2009 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 2009 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
- Airbags55232.1%
- Steering38222.2%
- Driver assistance21212.3%
- Engine1337.7%
- Brakes1207.0%
- Electrical895.2%
- Body & structure422.4%
- Powertrain (other)342.0%
- Suspension311.8%
- Fuel system241.4%
- Other / unspecified231.3%
- Visibility221.3%
- Seat belts140.8%
- Tires & wheels140.8%
- Interior & seats110.6%
- Transmission110.6%
- Exterior lighting60.3%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph and exiting a parking lot when the vehicle accelerated on its own, veered to the left, and crashed into a gate. No warning lights were illuminated and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injury to the right shoulder, right foot, and right hand, but did not seek medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed to a towing company. Additionally, the contact stated in 2021 while reversing from a parking space, as the vehicle was driving forward, it veered to the left and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was towed to the to be diagnosed and repaired. Per the contact, the dealer offered no diagnosis or reason for the acceleration. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
I have been sent two different recalls on my cars airbags. I had one repaired. I do not know how to tell what repairs were were not done. They’ve all been marked as being done yet. Four years later less than four years later my airbag warning light is on. I’m concerned that supposedly the sensor was a rotating and warmer climate and then it was that it would propel shop objects and now I don’t have a recall, but I’ve had a light on, and of course, now other Toyotas of the same group that mine is usually in Corolla Tacoma on and on , I’m having a similar problem with the light being on and I’m very concerned that one are both of those airbags are not properly working. I’ve tried to explain to Toyota that I need to be able to identify and have problems fixed that are due to their manufacturing issues. my mats were never fixed by Toyota. I had to fix them myself. Having this repair investigated is going to cost me a lot of money and what I’m gonna find out. I bet is that other colors were recalled for it. What’s the likelihood that my car still has airbag issues , especially where all the recalls are marked is done and I know that I only had took it in once to have it fixed and that was for the sensor and I don’t even know how the parts the flying parts play into this. I hope you can find out if Ty should be expanding this recall, or if they’re just getting nailed with the recent ones Because there’s not enough 2009 Corolla on the road anymore to justify a recall .
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's mother owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that on several occasions while he was driving straight at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to drift to the left and right inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power steering fails to operate causing loss of control while navigating turns.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph and exiting a parking lot when the vehicle accelerated on its own, veered to the left, and crashed into a gate. No warning lights were illuminated and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injury to the right shoulder, right foot, and right hand, but did not seek medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed to a towing company. Additionally, the contact stated in 2021 while reversing from a parking space, as the vehicle was driving forward, it veered to the left and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was towed to the to be diagnosed and repaired. Per the contact, the dealer offered no diagnosis or reason for the acceleration. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Vehicle speed control / sudden unintended acceleration. This was NOT a "misapplication of pedal" by driver! It was clearly a mechanical failure—apparently accelerator pedal (not floor mat, which was secured on its pegs). NO warning lamp, msg, symptom prior to crash. Afterward, saw NHTSA rpts others FIXED speed control issue & same prob STILL recurred! My VIN wasn't listed as unrepaired (likely the original owner repaired recall issue/s)—yet car was still dangerous! At slow speed, approx 1-2 mph, I was entering my garage in usual way, turning R. Car abruptly sped up uncontrollably (self-accelerated); couldn't stop it! Crashed thru garage doorpost & wall, then backyard fence. Lucky I'm alive & no one in yard. VERY traumatic! Physical injury (neck/back) helped by ibuprofen. FWIW air bag didn't deploy. AAA said they'd only tow for repair, not inspection. I wasn't going to repair; I'd NEVER trust driving that car again & wouldn't sell to ANYONE to drive, due to grave concern same issue'd recur! Available for inspection at PickNPull, Moss Landing, CA. PnP corp agreed they'd haul away ONLY for its OTHER parts—order taker understood it had UNTRUSTED accelerator pedal / vehicle speed control. They also promised me they wouldn't let anyone drive it! Of 2009 Corolla NHTSA's 1,523 rpts, "vehicle speed control" is 3rd highest, far > nearly all other rpts. Below, a few of MANY related examples. (Note: dates may be either report or incident dates.) 10/26/21 NHTSA #11438174; 5/31/17 #10992371; 7/16/16 #10885246 ("CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL...STILL AN ISSUE WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.); 6/3/16, #10872355; 10/2/14 #10640760 ("VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT FAILURE RECURRED"); 9/30/14 #10640098; 9/25/14 #10639073; 11/16/13 #10552563; 3/4/12 #10450183; 2/10/12 #10450183 ("ALREADY HAD ALL OF TOYOTA'S "RECALL" REMEDIES";) 1/29/12 #10447756; 6/22/10 #10343426 (recall work had been done); 6/23/10 #10340943 (work had been done); 6/6/10 #10339969; 5/18/10 #10330952.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Once you turn on your car the lifters become stuck and make a loud clicking noise on the engine. It makes the car hesitate to turn on and at times it shuts off the car automatically at any time.
