1999 Toyota Corolla Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Toyota Corolla, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Tires & wheels2212.6%
- Engine2112.1%
- Airbags1910.9%
- Suspension148.0%
- Driver assistance137.5%
- Interior & seats116.3%
- Body & structure105.7%
- Brakes95.2%
- Seat belts95.2%
- Steering95.2%
- Visibility84.6%
- Fuel system84.6%
- Exterior lighting63.4%
- Electrical63.4%
- Powertrain (other)42.3%
- Other / unspecified21.1%
- Transmission21.1%
- Heating & air conditioning10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN DEFENDER TIRES, SIZE: 185/65/R14 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 67 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA, EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK H727 TIRES, SIZE: 185/65/R14. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES BECAME FLAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE SHOP WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE TIRES AND STATED THAT SOMETHING HAD NOT ALLOWED IT TO SEAL AROUND THE RIM. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,400. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND DRIVING AN ADDITIONAL 800 MILES, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BURNING OIL RAPIDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
MY CAR IS 9 YRS OLD, 109,000 MILES IT'S ON THE LOWER END OF THE RECOMMENDATION MILEAGE FOR THE YEAR OF THE CAR. ON 9/3/08 FIRST DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. I GOT NERVOUS WENT TO ADVANCED AUTO PARTS AND THEY CHECKED THE LIGHT, IT SHOWED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE AIR FLOW. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT AFTER 3 DAYS. BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA FOR REPAIRS OF SOME OTHER ITEMS AND MENTIONED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOING ON AND THEN OFF. THEY CHECKED IT BUT WASN'T SURE IF IT WAS READING CORRECTLY. 4 DAYS LATER CAME BACK ON AGAIN AND WENT OUT 3 DAYS LATER. 2 DAYS PASSED AND THEN IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN AND REMAINED ON EVER SINCE. I BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A CHARCOAL CANISTER FAILURE AND IT WOULD COST $450, I WAS UPSET BECAUSE I JUST GOT $968 WORTH OF REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE DONE. I ALWAYS KEEP UP ON MY MAINTENANCE WORK/OIL CHANGES. IS THIS A FAULTY PART FROM TOYOTA? I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS GOING AND IF IT IS NORMAL AFTER SO MANY YEARS/MILES THEN WHY IS IT SO EXPENSIVE AND HARD TO FIND OR REPAIR? I HEARD ONLY TOYOTA HAS THE PART WHICH WAS QUOTED TO ME AS $232. SO IF I DON'T PAY $450 MY VEHICLE WON'T PASS INSPECTION/EMISSION TEST. CAN SOMEONE HELP! *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was T boned at a 4 way stop.The force pushed me thru the intersection. Airbag did not deploy.
I KEEP GETTING RECALL NOTICES, DEALER SAYS NO FIX AVAILABLE. WITH ALL THE RECALL NOTICES MY WIFE AND I FELL WE ARE DRIVING A CAR THAT IS NOT SAFE, IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I INSTALLED NEW REAR STRUTS MANUFACTURED BY MONRO--IN ORDER TO CONNECT THE BRAKE LINE HOSE TO THE BRACKET ON THE STRUT IT WAS NECESSARY TO TWIST THE RUBBER BRAKE HOSE A QUARTER TURN TO ACCOMMODATE THE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED STRUT BRACKET- THIS CAUSES THE RUBBER BRAKE HOSE TO BE TWISTED A QUARTER TURN AND IS NOT AS IT WAS WHEN ORIGINALLY INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY- THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE LINE FAILURE DUE TO THE TWISTED LINE AND STRESS
