2004 Toyota Corolla

What owners report most often

1. Air bags256
2. Vehicle speed control61
3. Engine and engine cooling46
4. Electrical system27
5. Visibility27
6. Fuel system21
7. Other or unspecified19
8. Gasoline17

Recalls and investigations

1. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleOct 17, 2019

   Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

   Campaign 19V741000 on NHTSA.gov

2. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleAug 28, 2019

   Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.

   An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.

   Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.

   Campaign 19V627000 on NHTSA.gov

3. Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDec 12, 2018

   Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.

   Campaign 18V883000 on NHTSA.gov

4. Air bagsMay 13, 2015

   Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

   In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

   2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.

   Campaign 15V286000 on NHTSA.gov

5. Air bagsMay 13, 2015

   Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

   In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

   2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.

   Campaign 15V285000 on NHTSA.gov

6. Air bags, frontalJan 28, 2015

   Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

   Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.

   Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. GM issued an interim notification to owners on March 27, 2015. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V-029 and 14V-147. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for one of those campaigns need to have the air bag control module replaced under this campaign.

   Campaign 15V043000 on NHTSA.gov

7. Air bagsJan 30, 2013

   Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to internal shorting. The electrical short may create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

   Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

   Toyota will re-notify their owners who have already had their vehicles repaired with a noise filter, but did not receive a new airbag control module, and General Motors will re-notify theirs. Dealers previously installed a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. Dealers will replace the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for second notices. For more information, Toyota owners may call 1-800-331-4331 and Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668.

   Campaign 13V029000 on NHTSA.gov

8. Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009

   DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

   DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

   DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

   Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov

9. Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

   SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

   DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

   SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

   Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov

10. Visibility, glass, side/rearApr 10, 2008

    TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.

    THE DOOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BIND AND SHATTER DURING OPERATION OF THE POWER WINDOWS, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2008 TO TOYOTA OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2008, FOR PONTIAC OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

    Campaign 08V162000 on NHTSA.gov

11. Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

    CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

    Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov

12. Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006

    CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

    Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov

13. WheelsOct 6, 2003

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS, THE LUG NUT(S) MAY NOT SECURE THE WHEEL PROPERLY TO THE HUB ASSEMBLY DUE TO OVER-DRILLING OF ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE LUG NUT HOLES ON THE ALLOY WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD IN THIS CONDITION, THE LUG NUT(S) COULD POTENTIALLY LOOSEN.

    IN THE WORST CASE, THE STUD BOLT(S) MAY FRACTURE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AND LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FOUR FACTORY ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ANY FOUND TO BE OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 27, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

    Campaign 03V366000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

506 reports, newest first.

1. Steering, Feb 13, 2010, crash

   I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. ON DEC. 24, 2005 THE STEERING PULLED AWAY TO THE NEXT LANE CAUSING IT TO HYDROPLANE. IT SEEMS LIKE A GHOST JUST TAKES OVER THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THANK GOD NO DEATHS. AFTER THE CAR WAS REPAIRED, I CONTINUED DRIVING IT. IN 2006, THE WHEEL CONTINUED TO SWIFT TO THE NEXT LANE, LIKE IT'S PULLING AWAY FROM YOU. IF YOU ARE NOT GRIPPING THE WHEEL TIGHTLY, THE CAR WILL JUMP INTO THE NEXT LANE. I ALWAYS MAKE SURE NO ONE IS DRIVING IN THE NEXT LANE IN CASE THE CAR STARTS PULLING. I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED, BUT TOYOTA SAID NOTHING IS WRONG TO MAKE SURE I GET MY WHEEL ALIGNMENTS. I TOLD THEM I ALWAYS GET WHEEL ALIGNMENTS AND TIRES CHANGED OFTEN SINCE I DRIVE ALOT. THE PROBLEM OCCURS MOSTLY WHEN YOU ACCELERATE SPEEDS HIGHER THAN 40 MPH WHILE GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE. ALSO THE STEERING WHEELS JUMPS TO THE NEXT LANE ESPECIALLY WHEN ITS HIGHLY WINDY ON THE INTERSTATE AND RAINING. WHEEL ALIGNMENTS DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I GOT ONE DONE IN 2008, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED RIGHT WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM GETTING AN ALIGNMENT. THE PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS IN WINDY CONDITIONS WHEN TRAVELING OVER BRIDGES OR HIGH ALTITUDES. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES UNTIL THIS DAY IN 2010. *TR