RUMBLING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD COMING FROM THE ENGINE ,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, AT A SLOWING DOWN SPEED THE CAR STARTS VIBRATING AND MAKES THE RUMBLING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD!! UNSAFE TO DRIVE !! CAR WENT TO THE DEALER WILLIAMS HONDA - SEVERAL TIMES BACK TO CHECK THE CODE AND TO FIX THE PROBLEMS!! WE HAD TO BRING THIS COMPLAINT WITH THE MANAGEMENT AND BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, WE ARE REQUESTED A COMPENSATION FROM A DEALER FOR SELLING UNSAFE VEHICLE TO US, WE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS WHOLE MATTER IN DETAILS TO BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, WE REQUESTED A MONETARY COMPENSATION $500. WE ARE REQUESTING FROM NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES: TO HELP AND ASSIST US TO COLLECT COMPENSATION OF $500 FROM A DEALER WILLIAMS HONDA THAT IS IN ELMIRA NEW YORK.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle speed control / sudden unintended acceleration. This was NOT a "misapplication of pedal" by driver! It was clearly a mechanical failure—apparently accelerator pedal (not floor mat, which was secured on its pegs). NO warning lamp, msg, symptom prior to crash. Afterward, saw NHTSA rpts others FIXED speed control issue & same prob STILL recurred! My VIN wasn't listed as unrepaired (likely the original owner repaired recall issue/s)—yet car was still dangerous! At slow speed, approx 1-2 mph, I was entering my garage in usual way, turning R. Car abruptly sped up uncontrollably (self-accelerated); couldn't stop it! Crashed thru garage doorpost & wall, then backyard fence. Lucky I'm alive & no one in yard. VERY traumatic! Physical injury (neck/back) helped by ibuprofen. FWIW air bag didn't deploy. AAA said they'd only tow for repair, not inspection. I wasn't going to repair; I'd NEVER trust driving that car again & wouldn't sell to ANYONE to drive, due to grave concern same issue'd recur! Available for inspection at PickNPull, Moss Landing, CA. PnP corp agreed they'd haul away ONLY for its OTHER parts—order taker understood it had UNTRUSTED accelerator pedal / vehicle speed control. They also promised me they wouldn't let anyone drive it! Of 2009 Corolla NHTSA's 1,523 rpts, "vehicle speed control" is 3rd highest, far > nearly all other rpts. Below, a few of MANY related examples. (Note: dates may be either report or incident dates.) 10/26/21 NHTSA #11438174; 5/31/17 #10992371; 7/16/16 #10885246 ("CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL...STILL AN ISSUE WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.); 6/3/16, #10872355; 10/2/14 #10640760 ("VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT FAILURE RECURRED"); 9/30/14 #10640098; 9/25/14 #10639073; 11/16/13 #10552563; 3/4/12 #10450183; 2/10/12 #10450183 ("ALREADY HAD ALL OF TOYOTA'S "RECALL" REMEDIES";) 1/29/12 #10447756; 6/22/10 #10343426 (recall work had been done); 6/23/10 #10340943 (work had been done); 6/6/10 #10339969; 5/18/10 #10330952.
The car speed variable when I try speed up became slow or sometimes it speed up one time it stops in the middle of rail crossing and completely stop then I moved out and the car pushed up other side and the car accelerated not working properly nod the fuel system also I have big doubt about this car!
