2005 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 941 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 118 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 93 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
Engine and engine coolingAug 26, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 COROLLA AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A CRACK MAY DEVELOP AT CERTAIN SOLDER POINTS OR ON VARISTORS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD.
THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WARNINGS AND CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEFECT. THE ENGINE WARNING LAMP COULD BE ILLUMINATED, HARSH SHIFTING COULD RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START, OR THE ENGINE COULD SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. AN ENGINE SHUTOFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION NUMBER OF THE ECM AND REPLACE THE ECM IF NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER 2010 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS DEFECT AND RECALL. THIS INTERIM NOTIFICATION WILL INFORM OWNERS THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE A FUTURE NOTIFICATION WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE FREE REMEDY PERFORMED ON THEIR VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V384000 on NHTSA.gov
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
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
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
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
Representative owner complaints
941 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Oct 27, 2014
AIR BAG RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Oct 24, 2014
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON/OFF AT DIFFERENT TIMES. I CALLED TOYOTA 1-800-331-4331 CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 8/8/13. WAS TOLD MY AIR BAG WARRANTY WAS 5 YRS 60,000 MILES. I THEN HAD 80,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I NOW HAVE 120,000 AIR BAG LIGHT STILL COMES ON. I CALLED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER THEY SAID BRING IN WOULD COST ME 85 DOLLARS TO BE DIAGNOSED. I FEEL I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THE AIR BAG I CANNOT CONTROL ANYTHING ABOUT IT-THERE SHOULD BE NO 5 YR 60,000 MILES WARRANTY ON SOMETHING I CANNOT CHANGE. ALSO MY CLOCK IF BARELY VIEWABLE ON MY DASH. I REFUSE TO PAY. I WAS TOLD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAVE BEEN REPORTED. BUT I SEE BY THIS SITE THAT IT HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES. *TR
Air bags, Oct 22, 2014, crash
HIT A DEER
Engine, Oct 21, 2014, crash
AROUND 1:30 PM ON 10/16/2013 AS I WAS LEAVING A RESTAURANT, I WAS PARKED, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES. MY CAR ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY AND I RAN RIGHT INTO THE BACK SIDE PANEL OF ANOTHER CAR. IT WAS A FEW FEET UP THE ROAD BEFORE I COULD GET IT STOPPED. MY SON WAS RIGHT BEHIND ME AND CAN VERIFY ALL DETAILS. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO BRADSHAW COLLISION CENTER IN GREER, SC. AFTER THEY INSPECTED MY CAR "THOROUGHLY", THEY SAID, "BASED ON OUR INSPECTION OF YOUR VEHICLE IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THE RESULT OF ANY TYPE OF MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT. IN JUNE 2014, AS I WAS PARKED IN MY SON'S YARD IT ACCELERATED AGAIN BUT I HAD TO SLAM IT INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE I HIT HIS CAR.ONCE AGAIN, MY SON SAW THAT.WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE, WHILE WAITING ON A LIGHT TO CHANGE IT WILL LUNG FORWARD. THEREFORE, I AM RESOLVED TO HAVE TO TAKE THE BACK ROADS. AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT, I HAVE STARTED HAVING VERTIGO, FOR WHICH I HAVE TO TAKE MEDICATION. I AM A PERFECT DRIVER. I AM 68 AND MANY TIMES I HAVE MY 3 YR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IN THE CAR WITH ME. IT SCARES ME TO DRIVE MY OWN CAR NOW. I HAVE A LETTER FROM THE LEGAL CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A INC. DATED 12/04/2013. THIS LETTER TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. *TR
