2006 Toyota Corolla

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The Agency received a petition on September 11, 2014 requesting an investigation into, low-speed surging in the 2006-2010 Toyota Corolla [vehicles] with ETCS-i, in which the brakes fail to stop the vehicle in time to prevent a crash.NHTSA conducted a technical review of the material cited and provided by the petitioner, material Toyota submitted in response to a NHTSA formal request, interviews with complainants and manufacturer representatives, as well as the results of testing of the complaint vehicle.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources, agency priorities, and the likelihood that an additional investigation would result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists, NHTSA has concluded that further investigation of the issues raised by the petition is not warranted.The agency accordingly has denied the petition.The official petition denial, as published in the Federal Register, is available in the document file for this defect petition, as well as copies of reference material related to the denial.Regarding the VOQs associated with the closing of this investigation, the scope as defined by the petitioner is MY 2006 through 2010 Toyota Corollas.Of the 163 VOQs submitted by the petitioner, 149 are within that specific population (11 of the 163 were outside the model and model year scope of investigation as defined by the petitioner and 3 VOQs were submitted by owners from foreign countries) and 6 of the 163 are duplicate submissions.Therefore, there are 143 unique vehicles vins are within the specific population.Of the 143 only 105 fit the alleged defect category as defined by the petitioner.The single complaint and crash noted in the Failure Report above is the petitioner's VOQ.The 143 VOQs are: 10165337, 10166526, 10209540, 10216514, 10256808 (duplicate with 10266580 and 10335955), 10272505, 10293497, 10293688, 10294727, 10297407, 10298012, 10302217, 10302877, 10303106, 10303469, 10303730, 10304192, 10305748, 10305845, 10306012, 10306480, 10307953, 10310973, 10311137, 10311176, 10311185, 10311756, 10312246, 10312272 (duplicate with 10343088), 10312771, 10313972, 10314880, 10315240, 10315442, 10315836, 10315927, 10316192, 10316627, 10316643, 10316800, 10316952, 10317128, 10317598, 10317725, 10317804, 10317894, 10317972, 10317978, 10318562, 10319589, 10320693, 10320720, 10322163, 10322213, 10322333, 10322415, 10324355, 10325755, 10326481, 10327623, 10328492, 10328519, 10329537, 10330026 (duplicate with 10356866), 10330952, 10332679, 10334005 (duplicate with 10340570 and 10547602), 10334028, 10334628, 10334936, 10336649, 10339772, 10339969, 10341515, 10342670, 10342932, 10343174, 10344874, 10345714, 10348120, 10350342, 10351112, 10352668, 10352691, 10353587, 10358767, 10359645, 10360875, 10360905, 10361254, 10363529, 10363685, 10363866, 10364127, 10366100, 10366413, 10369073, 10369494, 10371991, 10376535, 10376721, 10377193, 10379320, 10380210, 10381365, 10381849, 10382018, 10392618, 10396747, 10402827, 10412382, 10433860, 10437011, 10437801, 10450183, 10461118, 10479582, 10482133, 10489344, 10494568, 10496026, 10499932, 10520195, 10521013, 10523677, 10534094, 10537426, 10543949, 10549101, 10551478, 10552563, 10558153, 10562577, 10564980, 10566370, 10572873, 10578871, 10579722, 10587140, 10597296, 10621449, and 10637908 (which is the petitioner's VOQ and not one of the 163 submitted with the petition).The three VOQs that were submitted from foreign countries: 10303105, 10303749, and 10308974. The eleven VOQs that are out of the specified population by model or model year: 10447756, 10453401, 10490200, 10507434, 10521377, 10563214, 10563585, 10575230, 10583796, 10584534,