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA PURCHASED IN VERMONT JAN. 1999, MOVED TO NC IN JULY, 2008, WITH ABOUT 101,000 MILES. DRIVER WAS AT DOCTOR'S OFFICE PARKING LOT AUG '08-STARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARDS, POOL OF BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND. REFILLED RESERVOIR, AND AS SOON AS PEDAL WAS PRESSED, BRAKE FLUID SPRAYED OUT. TOWED TO LOCAL GARAGE, WHERE MECHANIC SHOWED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE TO REAR BRAKES WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND JUST RUPTURED UNDER PEDAL PRESSURE. HE SPLICED ON A 1-2 FOOT SECTION WHERE THE RUST WAS WORST. ON 6/03/2010, THE SAME HAPPENED ON THE OPPOSITE REAR BRAKE LINE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC. BY AAA, WITH A DETAILED NOTE TO REPLACE THAT RUPTURED LINE. AFTER A $207.00 INFLATED BILL, THAT LINE WAS ALSO SPLICED, AND THE REPAIR INVOICE NOTED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT FROM SEVERE RUST. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP OWNER TO RECONSIDER THE 2 HOUR CHARGE OF $90.00 PER HOUR, BUT HE WAS OBSTINATE STATING HE HAD A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY HE HAD TO PAY FOR, AND WOULD NOT COMPROMISE WITH THE INITIAL $90. ESTIMATE GIVEN THE PREVIOUS DAY. THIS UNDERCARRIAGE RUST RUNS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. NO GARAGE WILL ALIGN THE 4 WHEELS FOR FEAR OF SNAPPING SOMETHING. I'VE REPLACED THE LEAKING GAS TANK AND FILLER NECK TWO YEARS AGO FOR THE SAME MASSIVE CORROSION. THESE CORROSION ISSUES POSE A VERY REAL THREAT TO LIFE SHOULD THE BRAKES FAIL ON THESE NORTHERN VEHICLES DRIVEN ON SALTED WINTER ROADS. TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC OWNER APPARENTLY IS TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR HIS DROP IN SALES DUE TO RECALL ISSUES BY OVERCHARGING HIS REPAIR CUSTOMERS. WHEN THE SERVICE DEPT. REP PHONED TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE TOWED, HE INFORMED ME THERE WAS AN INITIAL $90. DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE BEFORE BEGINNING THE WORK. I OBJECTED, AS I HAD TOLD HIM TO REPAIR THAT SPECIFIC BRAKE LINE, AND HE COUNTERED WITH, "BUT THAT INCLUDES A FREE 23 POINT CHECK." I SAID NO WAY, & HIS MGR. AGREED WITH ME. YEAH, RIGHT. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND TRAVELED OVER A CURB. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL CRASHING INTO BUSHES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TR
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH THE CAR JUST ACCELERATED AND WENT TO SPEEDS OVER 100 MPH. WHEN THE DRIVER REALIZED THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING MORE THAN HE WAS DOING HE RELEASED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR JUST CONTINUED TO GO FASTER. THERE ARE NO FLOOR MATS IN THE CAR TO GET STUCK AND THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED THE CAR JUST CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA DOOR KNOBS. THESE PLASTIC DOORS KNOBS ARE BELOW STANDARD. I AM SURPRISED NO OTHER COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THESE DOOR KNOBS. *TR
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA HOOD LATCH CAME LOOSE. *TS THE VEHICLE'S HOOD, WINDSHIELD AND ROOF WERE DAMAGED. *NM