Air bags, Oct 16, 2014
THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A ACCIDENT ON MY VEHICLE. JUST WONDERING IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS IN THE 2005 COROLLA. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2014
SEVERAL EPISODES OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, AND SEVERAL OTHERS WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Engine, Sep 25, 2014
BEFORE INCIDENT OCCUR I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY NEAR LAKE MEAD I WAS GOING UP A HILL HIGH ELEVATION I NOTICE WHILE DRIVING RPM WAS STAYING ON 4 OR ABOVE LIKE IT WOULDN'T REDUCE TRANSMISSION WAS PIERCING AS I REACHED TOP OF HILL AND GOING DOWN RPM FINALLY DROP I STOP TO PUT GAS DROVE NOW FLAT HIGHWAY WENT ABOUT 4 MILES FROM GAS STATION HEARD A LOUD BAG THOUGHT IT WAS A BLOW OUT CHECK TIRES ALL GOOD OPEN ENGINE SAW OIL SPILL SO I NEW CANT DRIVE WAS TOWED TO BULLHEAD CITY ARIZONA WHERE MY FAMILY LIVES WHICH I WAS VISITING ( I LIVE IN LOS ANGELES) FOUND MECHANIC A WEEK AGO HAD IT TOWED TO..... 1591 RAMER ROAD BULL HEAD CITY TOM MECHANIC IS NOW EXPLAINING TO ME THREW A ROD INTO THE ENGINE BLOCK BREAKING BLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OUT? MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED I WORK FOR A DEALERSHIP FIRST LONG TRIP I WENT ON IN A LONG TIME MY VEHICLE MILEAGE IS LOW I HAVE NEVER HEARD A TOYOTA ENGINE ROD GOING OUT WITH SO LOW MILEAGE THERE HAS TO BE A MECHANICAL DEFECT ON THIS ENGINE I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH WITH DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP MECHANIC WEAR I LIVE AND THEY SAY THIS IS NOT COMIN PLEASE HELP ME AND FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME TO GIVE YOU MECHANIC INFO. I JUST PAID MY CAR OFF... KNOW I WILL AWAIT YOUR RESPONSE PLEASE HELP ME ASAP I AM CARLESS..... *TR
Air bags, Sep 18, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT STAY ON CONSTANTLY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE PROBLEM RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2014
I DO NOT KNOW, BUT WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON. *TR
Engine, Jul 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DEALER MADE UNKNOWN REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,379.
Air bags, Jul 1, 2014, crash
5 VEHICLE WRECK IN FAST LANE ON 6 LANE PORTION OF STATE HIGHWAY, 50 MPH ZONE. CAR IN FRONT STOPPED UNEXPECTEDLY. COROLLA STOPPED IN TIME (PREVENTING REAR END COLLISION) BUT 3 VEHICLES (INCLUDED 2 TRUCKS) BEHIND THE COROLLA COLLIDED HEAVILY AND PUSHED THE COROLLA INTO THE CAR IN FRONT. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CAR "TOTALED". SEVERE FRONT END AND REAR END DAMAGE. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON DRIVER SIDE OR OTHER SIDE. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 16, 2014, crash