On August 26, 2010, Toyota submitted a Defect Information Report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding problems with Engine Control Modules that could result in engine stall while driving in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine and two-wheel drive and manufactured between April 19, 2004 and January 2, 2008.Toyota's report indicated that cracks may develop at certain solder point or on varistors on the ECMs.According to Toyota, such cracks generally resulted in engine warning lamp illumination, harsh shifting or engine no-start.In some cases, if the cracking occurs on particular solder points or varistors, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.Toyota will notify owners of subject vehicles that they should return their vehicles to a Toyota or Pontiac dealer.Dealers will be instructed to inspect the production number of the ECM for each vehicle and replace the ECM if necessary.On November 30, 2009, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE09-054) to investigate alleged engine stall while driving in model year (MY) 2006 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles.In its response to ODI's information request, submitted on March 2, 2010, Toyota indicated that it had identified two possible conditions with ECMs used in MY 2005 through 2007 Toyota Corolla and Matrix vehicles:1) cracks forming between the IC and the board caused by an improperly cured conformal coating applied to the circuit boards after the soldering process is completed; and 2) cracks occurring in a variable resistor (varistor) due to overheating.During the manufacturing process a glass coating is created on the surface of the varistor.Between March and August 2010, Toyota began collecting ECMs from the field to further investigate failure modes that may result in engine stall.Toyota also conducted durability testing on ECMs collected from in-use vehicles to assess whether the problems may be a continuing trend. In addition, they conducted durability testing in order to assess whether this problem was a continuing trend.Toyota found that 4 of 32 collected ECMs malfunctioned after thermal shock testing.Toyota also confirmed that cracking could develop at solder points on the ECM circuit board that could lead to engine stall while driving and that this trend was likely to continue.The manufacturer failure data in this resume is limited to MY 2005 through 2007 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles.Based on Toyota's recall, this Engineering analysis has been closed.

On November 30, 2009, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation (PE09-054) to investigate alleged engine stalling, while driving in model year (MY) 2006 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles .In its response to ODI's information request submitted on March 2, 2010, Toyota indicated that it had identified two possible causes of production defects of the engine control units (ECU) used in the MY 2005 through 2007 Corolla and Matrix vehicles equipped with the 1ZZ-FE engine.Failure mode A1 - BGA ball failure caused by improperly cured conformal coating applied to ECU circuit boards. This can cause cracks to form in the soldered joints of some components. Failure mode A2 - Varistor over heating; a glass coating is created on the surface of the Varistor during its production process.In case of an insufficient coating, a crack can occur in the surface of the glass coating. When ions are charged in the plating electrolytes after the glass coating process, the plating electrolytes can penetrate into the Varistor through the glass crack then an electrical short occurs. With respect to these failures, if the condition arises, it can potentially lead to one or more of the following: MIL on, engine stall or engine no start, harsh shifting.Of the approximately 155,000 warranty and extended warranty claims Toyota has analyzedthe projected 5 year failure rate of the ECU associated with an engine stall is 0.8%. This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA10-006) to further assess the scope, frequency and safety risks associated with the identified defects.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID

11730134

Incident

Apr 16, 2024

Mileage

145,000 mi

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla. The contact's son was driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and pulled into his path, resulting in a frontal collision with the side of the other vehicle. The contact’s vehicle spun around and came to rest on the shoulder of the road. Despite the high-speed frontal impact, the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to an auto body shop; it has not been repaired. The contact's son sustained a bruised knee, neck and back pain, and a headache, for which he was treated with Tylenol. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 19V741000(AIR BAGS), recall repair was done a year before. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 265,000.

NHTSA ID

11723650

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

Mileage

265,000 mi

On my way to work when the I hit the brakes... brakes locked up causing me to be unable to come to a complete stop.. Driver side airbag deployed but the passenger side airbag caused the dash to explode causing a fire in the dash. With the dash exploding and the passenger side airbag not deploying correctly it cause the passenger to hit windshield! Unknown Unknown Just a check engine light for knock sensor.