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA PURCHASED IN VERMONT JAN. 1999, MOVED TO NC IN JULY, 2008, WITH ABOUT 101,000 MILES. DRIVER WAS AT DOCTOR'S OFFICE PARKING LOT AUG '08-STARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARDS, POOL OF BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND. REFILLED RESERVOIR, AND AS SOON AS PEDAL WAS PRESSED, BRAKE FLUID SPRAYED OUT. TOWED TO LOCAL GARAGE, WHERE MECHANIC SHOWED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE TO REAR BRAKES WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND JUST RUPTURED UNDER PEDAL PRESSURE. HE SPLICED ON A 1-2 FOOT SECTION WHERE THE RUST WAS WORST. ON 6/03/2010, THE SAME HAPPENED ON THE OPPOSITE REAR BRAKE LINE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC. BY AAA, WITH A DETAILED NOTE TO REPLACE THAT RUPTURED LINE. AFTER A $207.00 INFLATED BILL, THAT LINE WAS ALSO SPLICED, AND THE REPAIR INVOICE NOTED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT FROM SEVERE RUST. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP OWNER TO RECONSIDER THE 2 HOUR CHARGE OF $90.00 PER HOUR, BUT HE WAS OBSTINATE STATING HE HAD A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY HE HAD TO PAY FOR, AND WOULD NOT COMPROMISE WITH THE INITIAL $90. ESTIMATE GIVEN THE PREVIOUS DAY. THIS UNDERCARRIAGE RUST RUNS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. NO GARAGE WILL ALIGN THE 4 WHEELS FOR FEAR OF SNAPPING SOMETHING. I'VE REPLACED THE LEAKING GAS TANK AND FILLER NECK TWO YEARS AGO FOR THE SAME MASSIVE CORROSION. THESE CORROSION ISSUES POSE A VERY REAL THREAT TO LIFE SHOULD THE BRAKES FAIL ON THESE NORTHERN VEHICLES DRIVEN ON SALTED WINTER ROADS. TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC OWNER APPARENTLY IS TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR HIS DROP IN SALES DUE TO RECALL ISSUES BY OVERCHARGING HIS REPAIR CUSTOMERS. WHEN THE SERVICE DEPT. REP PHONED TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE TOWED, HE INFORMED ME THERE WAS AN INITIAL $90. DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE BEFORE BEGINNING THE WORK. I OBJECTED, AS I HAD TOLD HIM TO REPAIR THAT SPECIFIC BRAKE LINE, AND HE COUNTERED WITH, "BUT THAT INCLUDES A FREE 23 POINT CHECK." I SAID NO WAY, & HIS MGR. AGREED WITH ME. YEAH, RIGHT. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA PURCHASED IN VERMONT JAN. 1999, MOVED TO NC IN JULY, 2008, WITH ABOUT 101,000 MILES. DRIVER WAS AT DOCTOR'S OFFICE PARKING LOT AUG '08-STARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARDS, POOL OF BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND. REFILLED RESERVOIR, AND AS SOON AS PEDAL WAS PRESSED, BRAKE FLUID SPRAYED OUT. TOWED TO LOCAL GARAGE, WHERE MECHANIC SHOWED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE TO REAR BRAKES WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND JUST RUPTURED UNDER PEDAL PRESSURE. HE SPLICED ON A 1-2 FOOT SECTION WHERE THE RUST WAS WORST. ON 6/03/2010, THE SAME HAPPENED ON THE OPPOSITE REAR BRAKE LINE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC. BY AAA, WITH A DETAILED NOTE TO REPLACE THAT RUPTURED LINE. AFTER A $207.00 INFLATED BILL, THAT LINE WAS ALSO SPLICED, AND THE REPAIR INVOICE NOTED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT FROM SEVERE RUST. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP OWNER TO RECONSIDER THE 2 HOUR CHARGE OF $90.00 PER HOUR, BUT HE WAS OBSTINATE STATING HE HAD A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY HE HAD TO PAY FOR, AND WOULD NOT COMPROMISE WITH THE INITIAL $90. ESTIMATE GIVEN THE PREVIOUS DAY. THIS UNDERCARRIAGE RUST RUNS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. NO GARAGE WILL ALIGN THE 4 WHEELS FOR FEAR OF SNAPPING SOMETHING. I'VE REPLACED THE LEAKING GAS TANK AND FILLER NECK TWO YEARS AGO FOR THE SAME MASSIVE CORROSION. THESE CORROSION ISSUES POSE A VERY REAL THREAT TO LIFE SHOULD THE BRAKES FAIL ON THESE NORTHERN VEHICLES DRIVEN ON SALTED WINTER ROADS. TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC OWNER APPARENTLY IS TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR HIS DROP IN SALES DUE TO RECALL ISSUES BY OVERCHARGING HIS REPAIR CUSTOMERS. WHEN THE SERVICE DEPT. REP PHONED TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE TOWED, HE INFORMED ME THERE WAS AN INITIAL $90. DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE BEFORE BEGINNING THE WORK. I OBJECTED, AS I HAD TOLD HIM TO REPAIR THAT SPECIFIC BRAKE LINE, AND HE COUNTERED WITH, "BUT THAT INCLUDES A FREE 23 POINT CHECK." I SAID NO WAY, & HIS MGR. AGREED WITH ME. YEAH, RIGHT. *TR
