Toyota Windows Shatter (Pontiac Vibe, too)

As reported in the Detroit News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency of the federal government, has begun an investigation into the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe. An investigation is a preliminary step, the first formal step in a process which can result in a safety recall.

The problem is the front power windows. They are, according to some owners, becoming stuck, making popping sounds – even shattering – during operation. In all, NHTSA has received 503 complaints and 36 injuries resulting from the problem have been reported.

The vehicles under investigation are from the 2003 and 2004 model years. All of the vehicles, including the Pontiac, are produced in California by the New United Motors, Inc., a joint venture of Toyota and General Motors to designs created by Toyota. Production of the vehicles during those years totaled 676,747.