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my car in March 2023. From the first week, it wouldn't start sometimes. Id wait 5 minutes, then it would start fine. I thought it was when it got wet, at first. I also had a certain part replaced air flow compressor, possibly was called?, thinking this would fix it. It did not. In fact, the problem seemed to be happening more and more but, always, if I waited 5 to 10 minutes, sometimes messed around under the hood, it would start. This was not very comforting however, when it would stall at a light and not start right back up. I took it to AutoZone and was run on the diagnostics machine. Was told it needed new spark plugs and ignition coil packs. Which I got and replaced. Still happening. I took back to AutoZone, had it run again on diagnostic. This time it said battery. So I had a new battery put in. Still happening. All along, might I add, my fuses will blow randomly, my headlights And taillights will blow for no reason. One taillightooks like it melted through the plastic before it decided to blow. I e replaced some fuses, only to have blown again. I also have replaced the light bulb in taillight, only to have blown twice more. This is very dangerous, especially at a traffic light or, late at night if I need to go somewhere or leave somewhere And it won't start. I've been stuck in the middle of the road, on the wring sidevif the riad, in the midfle if a snowstorm, with it not starting for me. Also, it was gett5really cold without heat and, I was nearly hit several times as i was also at the bottom of a steep hill when my car decided to stop sliding backwards and stall on me and would not restart. That was the most fearful I have been with this issue and with good reason! I now see several others having similar issues with their same exact car. Why isn't Toyota addressing this?
My driver’s side window controls are slowly falling into the doors. I read where there was a recall online, but I have never received any paperwork. I am the original owner and have had all work done at various Toyota’s for 13 years now. Will I be able to have a dealer fix this? Thank you,
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT ON 01/27/2021, SHE PRESSED ON THE BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOT ENGAGE CAUSING HER TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON A NEIGHBORHOOD SIDE STREET
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MERGING ONTO RT3 FROM I-95-S TOWARDS CAPE COD BY SOUTH QUINCY AREA. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY AND I SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS, THE CAR BEHIND ME ENDED UP REAR-ENDING MY CAR WHICH RESULTED IN ME HITTING MY HEAD ON MY HEAT REST WHICH RESULTED IN WHIPLASH. THE WOMAN WHO HIT ME CLAIMED SHE CALLED THE POLICE AND SAID THAT THE COP TOLD HER WE NEED TO EXCHANGE LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS. WE DID EXACTLY THAT BUT NOT PHONE NUMBER OR ANYTHING. AFTER WE EXCHANGED, SHE TOOK OFF RIGHT AWAY. THE CAR THAT STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME LEFT THE SCENE RIGHT AWAY. THIS WAS MY FIRST ACCIDENT SO I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO BUT NOW I AM REALIZING THAT SHE MAY NEVER HAVE CALLED THE POLICE CONSIDERING THAT NO ONE SHOWED UP AND THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
IT'S THE TRANSMISSION THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND I HAVE A CHILD AND I DONT WANT THE TRANSMISSION TO BRAKE ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY.
MY LIGHT CAME ON 80.000 MILES AND I WAS INFORMED IT IS THE SHIFT SOLENOIDS VALE P2757, WHAT WAS REPLACED, AND RIGHT AFTER TAHT THE CODE CAME ON AGAIN P2757 WITH A DIFFEREND DIAGNOSTIC.SHAVINGS FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND I NEED A COMPLETE NEW TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE NO AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH THE DEALER 2 IN HOUSTON REBUILD NO NEW ONES . CAN YOU CHECK IN TO THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE A LOT OF COLMPLAINS ON THE WEBSITES
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
2009 COROLLA IS DRIFTING LEFT AND RIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. SOME VIBRATION. RECENTLY HAD NEW TIRES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND STILL VERY UNSTABLE, FEELS LIKE DRIVING A BOAT AND CAN MOVE LEFT OR RIGHT AT ANY TIME. IT HAS ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING NOT HYDROLOGIC. I'M THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED TWICE ON CAR WHICH IS UNUSUAL. ANY RECALL OF THE ELECTRICAL RACK AND PINION FOR THIS VEHICLE? MY MECHANIC DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX BESIDES REPLACING THE WHOLE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM.