NHTSA ID

11551151

Incident

Oct 20, 2023

There was a recall in 2015 and 2019 for airbags on my model of Toyota. I own a 2006 Toyota Corolla CE. I was sent a letter from Toyota to go into a local dealership to get this done. There's only one dealership in our tri-city area. I took it into our local dealership called Findlay Toyota in Prescott, Arizona. I will say ahead of time that they have over 50 - one star reviews on Yelp.com From the moment I left the dealership in December of 2019 my airbag light was on in the dash area and it’s still there. When i went in and told Brian at the time he said it will go away. It never has. This warning was never on my dash prior to this recall. I’ve filed a complaint with the Attorney general’s office of Arizona and Findlay have no recollection of me ever going into their dealership. I've sent documentation of my visit on to the Attorney Generals Office and I’ve never heard back from Findlay Toyota. I've spoken to a Mike in July at Findlay and he was willing to waive the $130 or $150 fee only though if nothing is found wrong. I don't trust dealerships and if there's anything wrong then it was more than likely due to their workmanship back in 2019 that created this issue to begin with. I’ve also filed a complaint with the Attorney general’s offic of Texas against the Toyota headquarters because they in my opinion have caused this issue because I never had this problem prior to the work that was done at Findlay Toyota. All Toyota USA did was give me a case number and send me right back to Findlay Toyota who don't want to help me in the slightest. It’s just a conundrum. The sad thing is I think Toyota is a great company but the way that I’ve been treated in this matter is beyond appalling. I've also written to the headquarters of Toyota in Japan, explaining he above story. They never replied either. I've also called the general manager, a Mr. McCoy at Findlay Toyota and he hasn't called me back.

NHTSA ID

11547539

Incident

Dec 23, 2019

Inflator Rupture - front passenger inflator. A vehicle collision at Alma School and 8th Avenue where one vehicle turned left in front of the oncoming involved 2006 Toyota Corolla resulting in the Corolla striking the right side of the other vehicle. During the collision the airbags were commanded to deploy and the passenger inflator had a significant rupture/failure which sent shrapnel out of the dash, striking the passenger. Our unit has investigated two confirmed Takata inflator fatalities and after a brief visual inspection it was confirmed the passenger inflator is in several pieces. The appearance of the inflator is consistent with prior observed passenger side Takata inflators. The car has been preserved in our parking lot and the passenger side airbag, with related tears and shrapnel holes, was obtained and preserved as well. The crash was filmed on intersection CCTV and the inflator can be seen expelling fragments outwards. A Dropbox file has been created to exchange photos and video upon request. Thank you. I am a Detective with the Mesa Police Department Vehicular Crimes Unit and was made aware of NHTSA's interest in identifying inflator related cases.

NHTSA ID

11538484

Incident

Aug 12, 2023

On March 17, 2023 at approximately 4:12 PM on Hwy 288 northbound just south of Southmore Boulevard I was struck from behind by a Blue Jetta. Skidding into me I think he was still going about 30 miles per hour if not a little more based on the violence of the crash. My vehicle was pushed forward into the car ahead of me damaging the front of my vehicle as well. Despite the impact, my air bags did NOT deploy. I had taken the vehicle in to the Toyota shop here in Humble, TX and had the "final fix" done on the airbags. I have been physically injured as a result of this automobile accident. I have filed with my Progressive Claim Adjuster and they are talking about totaling the vehicle. Policy Number 46753320. My concern is, despite the vehicle air bags being replaced, they did not deploy. The force of the impact should have been sufficient to activate them. It could of course be a defective switch given her age, but I'd rather let science do the talking.

NHTSA ID

11512525

Incident

Mar 17, 2023

Acccelerator gives no response when pressed without warning Unknown

NHTSA ID

11511493

Incident

Mar 7, 2023

I purchased a Toyota three years ago, immediately I complained about the brakes scrubbing and squeaky sounds, the dealer denied anything was wrong with the brakes. After paying the last payment the other day, now the brake pedal is stiff as a board and takes alot of pressure to stop, which is a safety hazzard to all. Also there have been no warning lights come on notification of any problems. I've also noticed Electrical problems like the dash lights going off and on the clock works when it takes a notion.

NHTSA ID

11508769

Incident

Mar 5, 2020

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.