(December 6, 2009) Still struggling to deal with the fallout from the controversial recall of 3.8 million vehicles, Toyota is facing the challenge of yet another federal safety probe. Government regulators are probing complaints that some of the automaker’s vehicles may stall in traffic, sometimes at high speed, according to the Detroit Bureau.com.

The latest problem involves one of Toyota’s most popular models, the Corolla, as well as the compact Matrix crossover.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it has so far received 26 complaints that versions of those two models produced during the 2006 model year experience “stalls occurring randomly while driving, including some on highways and some in intersections.”

The government’s files show that some instances of stalling occurred in potentially dangerous situations, where vehicles could have been struck by other traffic.  In one case, a stalled Corolla blocked a busy right turn lane for two hours.

A total of 397,000 vehicles could be involved.  A safety investigation, such as this one, does not mean that a recall will follow.

Along with the 3.8 million vehicles involved in the floor mat/accelerator pedal recall, another 110,000 Tundras are being recalled due to problems with excessive corrosion that could cause brake failure – or spare tires to fall off the vehicle.

The NHTSA also is looking at 2003 Sequoia crossover vehicles in response to complaints that the stability control system can engage erratically, leading to loss of control.