HI, I HAVE REPLACED MY BRAKES LATE LAST YEAR BECAUSE THE BRAKES DON'T ENGAGE RIGHT. EVEN AFTER I REPLACED MY BRAKES, I STILL HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE BRAKES. LAST WEEK, I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK WITH MY SON IN MY CAR AND SOMEONE CUT ME OFF WITH A TURN INTO A SCHOOL. I HIT MY BRAKES REALLY HARD, BUT IT WAS SKIDDING/SLIDING. I TOOK MY CAR IN AGAIN FOR BRAKES CHECK AND LIKE LAST TIME, I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES WERE FINE. I ASKED THE MECHANIC WHY WAS MY CAR SLIDING/SKIDDING. MY CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SHOCK/SUSPENSION ISSUE. WHICH I HAVE HAD ALL ALONG, BUT DIDN'T KNOW IT CAUSED MY BRAKES TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I DRIVE VERY SHORT DISTANT TO WORK AND HOME AND I DO NOT ABUSE MY CAR, HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, IT IS SAFETY SINCE THE CAR DOESN'T BRAKE PROPERLY. BEST, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car speed variable when I try speed up became slow or sometimes it speed up one time it stops in the middle of rail crossing and completely stop then I moved out and the car pushed up other side and the car accelerated not working properly nod the fuel system also I have big doubt about this car!
VEHICLES WITH DELCO ECM HAVE A COMMON ISSUE WHERE THE FUEL INJECTORS LEAK INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING ENGINE TO LOOSE COMPRESSION. THE LOWERED COMPRESSION CAUSES HARD START (IF ABLE TO START AT ALL) AND IF AND WHEN IT STARTS THE VEHICLE EMITS A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE THE ENGINE IDLES HUNTS CONSTANTLY. ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING MAKING BRAKING AND STEERING VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. ECM HAS BEEN REPLACED BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE DAMAGE IS DONE TO THE ENGINE AND NEEDS A REBUILD. MULTIPLE VEHICLES HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE FROM 2009 - 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA RANGING FROM 100 MILES - 179,000 MILES. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE ANY DIFFERENT EFFECT WITH MILEAGE OR MAINTENANCE. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Side styrofoam piece broke with just basic use and installation. Seems to occur frequently with this seat.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE USING THE JACK, HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSTABLE BECAUSE THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CENTERED EVENLY WHERE THE NOTCH WAS LOCATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,600.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHEN IT WAS RAINING. I HAD TO PULL OVER UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED. MY MECHANIC DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND THOUGHT THERE WAS A BAD CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STILL WON'T WORK. I THEN WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR.
MY SUNROOF ON TOYOTA COROLLA (AFTER MARKET GLASS FROM WEBASTO COMPANY) WAS FLEW OFF ON THE FREEWAY 805 IN SAN DIEGO, AROUND 6-7PM.. I WAS SHOCKED WITH UNEXPECTED NOISE. MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 66 M/H. IS ANYBODY ELSE GOT THE SAME EXPERIENCE WITH THE SAME ISSUE... THE FIRST GLASS COMPANY I CALLED TOLD ME IT IS GOING TO COAST ME $400 TO REPAIR. IS IT REALLY MY FALL????
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL THE RECALL ON MY AIRBAGS IS NOT COMPLETE, AND THE REMEDY IS NOT YET AVAILABLE IN A TIMELY MANNER FOR MY SAFETY IN THE EVENT OF ME POSSIBLY GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT AND GETTING SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN DIE BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT IN MY AIRBAGS INFLATING AND CAUSING METAL OBJECTS TO FLY OUT AND HURT ME AND/ OR MY PASSENGERS. ALSO, MY SEAT BELTS DON'T STAY IN PLACE TO HOLD ME OR MY PASSENGER BACK IN THE POSSIBLE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, TO CAUSE US LESS HARM IF ANY WAS TO OCCUR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE INSPECTING THE REAR SEAT, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CENTER SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT BUCKLE WERE INTERCHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE BUCKLE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WATER PUMP PULLEY DISENGAGEMENT AND NEED FOR THIRD SET OF TIRES ON VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, FOLLOWED BY A SOUND OF SOMETHING HITTING THE HIGHWAY. HE GRADUALLY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RAISED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THE FLYWHEEL FOR THE WATER PUMP SITTING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. HE WALKED BACK UP THE HIGHWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO LOCATE WHAT FELL FROM THE VEHICLE. HE GATHERED WHAT HE FOUND AND WAS LOOSE UNDER THE HOOD, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER AND HAD A NEW WATER PUMP INSTALLED. WHILE AT THE SERVICE CENTER, THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED AND A NEW SET OF TIRES WERE RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THEY WERE CUPPING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT TO HAVE THE TIRES INSPECTED. FIRESTONE, INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE LEFT FRONT AND REAR TOW WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THEY ADJUSTED THE LEFT FRONT TO CORRECT IT, BUT INFORMED HIM, THEY COULD NOT MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE REAR, AS THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE GIVEN THAT THE ALIGNMENT ISSUE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE CUPPING. WITHIN A WEEK OF HAVING THE NEW WATER PUMP INSTALLED, THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO HEAR A CLICKING SOUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD, SO HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE CLICKING SOUND. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE A/C COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
DRIVING NORTH ON AN URBAN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH THE CAR EXPERIENCED RANDOM MOVEMENT SIMILAR TO A STRONG CROSSWIND OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE. TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS DID INDICATE LOW PRESSURE AND NEXT MORNING TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED WITH A GAUGE AND WERE AT THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE. THERE WAS A MODERATE TO STRONG WIND FROM THE WEST BUT THE CAR MOVEMENT EVEN OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING IN A DEPRESSED ROADWAY WITH NO OBSERVABLE WIND. MY WIFE MENTIONED THAT THIS HAD HAPPENED TO HER RECENTLY. AFTER A FEW MILES THE CAR RETURNED TO NORMAL. LATER THAT EVENING WHEN GOING SOUTH, THIS SAME SYMPTOMS OCCURRED ON AND OFF OVER A 20 + MILE PERIOD. AN HOUR OR SO LATER, WHEN DRIVING EAST ON A RURAL INTERSTATE THE MOTION BEGAN AGAIN WITH THE WIND BEHIND US. AT ALL TIMES WHEN DROPPING THE SPEED TP BELOW 50 MPH THE PROBLEM CEASED. ON MAY 2, MY WIFE STATED THAT THIS SQUIRRELLY PROBLEM RECURRED DRIVING SOUTH ON A SUBURBAN INTERSTATE. TIRE SENSORS INDICATED NO TIRE PRESSURE ISSUE. LIGHT WIND FROM THE EAST. THERE HAS BEEN VERY LITTLE FREEWAY DRIVING SINCE MARCH. AFTER DISCUSSING THIS OCCURRENCE, I RECALLED ANOTHER COROLLA OWNER MENTIONING A STEERING PROBLEM. I WENT ONLINE A FOUND NUMEROUS DESCRIPTIONS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVERS SIDE "SINKING SEAT" PROBLEM STARTED WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009. AT THAT TIME, THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER WAS COUGHLIN TOYOTA IN NEWARK OHIO 43055. COUGHLIN TOLD ME THEY HAD NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM AND NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. THE DRIVERS SEAT CAN BE MANUALLY ADJUSTED UP OR DOWN BY HAND. THERE ARE 20+ POSITIONS UP OR DOWN. SHORT PEOPLE NEED THE SEAT POSITION TO BE ALL THE WAY UP IN ORDER TO SEE OVER THE DASH BOARD AND HOOD FOR SAFE VISIBILITY AND VISION WHEN DRIVING. TALL PEOPLE WOULD WANT THE SEAT POSITION TO BE ALL THE WAY DOWN. I AM SHORT, 5' 6" TALL. I NEED THE SEAT TO BE ALL THE WAY UP FOR SAFE VISION OVER THE DASH BOARD AND HOOD. THE "SINKING SEAT" PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE SEAT GRADUALLY GOES DOWN SEVERAL POSITIONS ON IT'S OWN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT BY TOYOTA, NOT A USER CAUSED CONDITION. THIS PROBLEM COVERS SEVERAL YEARS OF TOYOTA PRODUCTION. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS ON GOOGLE. I HAVE LOCAL FRIENDS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR COROLLAS. TODAY, 9-5-2013, I AGAIN REPORTED THIS PROBLEM BY ON LINE EMAIL TO TOYOTA CORPORATE FOR A SOLUTION. HERE IS AN EXACT COPY OF MY REPORT TO TOYOTA: "MY 2009 COROLLA HAS THE WIDE SPREAD AND CHRONIC SAFETY PROBLEM OF "SINKING SEAT SYNDROME" WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT. WHEN WILL TOYOTA HAVE A FIX FOR THIS CHRONIC SAFETY PROBLEM? MY LOCAL DEALER, COUGHLIN TOYOTA, HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM OR A SOLUTION. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON ON THE INTERNET (GOOGLE). SOME OF MY LOCAL FRIENDS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR COROLLAS. I NORMALLY HAVE ALL MY COROLLA MAINTENANCE DONE AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOR FAST SERVICE AND QUALITY WORK. UNFORTUNATELY, FORD IS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS SPECIFIC DESIGN AND SAFETY PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP WITH A FIX? IF YOU JUST REFER ME BACK TO COUGHLIN TOYOTA FOR HELP, I AM IN BIG TROUBLE" *JB