KANSAS HIGHWAY PATROL CASE # [XXX] CAR TRAVELING ON CRAWFORD ROAD NEAR WOODWARD ROAD DRIVER REPORTED TO PATROL "LITTLE WAYS BEFORE HILL ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK, TRIED TO SLOW DOWN, WOULD NOT LET ME STOP, BANKED INTO THIS." PASSENGER QUOTED "GOING PRETTY QUICK OVER HILL, TRYING TO SLOW DOWN. AS WENT OVER HILL 60-70, SPEEDING UP, ROLLED." CAR DESTROYED TOYOTA COROLLA, DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAD ONLY MINOR INJURIES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT FLASHES EVEN WHEN BELT BUCKLE IS PROPERLY ENGAGED. *TR
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT FLASHES WHEN THE BELT IS PROPERLY BUCKLED, BUT DOES NOT WORK WHEN THE BELT IS NOT BUCKLED. *AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA PURCHASED IN VERMONT JAN. 1999, MOVED TO NC IN JULY, 2008, WITH ABOUT 101,000 MILES. DRIVER WAS AT DOCTOR'S OFFICE PARKING LOT AUG '08-STARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARDS, POOL OF BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND. REFILLED RESERVOIR, AND AS SOON AS PEDAL WAS PRESSED, BRAKE FLUID SPRAYED OUT. TOWED TO LOCAL GARAGE, WHERE MECHANIC SHOWED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE TO REAR BRAKES WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND JUST RUPTURED UNDER PEDAL PRESSURE. HE SPLICED ON A 1-2 FOOT SECTION WHERE THE RUST WAS WORST. ON 6/03/2010, THE SAME HAPPENED ON THE OPPOSITE REAR BRAKE LINE IN OUR DRIVEWAY. CAR WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC. BY AAA, WITH A DETAILED NOTE TO REPLACE THAT RUPTURED LINE. AFTER A $207.00 INFLATED BILL, THAT LINE WAS ALSO SPLICED, AND THE REPAIR INVOICE NOTED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT FROM SEVERE RUST. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP OWNER TO RECONSIDER THE 2 HOUR CHARGE OF $90.00 PER HOUR, BUT HE WAS OBSTINATE STATING HE HAD A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY HE HAD TO PAY FOR, AND WOULD NOT COMPROMISE WITH THE INITIAL $90. ESTIMATE GIVEN THE PREVIOUS DAY. THIS UNDERCARRIAGE RUST RUNS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. NO GARAGE WILL ALIGN THE 4 WHEELS FOR FEAR OF SNAPPING SOMETHING. I'VE REPLACED THE LEAKING GAS TANK AND FILLER NECK TWO YEARS AGO FOR THE SAME MASSIVE CORROSION. THESE CORROSION ISSUES POSE A VERY REAL THREAT TO LIFE SHOULD THE BRAKES FAIL ON THESE NORTHERN VEHICLES DRIVEN ON SALTED WINTER ROADS. TOYOTA OF NEW BERN, NC OWNER APPARENTLY IS TRYING TO MAKE UP FOR HIS DROP IN SALES DUE TO RECALL ISSUES BY OVERCHARGING HIS REPAIR CUSTOMERS. WHEN THE SERVICE DEPT. REP PHONED TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE TOWED, HE INFORMED ME THERE WAS AN INITIAL $90. DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE BEFORE BEGINNING THE WORK. I OBJECTED, AS I HAD TOLD HIM TO REPAIR THAT SPECIFIC BRAKE LINE, AND HE COUNTERED WITH, "BUT THAT INCLUDES A FREE 23 POINT CHECK." I SAID NO WAY, & HIS MGR. AGREED WITH ME. YEAH, RIGHT. *TR
SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST DUE TO DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY. INNER SPLINE ON POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY STRIPPED OUT AFTER 49,000 MILES, ALLOWING RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN THE PULLEY AND PUMP SHAFT. RESULTANT PULLEY WOBBLE ALLOWS THE SERPENTINE BELT TO WALK OFF THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS DRIVER WINDOW RAISES IT INCREASING MOVES OUT OF TRACK; DOES NOT STOP UNTIL OUT OF THE UPPER TRACK AND GLASS IS TOUCHING THE METAL DOOR FRAME. IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE MONTHS. MAKES NOISES. 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA USES SAME POWER WINDOW SYSTEM AS THE RECALLED 2003-2004 COROLLAS, WHICH WERE RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM. SAFETY ISSUES. TOYOTA SAID IF THE WINDOW BOLTS BECOME LOOSE, MOTORISTS MAY HEAR AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHILE OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS AND WINDOW BECOME STUCK. TOYOTA SAID THAT MY 1999, EVEN THOUGH EXHIBITING THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS, IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY/RECALL AND REFUSED TO CONSIDER THE ISSUE. TOYOTA CASE # [XXX]. NHTSA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE POWER WINDOW ISSUES FOR ALL COROLLA YEARS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH SHE OPENED THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDOW CLOSED. THE ELECTRIC WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE IDENTICAL FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 23,000. VWB UPDATED 06/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 07/16/10.*JB
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE FIRE. WAS PUT OUT BY EMPLOYEE OF NEARBY RESTAURANT. REVIEWED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE. APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED NEAR THE FUEL LINE AREA. *TR
MY CAR IS 9 YRS OLD, 109,000 MILES IT'S ON THE LOWER END OF THE RECOMMENDATION MILEAGE FOR THE YEAR OF THE CAR. ON 9/3/08 FIRST DAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. I GOT NERVOUS WENT TO ADVANCED AUTO PARTS AND THEY CHECKED THE LIGHT, IT SHOWED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE AIR FLOW. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT AFTER 3 DAYS. BROUGHT IT TO TOYOTA FOR REPAIRS OF SOME OTHER ITEMS AND MENTIONED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOING ON AND THEN OFF. THEY CHECKED IT BUT WASN'T SURE IF IT WAS READING CORRECTLY. 4 DAYS LATER CAME BACK ON AGAIN AND WENT OUT 3 DAYS LATER. 2 DAYS PASSED AND THEN IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN AND REMAINED ON EVER SINCE. I BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A CHARCOAL CANISTER FAILURE AND IT WOULD COST $450, I WAS UPSET BECAUSE I JUST GOT $968 WORTH OF REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE DONE. I ALWAYS KEEP UP ON MY MAINTENANCE WORK/OIL CHANGES. IS THIS A FAULTY PART FROM TOYOTA? I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS GOING AND IF IT IS NORMAL AFTER SO MANY YEARS/MILES THEN WHY IS IT SO EXPENSIVE AND HARD TO FIND OR REPAIR? I HEARD ONLY TOYOTA HAS THE PART WHICH WAS QUOTED TO ME AS $232. SO IF I DON'T PAY $450 MY VEHICLE WON'T PASS INSPECTION/EMISSION TEST. CAN SOMEONE HELP! *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AT NIGHT, BOTH THE HIGH BEAM AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/31/2016*LJ
WHILE DRIVING, ALL LIGHTING SYSTEMS WAS OUT SERVICE. INSTRUMENTAL LIGHTS/ HEAD LIGHTS/ BRAKE LIGHT AND SIGNAL LIGHT. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