2. Vehicle speed control, Feb 13, 2010

   TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS SHE DROVE INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE UNTIL SHE APPLIED EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SINCE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE WAS $90. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 3/24/10 *CN UPDATED 05/17/10.*JB

3. Parking brake, Feb 11, 2010, crash

   ON JANUARY 12, 2010, MY 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA WAS PARKED AND RUNNING, WHILE I BROUGHT GROCERIES INTO MY HOME. WHEN I WENT BACK OUT, I DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO A DITCH CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND MUFFLER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR

4. Parking brake, Power train, Feb 11, 2010, crash

   ON FEBURARY 12, 2010, MY 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA WAS PARKED AND RUNNING, WHILE I BROUGHT GROCERIES INTO MY HOME. WHEN I WENT BACK OUT, I DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO A DITCH CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND MUFFLER. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *TR

5. Power train, Feb 9, 2010

   I AM HAVING WHAT COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MY ALMOST NEW COROLLA 2004 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 8000 KM. IF I LEAVE THE CAR PARKED FOR SAY MORE THAN A WEEK, I THEN START IT, AND TRY TO GO FORWARD OR IN REVERSE THE CAR TAKES (LAGS) LIKE 5 OR 6 SECONDS TO SORT OF ENGAGE THE GEAR. AT FIRST IT SORT OF LIKE STARTS TO GO BUT NOT FULLY (SLIPS) AND AFTER THAT IT GOES SOLID. I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND MY EXPLANATION?? DEALER HAS PERFORMED THE HYDRAULIC TEST, RESET THE MEMORY, AND CHANGED THE ATF OIL. IT SEEMS THAT PERHAPS ONE OF THE INTERNAL VALVES TENDS TO LEEK OR IS NOT ABLE TO RETAIN THE PRESSURE OVER TIME. THE CAR HAS NOW 15000 KM. AND THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. IT TAKES MORE TIME TO FULLY ENGAGE INTO GEAR. I CAN SEE HOW A SERIOUS ACCIDENT CAN HAPPENED IF THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR IS NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND WILL TRY TO ACCELERATE TO GET THE CAR MOVING AND SUDDENLY LOOSE CONTROL OVER A SUDDEN UNWANTED ACCELERATION. I WAS NEVER CONTACTED BEFORE AND I HOPE SOMEONE IN YOUR DEPARTMENT TAKES SERIOUSLY THIS INFORMATION. THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT (ODI NUMBER) WAS 10187863. THANK YOU *TR