CAR WAS T-BONED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. IN MONROE COUNTY, KEY LARGO, FL.ON US1. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTED IN REVERSE IT WOULD MOVE FORWARD AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE IT WOULD MOVE IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, THE GEARS SLIPPED INTO REVERSE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD BECOME VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT A CRASH MAY OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,026.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY SLOW IN ACCELERATING AND WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS WATER IN THE FUEL TANK AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDINGLY AND THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO EXHIBIT A SPORADIC 'BUMP' WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER ADVISED THE TRANSMISSION WAS MISFIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,457 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,700.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
"TAKATA RECALL" ON 7/3/13, LEFT WORK AT 2:30 FROM FM1960 AND ALDINE WESTFIELD. TOOK THE ON RAMP OF WEST LOUTETTA TO GET OFF OF RAMP. I INCHED UP TO THE INTERSECTION AND THE AT&TREPAIRMAN THOUGHT I WAS GOING, SO, HE GUNNED IT. NEEDDLESSTOSAY, I RECIEVED SPINAL INJURIES, AND THE AIRBAG NEVER POPPED OUT. YEARS LATER, IT IS STILL INDICATING AS IMPLEMENTED TO NO AVAIL. I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIRING OF THIS PROBLEM IS A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING. OF WHICH I THOUGHT WAS GOING TO BE TAKEN CARE OF WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING REPAIRED.
THE HIGH BEAMS ON THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON WITHOUT THE CONTROL BEING TOUCHED. THIS BEGAN WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR & STILL DOES. AT FIRST IT WOULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY BUT NOW IT HAPPENS ONLY WHEN IT IS DARK OR GETTING DARK. THIS COULD IMPAIR THE VISION OF THE DRIVER OF AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. IT IS MOST DANGEROUS ON NARROW STREETS. THERE ARE OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR FROM TIME TO TIME SUCH AS THE CRUISE CONTROL, POWER MIRRORS, AIR CONDITIONER, DRIVING & DASH LIGHTS NOT WORKING. ALSO THE DOME LIGHT HAS REMAINED ON CAUSING THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN .THESE LATTER PROBLEMS DO NOT SEEM TO POSE THE THREAT THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DO BUT THEY SEEM TO BE CONNECTED & THEY ARE A DISTRACTION THAT COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES BUT THEY NEVER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.
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
2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WATER PUMP PULLEY DISENGAGEMENT AND NEED FOR THIRD SET OF TIRES ON VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, FOLLOWED BY A SOUND OF SOMETHING HITTING THE HIGHWAY. HE GRADUALLY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RAISED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THE FLYWHEEL FOR THE WATER PUMP SITTING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. HE WALKED BACK UP THE HIGHWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO LOCATE WHAT FELL FROM THE VEHICLE. HE GATHERED WHAT HE FOUND AND WAS LOOSE UNDER THE HOOD, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST SERVICE CENTER AND HAD A NEW WATER PUMP INSTALLED. WHILE AT THE SERVICE CENTER, THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED AND A NEW SET OF TIRES WERE RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THEY WERE CUPPING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT TO HAVE THE TIRES INSPECTED. FIRESTONE, INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE LEFT FRONT AND REAR TOW WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND THEY ADJUSTED THE LEFT FRONT TO CORRECT IT, BUT INFORMED HIM, THEY COULD NOT MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE REAR, AS THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE GIVEN THAT THE ALIGNMENT ISSUE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE CUPPING. WITHIN A WEEK OF HAVING THE NEW WATER PUMP INSTALLED, THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO HEAR A CLICKING SOUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD, SO HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP, TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE CLICKING SOUND. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE A/C COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
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 .