REPLACED THREE DENSO STARTERS IN 1/2010, 9/2006, AND 9/2003 IN '99 TOYOTA COROLLA WITH ONLY 90K MILEAGE IN CAR. I BELIEVE THESE STARTERS ARE DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IN 2003 MECHANIC REPLACED ORIGINAL DENSO STARTER WITH REMANUFACTURED DENSO. I HAD 42K MILEAGE ON CAR. HE INSPECTED THE STARTER AND THE INVOICE STATES THAT THE STARTER WAS DEFECTIVE. I EMAILED DENSO SALESPERSON TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PRODUCT AND REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. HE SAID NO BECAUSE THERE IS ONLY 12K WARRANTY ON STARTER. AGAIN I HAD A STARTER REPLACED IN 2006, AND 2010. SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG THAT I AM REPLACING STARTERS EVERY THREE YEARS. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A STARTER IN MY LIFE. I WANT THIS COMPANY INVESTIGATED AND WANT MY MONEY BACK. *TR
CURRENTLY I OWN 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA , MODEL -CE WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY USED VEHICLE AND WAS @8500 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. CAR WAS IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION UNTIL ON 8/29/09 CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY WHILE MOVING AND SMOKES CAME OUT FROM ENGINE HOOD. WITHOUT WASTING TIME, INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY AND CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. REPAIR SHOP PERSONNEL INSPECTED QUICKLY AND I WAS TOLD THAT WIRING OF THE HARNESS CABLE NEAR THE ENGINE HAS BEEN OVERHEATED AND SOME HAVE MELTED DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING OF SOLENOID ON THE STARTER WHICH ALSO CAUSED BATTERY TO BE OVERHEATED. I TOUCHED HOOD AND IT WAS VERY HOT. WE WERE LUCKY ON THAT DAY OTHERWISE BATTERY COULD HAVE EXPLODED SHOULD WE WOULD HAVE TRIED ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO START A VEHICLE. I HAD MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS IN THE CAR. AS OF NOW, REPAIR SHOP IS NOT SURE ABOUT TOTAL EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE AND ASKING @$736.00 INCLUDES REPLACEMENT OF BATTERY AND STARTER AS WELL AS LABOR TOWARDS FINDING, REPLACING BY SOLDERING MISC HARNESS CABLES. AFTER DOING THIS MUCH, THEY WILL CHECK AGAIN THE VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE PROBLEM IS RESOLVED, OTHERWISE THEY HAVE TO CONTINUE TO CHASE UNTIL CAR IS FIXED. THIS LEADS TO UNCERTAINTY OF COST AND RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE EVEN AFTER REPAIR. THIS EVENT COULD HAVE RESULTED INTO TRAGIC INCIDENT FOR MY FAMILY WHERE MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS WERE IN THE CAR DURING THE EVENT. AS OF NOW, I WAS ADVISED BY ORIGINAL CAR SELLER REP, REPAIR SHOP AND FEW FRIENDS TO SELL IT OFF IN AS IS CONDITION OR AFTER REPAIR. AS OF NOW, CAR SELLER IS OFFERING $300.00 FOR THE CAR IN AS IS CONDITION. I AM STILL WONDERING WHILE WIRES OVERHEATED SUDDENLY AND SMOKED. I JUST DID OIL CHANGE A FEW DAYS AGO. PER INSURANCE COMPANY, THIS DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED UNDER INSURANCE AND HAVE TO TAKE CARE PERSONALLY. THIS IS A HUGE COST BURDEN WITH UNKNOWN REASON. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND EXITING THE HIGHWAY WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOUD CRACKLING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. I CONTINUED HOME APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE, I THEN PARKED THE CAR CHECKED ALL FLUIDS, EVERYTHING WAS FINE. NEXT DAY I WAS DRIVING AND UPON ACCELERATION THE CAR HESITATED TO MOVE BUT AT A SLOW SPEED IT WENT ON. ANYHOW, AS I DROVE I NOTICED THAT UPON ACCELERATION IT WOULD QUIET, BUT ONCE I RELEASED THE PEDDLE THERE WAS A LOUD CRACKING SOUND, AND IT FINALLY STOPPED MOVING. *TR