6. Steering, Feb 9, 2010, crash

   I TOOK MY 2004 TOYOTA IN FOR SERVICE FOR STEERING PROBLEMS 8 TIMES, BETWEEN THE DATE OF PURCHASE IN APRIL 2004 AND SEPTEMBER 2004. I WAS DRIVING ON I-75 ON THE SOUTHBOUND SIDE IN WILDWOOD FLORIDA, ON A DRY SUNNY DAY - THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE CONTROL, AFTER I MOVED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH A CAR INCOMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE - THERE WAS SMALL CONTACT BY THE UNKNOWN VEHICLE, WHICH CONTINUED. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER OUT OF THE PROBLEM, AT FIRST, AND THE CAR WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE PARKING STRIP. WHEN I TAPPED THE BRAKE TO SLOW THE CAR, IT DID NOT LOSE SPEED. I BEGAN TO STEER OUT OF LEFT LANE, ONTO THE HIGHWAY, BUT THEN WHILE I WAS STEERING RIGHT, THE CAR STEERED ITSELF TO THE LEFT. I AM CERTAIN THAT THE CAR FAILED TO ALLOW THE CRUISE CONTROL TO RELEASE. I REPORTED ALL OF THIS AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THIS WAS IGNORED BY TOYOTA. THE REPORTS OF THE PROBLEM USING THE LEMON LAW WERE ALSO DENIED, AND TOYOTA WOULD NOT SUPPORT ME WHEN I MADE CONTACT WITH THEM ON SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, BETWEEN APRIL 2004 (ON PURCHASE) AND THE INCIDENT. THE SERVICE MANAGERS AT GATORLAND TOYOTA REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I PURCHASED THIS IN OCALA, FLORIDA. THE OWNER OF THAT DEALERSHIP ALSO REFUSED TO LISTEN WHEN I WROTE AND SPOKE TO HIM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THAT DEALERSHIP. I HAVE ALL OF THE MATERIAL THAT WAS SUBMITTED TO TOYOTA, AND TO ARBITRATION. IT WAS A VIBRATION AND STEERING PROBLEM THAT I REPORTED, HOWEVER, I BELIEVED AT TIME, THAT THE CAR MAY HAVE HELD THE DEALER (DELUCA, IN OCALA FLORIDA) INSTALLED CRUISE CONTROL THAT MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED. THIS WAS LIKELY A PEDAL PROBLEM. AT THE TIME, I THOUGHT IT WAS CRUISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO DELUCA TOYOTA REQUESTING REPAIR ABOUT 5 TIMES (HAVE DOCUMENTS) AND TO GAINESVILLE, FL TOYOTA, 3X, & WITH A SCHEDULED REPRESENTATIVE (REGIONAL) INSPECTION. THE ALL REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM. THE CLAIMED TO HAVE ALIGNED THE FRONT END & BALANCED TIRES (A VIBRATION ISSUE). NO CHANGE. THEY THEN REFUSED. *TR

7. Vehicle speed control, Feb 8, 2010

   I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA LAST MARCH 13, 2009 AT NOON IN A CROWDED PARKING LOT IN MASON , OHIO, A SUBURB OF CINCINNATI. I WAS STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AND AFTER THAT, I PUSHED ON MY GAS PEDAL WHEN THE CAR TOOK OFF , GOING FROM A DEAD STOP TO 60 MPH , CROSSING THE LOT SO FAST THAT I WAS LUCKY I DID NOT KILL ANYONE THAT DAY. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR AT ALL. IT WAS AS IF I WAS ON A DRAGSTRIP TRYING TO RACE! I WAS SURROUNDED BY MINIVANS AND THERE WAS A BURGER KING RESTAURANT ON THE ONE SIDE OF ME WITH A BUSY KOHL'S NEXT TO MY CAR. I WAS TERRIFIED BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR! THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK FOR ME ,AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAD TO STOP THE CAR AS I HAD ONLY A FEW MINUTES TO STOP OR I WOULD HAVE JUMPED OVER A 4 FOOT GRASSY PARTITION BEFORE I WENT INTO A 4 LANE INTERSECTION FULL OF TRAFFIC!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WOULD HAVE CAUSED A NICE ACCIDENT AND KILLED SOMEONE OR MANY!!!!!!!!!!! I THREW THE CAR INTO "PARK AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION RIGHT THEN" THE CAR DID A 180 DEGREE TURN LANDING NEAR THE GRASSY PARTITION!!!!!!!!! I WAS FINE BUT SO SCARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO DO TO STOP BUT IT WORKED. I WENT TO KING'S TOYOTA AFTER THAT WHICH WAS ACROSS THE STREET. THEY CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID IT WAS A BUILDUP OF GASES IN THE CAR!!!!!!! SUCH A LIE!!!!!!! WHY DID THEY NOT KNOW WHAT WAS IT WAS?? THEY HAVE HAD COMPLAINTS SINCE 1999?????????? MY QUESTION IS WHY IS MY CAR NOT PART OF THE RECALL SINCE I HAVE HAD A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM?? KING'S WILL LOOK AT MY CAR NEXT WEEK BUT THEY WILL MAKE ME PAY FOR REPAIRS WHEN IT'S THEIR FAULT AND IT'S NOT ON THE LIST. PLEASE HAVE THEM EXPAND THE RECALL SO THAT PEOPLE LIKE ME CAN TRUST THEIR CARS AGAIN. *CN *TR

8. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 4, 2010

   WE OWN A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA (A MODEL NOT IN THE RECALL) BUT HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING AT AN INTERSECTION. *TR

9. Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010

   WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT THE 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA WOULD SURGE FORWARD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, ROUGHLY 4-5 A YEAR, AND IF THE BRAKE WAS NOT FIRMLY APPLIED CARS IN FRONT OF ME WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO FIX THIS AS IT WAS INCONSEQUENTIAL AT THE TIME. I AM CONCERNED THAT ONE OF THESE TIMES IT MAY NOT BE. *TR

10. Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2010

    FRIGHTENING INCIDENT THAT WAS REPORTED ON MY 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA LE/SD 4 DR. PARKING MY VEHICLE IN A DRIVEWAY (ON A SLIGHT INCLINE), DRY CONDITIONS, AND ONLY 1 FOOT FROM A PARKED CARGO VAN. ABOUT TO PLACE FOOT ON BRAKE TO STOP COMPLETELY TO TURN CAR OFF AND FULL ACCELERATION TOOK PLACE. GAS PEDAL WENT FULL THROTTLE AND HIT THE CARGO VAN. TIRES WERE SPINNING, LEFT TIRE TRACKS. MY CAR PINNED BETWEEN A CARGO VAN AND PULLING TO THE LEFT -- SIX INCHES FROM HITTING A SUBARU OWNED BY SISTER. ACCELERATION WENT FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES AS I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES, NO RESULTS. I LOOKED DOWN TO SEE IF MY CAR MAT WAS IN THE WAY AND THE ANSWER IS NO. THREE PEOPLE CAME OUTSIDE THE HOME TO SEE WHAT THE LOUD IMPACT WAS AND WHY THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING IN THAT MANNER-- THINKING THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, THEN PARK AND SHUT IT OFF WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE. CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE OFFICE WHO THEN REFERRED ME OUT TO CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER ON MONDAY 12/7 TO INFORM THEM OF MY ORDEAL. THEY ARRANGED FOR MY CAR TO BE SERVICED BY A TECHNICIAN ON 12/15/2009 AT THE TOYOTA DEALER IN GREER, SC. I WAS TOLD TO PICK THE CAR UP AFTER 1 1/2 HOURS. I HAD CAR TOWED TO AND FROM CAR DEALER. IN JANUARY 2010, I PICKED UP A CERTIFIED LETTER FROM THE POST OFFICE THAT WAS DATED DECEMBER 23, 2009. IT STATED THAT "BASED ON OUR FINDINGS PROVIDED ABOVE, WE RESPECTFULLY DECLINE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER." THE INSPECTION WAS - PROVIDING A ROAD TEST AND THE BRAKES, HELD VEHICLE SPEED AT 10 MPH, NO LEAKAGE WITH BRAKES, AND ACCELERATION DID NOT STICK. THEY SENT ME ON MY WAY AND CLOSED THE CASE AND THANKED ME FOR MY BUSINESS AND BEING A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER! I ONLY HAD MY CAR FOR TWO YEARS. IT IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. I ULTIMATELY HAD TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE TO GET AROUND IN. IT WAS MY ONLY VEHICLE. THERE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MORE VEHICLES THAN THEY ARE STATING. MINE IS A 2004. *TR

11. Vehicle speed control, Feb 1, 2010, crash

    WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. DEPRESSED BRAKE TO LIMITED AVAIL. VEHICLE PARTIALLY JUMPED PARKING CURB WHEN IT WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED SO, AS YET, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE. THIS APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL ALONG WITH OTHER MODELS. *TR

12. Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2010, crash

    2004 TOYOTA COROLLA WAS TOTAL ON 9/11/07 IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE IT ACCELERATED IN REVERSE IN A PARKING LOT AND SMASHED INTO A TRACTOR TRAILER. MY FORMER WAS DRIVING IT AND SAID IT JUST TOOK OFF ON HER. (WE FIRED HER SHORTLY AFTER THIS INCIDENT AND SHE LEFT THE USA)*CW

13. Visibility, Jan 25, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FOUL ODOR COMING FROM THE CLIMATE SYSTEM. THE CONTACT CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE CLIMATE SYSTEM. THEY ALSO TOLD HIM THAT THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $1000 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. CLAIM #1001136140 WAS FILED WITH TOYOTA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. *CN UPDATED 02/18/10

14. Vehicle speed control, Jan 2, 2010

    REGARDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN THE TOYOTA COROLLA: ALTHOUGH THIS PROBLEM HAS RECENTLY BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ON THE NEWS IN OTHER MODELS I HAVE EXPERIENCED DOZENS OF EVENTS IN THE TOYOTA COROLLA FOR AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REASON. THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR IS SO CLOSE THAT ANYONE WHO HAS BIG FEET SUCH AS ME ( I WEAR A MEN'S 12 WIDE SHOE) CAN EASILY HIT THE ACCELERATOR AT THE SAME TIME THE BRAKE IS HIT. THIS PROBLEM BECAME SUCH AN ISSUE FOR ME SINCE MY ELDERLY MOTHER OWNS 2 DIFFERENT TOYOTA COROLLA THAT I AVOID USING HER CARS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. HOWEVER BECAUSE SHE IS SO OLD AND CANNOT EASILY GET INTO CARS THAT ARE LOW TO THE GROUND BECAUSE OF THEIR SMALL WHEEL DIAMETERS I DO TAKE HER IN HER CAR AT TIMES. THERE IS HARDLY A SINGLE INSTANCE IN WHICH I DRIVE THE CAR THAT I DO NOT EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. I ALSO TRIED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO TO BUY MY OWN TOYOTA COROLLA BUT BEING AWARE OF THE PROBLEM I ASKED THE DEALER IF HE COULD MOVE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HE TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THIS CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE WITH FEET LARGER THAN THE NORMAL. I EXPECT THAT IN JAPAN THEY MUST HAVE SMALL FEET FOR CREATING SUCH A STUPID BLUNDER. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE ROAD. I EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM IN MORE THAN ONE MODEL YEAR. MY MOTHER OWNS TWO DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS. THE CAR I TEST DROVE ON THE DEALERS LOT WAS ANOTHER MODEL YEAR. SO AT LEAST 3 DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS AFTER 2004 HAVE THE PROBLEM. IT CAN EASILY BE SEEN JUST BY LOOKING AT THE PEDAL SPACING. THIS BLUNDER IN DESIGN IS HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE IT IS SO STUPID. *TR

15. Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2009

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH THE VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY. ALSO THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REEVE WHILE IDLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. SINCE THE MECHANIC COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, HE COULD NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2629. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4300.

16. Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 6, 2009

    ON DECEMBER 5, 2009, I COULD NOT GET OUT OF MY VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT DOORS BECAUSE I COULDN'T UNLOCK THE FRONT DOORS LOCKS (MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY). I HAD TO CRAWL AND GET OUT OF THE CAR THROUGH THE REAR DOOR. GOOD THING THIS IS A 4 DOOR VEHICLE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS IF THE WHOLE SYSTEM SHUT DOWN. THIS DEFECT CAUSES THE DOORS TO BE INOPERABLE. NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FEELING THAT I COULD ONE DAY BE TRAPPED AND HAVE TO BREAK A WINDOW TO GET OUT. *TR

17. Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Nov 9, 2009

    10/29/09 I TURNED ON THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINED IMMEDIATELY REVVED INTO THE DANGER ZONE. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP IT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND CHECKED THE GAS PEDDLE.....THE FLOOR MAT WAS NOWHERE NEAR THE PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR TO CAUSE THIS OCCURRENCE. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND THEN RESTARTED IT. IT WAS FINE THEN...10/31/09 I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATION OF THERE CARS. THEY "PERFORMED TOP ENGINE CLEANING AND THROTTLE BODY CLEANING" TOLD ME THEY THOUGHT THIS WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM..CHARGED ME $176.98 AND I WAS ON MY WAY. THIS HAD HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE BUT NOT TO THIS DEGREE. *TR

18. Power train, Sep 29, 2009, crash

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH HE NOTICED A SHARP SOUND COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90000.

19. Fuel system, Other, Sep 23, 2009

    I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON LAST WEEK. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THE CAR NEEDED A NEW FILLER NECK AND GAS CAP. THE DEALER SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MAKE/MODEL CAR. I CHECKED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE DID HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. I DON'T THINK IT'S A BIG SAFETY ISSUE, HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK WHY A RECALL HASN'T BEEN DONE AND HOW TO POSSIBLY GO ABOUT INITIATING THAT PROCESS. THANK YOU FOR INPUT ON THIS...JANET BRAATZ *TR UPDATED 09/25/09 *BF

20. Wheels, Sep 3, 2009

    I STARTED HEARING A HUMMING, VIBRATION NOISE COMING FROM MY WHEELS IN NOVEMBER 2007. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE R/F. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN... JANUARY 2008 - L/F WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. JUNE 2008 - R/F WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. MARCH 2009 - R/F WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED. THE NOISE GETS WORSE AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND MAKES ME VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. *TR

21. Power train, Aug 5, 2009

    I HAVE A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA S 5-SPEED WITH 91,000 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING THE OTHER DAY, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND HAVE MAINTAINED IT WELL SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE CLUTCH WAS BAD AND THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $1,036 TO REPAIR IT. AFTER SPEAKING TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND FINDING OUT THAT THE DEALERSHIP WANTED $400 MORE THAN AVERAGE TO DO THE SERVICE I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. AFTER REMOVING THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE CAR HE INFORMED ME THAT THE CLUTCH WAS FINE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS BAD. I BOUGHT A TOYOTA FOR ITS SUPPOSED RELIABILITY......WHAT A JOKE. THIS IS GOING TO COST THOUSANDS TO REPAIR AND HAS EFFECTIVELY RUINED MY SUMMER VACATION PLANS. I KNOW THERE ARE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS TRANSMISSION.....I HOPE SOMETHING GETS DONE ABOUT IT. *TR -BRYAN SHEPLER

22. Seats, Jul 15, 2009

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VERTICAL WIRE IN THE BACK OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WIRE COMES THROUGH AND STICKS THEM IN THEIR BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $700. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR SINCE IT WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,790.

23. Vehicle speed control, Jun 10, 2009, crash

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT. THEY FOUND NO FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. ONCE AGAIN, NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST PAIN FROM THE SEAT BELT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY MADE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, IT WAS REPLACED WITH A 2006 COROLLA. CURRENTLY, THE 2006 COROLLA IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES AS THE 2004 MODEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE COULD BRING IN THE VEHICLE AND PAY $98 PER HOUR FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,000. UPDATED 7/1/09 *CN UPDATED 07/07/09.*JB

24. Latches/locks/linkages, May 14, 2009

    THE LOCK CYLINDERS ON BOTH FRONT DOORS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. THE PASSENGER SIDE (WHICH I RARELY USE) WILL NO LONGER UNLOCK; THE DRIVER SIDE WILL NO LONGER LOCK. I HAVE NEVER USED THE OUTSIDE LOCK TO LOCK THE DOOR SO DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE MECHANIC TOLD ME. $450 TO FIX BOTH LOCKS BUT I NEED TO BE ABLE TO GET IN THE CAR. *TR

25. Air bags, Feb 23, 2009, crash

    MY DAUGHTER HAD A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN A 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR