Toyota Motor Corporation yesterday said that it was recalling 1.13 million Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles in the US and Canada over defects in the electronic control units of engines, leading to questions as to when the Japanese carmaker would finally gets its spate of quality problems sorted out.

The Japanese auto maker, which has already issued global recalls for over 9 million vehicles this year, said the current recall is for the 2005-2008 model Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles sold in the US and Canada to address some engine control modules (ECM) that may have been improperly manufactured.

The recall was initiated after the besieged carmaker said that there were three unconfirmed accidents allegedly related to this condition, one of which reportedly led to a minor injury.

Toyota said that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall in Canada. Most of the recall was in the US, with 200,300 recalled in Canada.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had opened a preliminary evaluation in November after it received 26 complaints of the 2005-2008 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles stalling, but launched full investigation and opened an engineering analysis when it later received 163 complaints.

Toyota said that 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 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," the auto maker said in a statement.

As part of the recall, the ECM on affected vehicles will be replaced at no charge to the owner, said Toyota.

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

Last month, Toyota had issued a similar recall for engine faults, where it recalled 270,000 cars globally, including its flagship Lexus luxury sedan, to fix defective valve components that could lead to engine stalling. (See: Toyota to recall 270,000 Lexus sedans globally to fix stalling engine) 

With its ongoing series of quality related issues mainly in the US, Toyota, the world's largest automaker has seen its US market share fall from 16.3 per cent to 15.2 per cent to trail behind market leader General Motors followed by Ford Motors.