I JUST PURCHASED MY 2005 COROLLA 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT AND IT WAS A FAIRLY NEW CAR BUT IT HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH IN THE FIRST MONTH I HAD IT. ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT THE WEATHER NICE AND PLEASANT & I WAS SOBERLY DRIVING HOME FROM NURSING SCHOOL IN SAN JOSE ALONG IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE STREET AT THE LEGAL SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MILES AN HOUR. ABOUT 600 FEET AHEAD THERE WAS A YELLOWING STOPLIGHT AND TWO CARS SLOWING DOWN NEARING THE STOPLIGHT. I PUT ON THE BRAKES NORMALLY AS I THOUGHT THERE WAS PLENTY OF SPACE TO COME TO A STOP HOWEVER IT FELT LIKE INSTEAD OF SLOWING THE CAR SUPRISINGLY SPED UP AND INSTANTLY I WAS SMELLING GUNPOWDER AFTER A SHARP PAINFUL JARRING SMACK. THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED AND WAS A RIPPED UP MESS FROM MY STEERING WHEEL. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS SO DAZED AND SHOCKED AND MY WRIST HAD SHATTERED REQUIRING REPARATIVE SURGERY AND REHABILITATION HOWEVER IT'S STILL NOT OK. DUE TO MY CONFUSION I DENIED MEDICAL TREATMENT UNTIL A FEW DAYS LATER. THIS CONFUSION STILL AFFECTS ME BADLY NOW AS I SUFFER FROM SEVERE PTSD. THE POLICE TOOK PICTURES AND A REPORT. THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR I HIT WERE TAKEN BY AMBULANCE. & RECOMMENDED I BE TAKEN AS WELL BUT I REFUSED. THE CAR HAD BEEN TOTALED WITH SEVERE BODY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND A BENT FRAME THAT IT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FROM THE SCENE. I WAS TERRIFIED THAT SOMEBODY EITHER TAMPERED WITH MY CAR AND BRAKES OR EITHER I WAS CLINICALLY INSANE TO MAKE IT ILLOGICALLY SPEED UP & IT WASN'T UNTIL I LEARNED OF THE RECALLS ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO THAT I REALIZED MAYBE THE ACCIDENT WASN'T ALL MY FAULT & I SHOULD REPORT IT HERE. TOYOTA CORPORATION HAS DONE NOTHING TO SEND ME NOTIFICATIONS OF ANY RECALLS OR PROBLEMS EVER. *TR
Steering, May 27, 2014
MY CAR ONLY HAS 54000 MILES AND SINCE LAST 2-3 WEEKS, ITS STEERING WHEEL HAS BECOME SO STIFF. WE DID THE POWER STEERING FLUSH AT 33,000 MILES (AS RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNER MANUAL) AND IT WAS WORKING FINE UNTIL THIS MONTH. BASED UPON THE ONLINE RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 COROLLAS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HARDWARE PROBLEM AND TOYOTA SHOULD FIX THIS UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, May 6, 2014, fire
OCTOBER 2013, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA IN SOUTHERN CA, WHEN SMOKE STARTED TO FILL THE CAR. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH. THE SMOKE LASTED A FEW MINUTES, AND A BURNING SMELL OF PLASTIC ALSO FILLED THE CAR. THE CAR WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE, BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TOOK A LOOK AT THE SWITCH, NONE OF THE SWITCHES AT THE MASTER CONTROL WERE WORKING AND ALL FELT COMPLETELY LOOSE. I PULLED THE SWITCH PANEL AWAY FROM THE DOOR AND COULD SEE HOW THE PLASTIC WAS COMPLETELY MELTED AND HAD BURNED HOLES THROUGH THE SWITCH. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND ALL THEY COULD SAY WAS THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THIS VIN# AND THEY WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY WERE AWARE OF PROBLEMS ON OTHER VIN #'S IN THE SAME MODEL. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A FIRE HAZARD WITH THIS CAR AND TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT IT. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR A LARGE COMPANY TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF A KNOWN PROBLEM? I RECENTLY CALLED THEM AGAIN TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ISSUED A RECALL AND STILL HAVE NOT. NOW I AM EVEN MORE UPSET! *TR
Air bags, Apr 30, 2014
SRS WARNING LIGHT BEGAN TO GO ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. TOYOTA DEALER FIXES BY INSTALLING NEW CLOCK ASSEMBLY. TOTAL COST $465. THIS ASSEMBLY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND IS FAILING AT A VERY HIGH RATE IN THESE CARS. I BELIEVE IT IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL. SUPPOSEDLY IF THE LIGHT IS ON THE AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONAL. *JS
