Acton Toyota of Littleton

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Toyota's Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign
Certain 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix 2WD Vehicles Equipped
with a 1ZZ-FE Engine Engine Control Module (ECM)

Q1: What is the condition?
A1: The Engine Control Module (ECM) for certain 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix models equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board. In most cases, if a crack occurs at certain points or on certain varistors, the engine warning lamp could be illuminated, 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.

Q1a: What is a varistor?
A1a: A varistor is an electronic component used to protect circuits against excessive voltage.
Q1b: Are Corolla Matrix AWD vehicles covered by this Safety Recall?
A1b: No. A different ECM is installed in Corolla Matrix AWD vehicles.
Q1c: Are Corolla or Corolla Matrix vehicles equipped with a 2ZZ-GE engine covered by this Safety Recall?
A1c: No. A different ECM is installed in Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles equipped with a 2ZZ-GE engine.
Q2: What is the cause of this condition?
A2: The ECM in the covered vehicles may have been improperly manufactured.

Q3: Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?
A3: If this condition occurs, in most of the cases, the check engine light will illuminate. Harsh shifting may also occur. However, there may be some cases where the check engine light does not illuminate or harsh shifting will not occur.

Q4: What is Toyota going to do?
A4: Toyota is currently preparing replacement parts. We anticipate that preparations will be completed in November, 2010. In the meantime, Toyota will mail an interim owner notification beginning in the middle of September 2010 to advise owners of this recall and the fact that they will receive a future notice when parts become available to complete repairs. They will also be advised of Toyota's reimbursement plan for those who may have paid for ECM replacement prior to this campaign.  The second mailing will be scheduled when replacement parts are available.

Q4a: When does Toyota anticipate the second mailing to begin?
A4a: The second owner notification will begin mailing in November 2010, advising owners that the replacement parts are available.
Q4b: If a vehicle is repaired prior to November, 2010, will it need to be returned for the remedy?
A4b: No. The vehicle will be repaired with a remedy ECM which is currently available in limited quantities.

Q5: Which and how many vehicles are involved?
A5: There are approximately 1.13 million Corolla and Corolla Matrix (2005 through 2008 model year) vehicles covered by this voluntary Safety Recall.

Q6: What is the production period of the affected vehicles?
A6: The vehicles covered by this Safety Recall were produced from April, 2004 to January, 2008.

Q7: When will the preparations for the replacement parts be completed?
A7: Toyota anticipates replacement parts preparations will be completed in November 2010.

Q7a: What will the remedy entail?
A7a: The ECM covered by the Safety Recall will be replaced. The ECM replacement will be conducted at NO CHARGE to the owner.
Q7b: What if a customer has concerns about driving the vehicle until the remedy is available?
A7b: If a customer is concerned about driving the vehicle, he/she is asked to please contact the local Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center.
The Toyota Customer Experience Center can be reached at 1-888-270-9371 Monday through Friday,
5:00 am to 6:00 pm, or Saturday 7:00 am through 4:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.

Q8: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles covered by this Safety Recall?
A8: No. Only certain 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla & Corolla Matrix 2WD vehicles equipped with a 1ZZ-FE engine.

Q9: What if the customer believes that the vehicle has experienced ECM failure before the remedy is available.
A9: If a customer believes the vehicle has experienced ECM failure, he or she is asked to contact the local
Toyota dealer for diagnosis and if applicable repair. If this condition is confirmed, the repair will be conducted at NO CHARGE to the vehicle owner.

Q10: What if an owner has previously paid for the replacement of the ECM to address this specific condition?
A10: Owners that have previously paid for replacement of the ECM to address this specific condition should refer to the owner letter for reimbursement consideration instructions.

Q11: Have there been any accidents reported?
A11: There are three unconfirmed accidents alleged to be related to this condition. One of the accidents reported a minor injury.

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