the grocery or WalMart and observe the cross section of society which are represented by people who drive cars. While some of people I see I would believe they know what they're doing, most though...not so much.

My feelings on this aren't brand specific. I think all of the manufacturers discount consumer claims in favor of the opinions of their factory trained technicians in dealerships. When they recognize a reoccurring problem, they issue a tech bulletin usually with a fix.

All that said, the experience I have had with most manufacturers is that they try to find the problem an satisfy the customer, Toyota is no different.

[NashVegas]

4. I Have No Doubt There Are Computer Errors

The trouble is that drivers aren't being trained to deal with them, in the same way people are no longer trained to do a crapload of things, anymore.

Like, say, balance a checkbook and keep a positive account balance.

The latest Cali driver was specifically told by 911 operators to put it into neutral and he refused.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ConcernedCanuk]

6. ahhh - the old carburetors, almost any mechanic with a screwdriver and half a brain could fix them

.
.
.

Our "technology" may be the death of us.

Family farms bought out by businesses;

Local garages taken over by franchises

food stores taken over by conglomerates;

we are no longer self-sufficient.

Hell,

it's even illegal to sell food to your neighbour.

"not government approved"

and THAT food is loaded with chemicals that our bodies don't even like.

We've "turned a corner" alright

THE WRONG ONE

(sigh)

[awoke_in_2003]

7. what does stalling and runaway speed...

have in common? Improper fuel delivery (not enough in former, too much in latter)- which, of course, is now controlled by computers and software.