TORRANCE, CA - Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. announced it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 1.13 million MY 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix vehicles sold in the United States to address some engine control modules (ECMs) that may have been improperly manufactured. 

No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in this recall. 

Toyota's announcement comes just two days after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was stepping up its investigation into complaints of stalled engines on Toyota Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. The NHTSA launched a preliminary investigation in December, but that probe just covered MY 2006 vehicles. 

NHTSA said it has received 163 complaints of stalling engines in the vehicles, the Associated Press reported. 

In a statement released Aug. 26, Toyota said that on vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive, a crack might 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, Toyota said. There are three unconfirmed accidents alleged to be related to this condition, one of which reported a minor injury. 

As part of the recall, the ECM on involved vehicles will be replaced at no charge to the owner. Beginning in mid-September, Toyota will mail notification to advise owners of this recall and the fact that they will receive a future notice when parts become available to complete the repairs. Owners who have previously paid for replacement of the ECM to address this specific condition should refer to the owner letter for reimbursement consideration instructions, Toyota said. 

For more details, visit www.toyota.com/recall or call Toyota at (800) 331-4331.