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA ACCELERATOR STUCK AND COULD NOT BE STOPPED EVEN WHEN APPLYING BRAKE. DRIVER DID NOT KNOW TO PLACE GEAR IN NEUTRAL. CRASHED INTO REAR OF PICKUP AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH TRIGGERING BOTH AIR BAGS. CAR WAS TOTALED AND DRIVER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. DRIVER FEMALE, AGE 85 WAS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION. NO SIGN OF MINI-STROKE. AT THAT TIME FLOOR MATS WERE SUSPECT. FLOOR MAT WAS IN PROPER PLACE. HOWEVER, DRIVER SUSPECTS STUCK ACCELERATOR. ACCORDING TO INSURANCE COMPANY, CAR HAS BEEN SOLD FOR PARTS AND NOT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. ACCELERATOR HAD NOT STUCK PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TWO NEW TIRES WERE DAMAGED BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF VALVE STEM WITHIN TWO WEEK ON MY 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA, VE. I HAD TO HAVE THE TIRED REPLACED. IT COST ME $150. *TR
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR MANDATORY STATE E-CHECK TO RENEW LICENSE PLATE TAGS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THEREFORE, WOULD AUTOMATICALLY FAIL INSPECTION. E-CHECK ATTENDANT RAN TEST ANYHOW AS A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. RESULTS INDICATED EMMISIONS PROBLEM. TOOK VEHICLE ALONG WITH E-CHECK RESULTS TO CONRAD'S FOR REPAIR. MECHANIC FOUND NO EMISSIONS TROUBLE. MECHANIC DID FIND FAULTY CENTRAL COMPUTER IN VEHICLE RESPONSIBLE FOR FALSE RESULTS AND SUGGESTED POSSIBILITY OF OTHER WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATORS, AND GUAGES COULD BE AFFECTED. CONRAD'S FOUND BULLETIN STATEMENT FROM TOYOTA ADMITTING 1999 COROLLA COMPUTER FAILURE, HOWEVER NO RECALL. TOYOTA HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY OWNER, AS WELL AS CONRAD'S, AND VERIFIED THEY ARE AWARE OF PROBLEM. TOYOTA HAS NOT ASSUMED COST FOR REPLACEMENT, ESTIMATED AT $1200.00. VEHICLE CAN NOT PASS E-CHECK UNTIL COMPUTER IS REPLACED, THEREFORE, TAGS CAN NOT BE RENEWED, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO EMISSION TROUBLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD PURCHASED A 1999 TOYOTA COROLLA. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGAN ROTATING IMPROPERLY. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE, AND THEY SAID THE IMPROPER ROTATION OF THE WHEELS, WAS CAUSED BY AN IMPAIRMENT IN THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE AND THAT I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I GOT A SECOND OPINION, AND THE SAME DIAGNOSIS WAS FOUND. SINCE THEN, OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, EVERY TIME I PASS A COROLLA OR PRISM FROM 1999 ON, THE MAJORITY OF THE FRONT WHEELS ARE NOT ROTATING SMOOTHLY AND HAVE A WOBBLE/IMBALANCE PROBLEM, WHICH LIKE MINE, I'M SURE IS A RESULT OF TRANSMISSION LINKAGE PROBLEMS. TOYOTA DENIES ANY DEFECT. I KNOW THERE IS, BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN WATCHING NEW AND USED COROLLAS AND PRISMS OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. I AM A TRUTHFUL AND HONEST CITIZEN, JUST TRYING TO HELP THE GENERAL PUBLIC. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP OLD AND NEW CONSUMERS OF COROLLAS KNOW THIS. THIS IS REAL. *JB
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 45 MPH CONSUMER TRIED TO CHANGE GEARS FROM 5 SPEED TO 4 SPEED, AND GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT ON EMERGENCY LIGHT TO AVOID BEING HIT BY ONCOMING VEHICLES. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENCLOSED IS A LETTER DETAILING THE PROBLEM RAYMOND KOZLIN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .