NHTSA probing windows on Toyota Matrix, Corolla and Pontiac Vibe
Toyota's Matrix wagon, Corolla sedan and its mechanical twin the Pontiac Vibe sport wagon are all in hot water after motorists have begun to issue complaints about their power side-front windows. Reports indicate the windows are getting stuck, making popping noises, and in some cases shattering and injuring passengers. To date, more than 503 complaints have been received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is currently looking into the issue. Ultimately, the investigation may trigger a recall affecting 676,747 vehicles manufactured during the 2003 and 2004 model years at NUMMI, the GM-Toyota joint-venture plant that found itself in a pot of hot water after an employee accused her superiors last November of letting defective vehicles leave the facility.
Interesting to note: This may become the first windows recall that doesn't require PC owners to download a patch. (Hardy har har.)
[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 3)
Rick 7:25PM (2/21/2008)
"This may become the first windows recall that doesn't require PC owners to download a patch. (Hardy har har.)"
hahahaha, that made my day.
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MKIV 7:32PM (2/21/2008)
That was one of the lamest jokes I've heard in a while and it made you laugh?
Polly Prissy Pants 5:35PM (2/21/2008)
That's what Pontiac gets for outsourcing production to a company like Toyota. Still can't wait for the new one.
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Matt Keller 7:33PM (2/21/2008)
Uhhh... Pontiac didn't "outsource" anything you dolt. GM and Toyota have been building cars for each other for 25-odd years. The Vibe, Corolla, and Matrix all share a basic architecture, and the in the case of two wagons, an interior as well.
This also goes for the 2nd generation Matrix/Vibe.
Matt Keller 7:34PM (2/21/2008)
About the Scions:
I wouldn't want to get in a wreck with a tC.... I wouldn't want all that glass around me shattering! :S
C.W. 6:46PM (2/21/2008)
WOW! Yes we all know Ford is well known for it's excellent and prompt handling of the Firestone recall before people were seriously hurt or killed.
Producing the amount of vehicles required to hold the top spot among automakers has gotten Toyota. More cars = more potential for problems (Camry, Tundra, and now Corolla...). How about the fact that once nearly any Scion is wrecked it is considered a total loss? You might be well protected inside, but those exterior parts can't take it? Sounds like quantity is being put ahead of quality to me.
whofan 6:33PM (2/21/2008)
Some how I believe it Will be Pontiac who will get the lions share of the blame. We all know this sort of thing can`t happen to Toyota. (sarcasm)
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Rick 7:35PM (2/21/2008)
Yea, it was one of those low brow jokes that as a mac user, I found funny.
Iridium 8:16PM (2/21/2008)
My fiance has a 2005 Matrix and the drivers side window has quite a few problems with it. It pops if a strong wind hits it and the rollers keep turning even if the window is all the way up. You can hit the window switch any time when the window is up and hear the rollers turn.
The problem is real. I hope there is a recall so her window can be fixed.
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psarhjinian 8:53PM (2/21/2008)
Did you take the Matrix to the dealer about it, if it's still covered by comprehensive coverage?
What did the dealer say?
john riley 9:43PM (2/21/2008)
Bit it says 2003-2004. Nothing about 2005.
Gardiner Westbound 9:19PM (2/21/2008)
Is hari–kari still practiced in Japan? It might be a good time to lock up the cutlery.
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john riley 9:41PM (2/21/2008)
So are the Matrices made in Cambridge part part of this or not? I have a 2003 and haven't noticed any issues with the windows.
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DanMan 9:48PM (2/21/2008)
So the General picks a partner of 25 years and says, "Hey you guys do a great job with small why don't you build this new Pontiac crossover wagon thingy for us."
Jesus the the general I'm sure thought that Toyota could handle something as simple as a window.
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jonathan 9:55AM (2/22/2008)
The general has not been able to built a decent small car in 50 years. Give credit to toyota for helping them built a half decent car!
Justin 1:35AM (2/22/2008)
Damn, with all the bickering going on by you people about the quality issues of relatively NEW cars, I'm glad my 18 year old cb7 accord has absolutely no drivetrain/electronics problems.
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gtdrifter 2:39AM (2/22/2008)
My 2005 Corolla's been a major disappointment in terms of quality; brake booster went out at 30k, fuel pump problem causing hard starts (known defect), panel light bulbs went out at 40k, misaligned panels and gaps and numerous rattle/squeaks. The only good thing I can say about this car is its fuel consumption.
Toyotas are way overrated for what they are...
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superdart 4:25AM (2/22/2008)
You will only see Toyota's overall quality slide as they strive to stay #1.
I've owned nothing but American cars my entire life, and can count on one hand the number of times I've had to go to the dealer.
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erikcantu 7:59AM (2/22/2008)
I had to replace my window for that same thing last year. I had to pay for it so if its a toyota problem, I hope i can get my money back.
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Guenther 11:32AM (2/22/2008)
If the NUMMI cars are affected, but no the Cambridge cars, that makes no sense. They should be using the same parts and assembly process.
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