Service brakes, Apr 28, 2014
IN SEPTEMBER 2013 I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED BY MY MECHANIC AND IT PASSED INSPECTION. THEN IN DECEMBER 2013 I NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. MY MECHANIC SUGGESTED I WINTERIZE IT, SO I DID. HE DID THE FOLLOWING: CHANGED OIL AND FILTER, LUBE CHASIS, FLUSH RADIATOR, ADDED NEW ANTIFREEZE, ROTATED TIRES, CHECKED BRAKES, DAX COOL; CABIN FILTER: REMOVED OLD CABIN FILTER, CLEANED OUT AIR BOX AND INSTALLED NEW FILTER; FUEL INJECTOR CLEAN: CLEANED AND FLUSHED INJECTOR SYSTEM; BELT - REMOVED AND REPLACED LISTED BELTS, ADJUSTED TENSION; BATTERY - CHECKED CHARGING AND STARING SYSTEM, INSTALLED NEW BATTERY AND CLEANED CABLE ENDS. I DONT KNOW IF IT WAS BECAUSE OF WHAT WAS DONE ABOVE BUT PERIODICALLY MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP IMMEDIATELY AT A RED LIGHT IT SKIDDED A LITTLE. THEN EVENTUALLY MY CAR WOULD SPEED UP ON ITS OWN SO I WOULD HAVE TO BRAKE AND THEN DRIVE AT A REALLY LOW SPEED. THEN ON APRIL 2, 2014 I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO MY MECHANIC AND HE CHECKED 4 WHEEL BRAKE AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, CLEANED AND ADJUSTED BRAKES, TOPED OFF FLUID. EVERY TIME I DID BRING MY CAR INTO THE MECHANIC THEY WOULD ROAD TEST IT AND TELL ME THE CAR IS NOW DRIVABLE. HOWEVER, WHEN I WOULD DRIVE THE CAR IT FELT AS IF I HAD TO NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014 I TOOK IT OVER TO TOYOTA AND THEY DID A GENERAL INSPECTION, THEY TOLD ME THE BATTERY IS FINE, THEY ALSO DID AN OIL CHANGE, AFIX STICKER AND RESET MAINTENANCE REMINDER. THEY TEST DROVE AS WELL AND TOLD ME EVERYTHING IS FINE. HOWEVER, AS I DROVE THIS PAST MONTH I FELT AS IF I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR. MY FOOT WAS NOT REALLY ON THE GAS PEDAL. BEFORE THE WINTERIZED I WOULD DRIVE ALL OVER TOWN AND WOULD PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AT THE LEVEL I WANTED IT TO GO. NOW I DO NOT PUT ANY REAL PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR SEEMS TO GO ON ITS OWN. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Mar 31, 2014
I TURNED ON MY CAR AND IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ITSELF, THE INDICATOR STOPPED AND HELD ON 4,000 RPM. *TR
Engine, Mar 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED IN CONJUNCTION TO HARSH SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. A TROUBLE CODE DETECTED A MALFUNCTION WITH THE CLUTCH SOLENOID. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V384000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2014
HAD JUST PICKED UP CAR FROM LYNCH TOYOTA AND $1,000 WORTH OF REPAIRS INCLUDING 02 SENSOR B/C CHECK ENGINE & TPMS LIGHTS WERE ON. WHILE DRIVING 65 M.P.H. ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING ON ITS' OWN UP TO 80 M.P.H. I DEPRESSED BRAKE AND SLOWED SPEED BUT UPON REMOVING FOOT FROM BRAKE CAR BEGAN ACCELERATING TO 80 M.P.H. A SECOND TIME, SO I MADE SURE MY FOOT WAS NOT ON GAS PEDAL AND DEPRESSED BRAKE AGAIN WHICH SLOWED SPEED BUT CAR ACCELERATED A THIRD TIME TO 80 M.P.H. AND MY FOOT WAS NOT ON GAS PEDAL BUT WHEN I TRIED TO DEPRESS BRAKE IT RESISTED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE NO MATTER HOW HARD I PRESSED, SO I JAMMED DOWN ON GAS PEDAL A FEW TIMES AND IT "REVVED" AS IF IN PARK- DOING THIS SEEMED TO KICK THE CAR OUT OF PHANTOM DRIVING MODE AND ALLOWED ME TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE AND DRIVE STRAIGHT BACK TO LYNCH TOYOTA. TOYOTA HAD MY CAR FOR OVER A DAY AND SAID THEY SENT THE TEST RESULTS TO CA BUT "COULD NOT CONFIRM CONDITION" AND IT WAS "OPERATING ACCORDING TO DESIGN"- THAT POSSIBLE CAUSE WAS AFTERMARKET FLOOR MAT OR "PEDAL MIS-APPLICATION" BUT THE FLOOR MAT DOESN'T REACH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THIS OCCURRED THREE (3) TIMES OVER A SHORT TIME SPAN AND I DELIBERATELY LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL SO IT COULDN'T BE MIS-APPLICATION. THERE ARE MANY REPORTED ISSUES WITH THE 2005 MATRIX AND OTHER YEARS, TOO AS WELL AS OTHER TOYOTA MODELS BUT EACH INCIDENT ENDS WITH TOYOTA FAILING TO CONFIRM ANY ISSUES BUT CLEARLY, THERE ARE ACCELERATION, PEDAL OR ELECTRONIC PROBLEMS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 20, 2014
IN JANUARY OF 2013 AND AGAIN IN DECEMBER OF 2013, MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN SAN LUIS OBISPO AND THEY SAID THAT THE O2 SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RUN TOO LEAN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED (JANUARY, 2013) THE SERVICE WRITER GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE "PLENUM GASKET AND O2 SENSOR" BUT SAID THERE WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT IF I ELECTED NOT TO HAVE THIS REPAIR DONE. WHEN THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN IN DECEMBER, 2013, I BECAME ALARMED AND TOOK MY 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA TO AN AUTHORIZED TOYOTA REPAIR SHOP (NOT THE SAN LUIS OBISPO DEALERSHIP) AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS HIGH PROBABILITY THAT THE VALVES WOULD BURN OUT IF I DID NOT REPLACE THE O2 SENSOR (BANK ONE, SENSOR ONE) AND PLENUM GASKET. I FELT THIS WAS URGENT AND TOOK IT TO THE SAN LUIS OBISPO TOYOTA DEALER FOR THE REPAIR, COSTING ME OVER $400. NOTE THAT I FOUND A TOYOTA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ("M.I.L "ON" DTC PO171 OR P2195", MODELS '05-'06 COROLLA AND MATRIX) DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2005 (WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH OR APRIL, 2005) WHICH STATED "UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, SOME 2005 AND 2006 MODEL YEAR COROLLA AND MATRIX VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MIL "ON" CONDITION WITH AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DTC'S: PO171 (SYSTEM TOO LEAN, BANK 1"). FURTHER, IT STATED "THE AIR FUEL (A/F) SENSOR MANUFACTURING PROCESS HAS BEEN IMPROVED TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION". NOTE THAT I NEVER RECEIVED CORRESPONDENCE OR A NOTICE FROM TOYOTA ABOUT THIS CONDITION. ON 1-2-14 I EMAILED TOYOTA (REF: 140102-000196) TO ASK ABOUT THIS AND TO ASK THEIR CONSIDERATION TO COVER SOME OF THE COST OF THE REPAIR, AND I RECEIVED AN EMAIL BACK FROM A "RENEE T.", TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE STATING "A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) IS NOT A RECALL OR A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN" AND THAT TOYOTA AND BASICALLY BRUSHED MY CONCERN ASIDE. *TR
Air bags, Dec 18, 2013
SRS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS GOING ON AND OFF, SO IS THE CLOCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND I FIND THAT OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE SEEMS TO BE A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CLOCK AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEING TIED TOGETHER. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Nov 25, 2013
ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STARTED TO COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER AND WAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. I DECIDED TO DO RESEARCH FIRST AND FOUND A WHOLE LOT OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE THIS ISSUE. SOME HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR SERVICES INCLUDING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND CLOCK (WHICH HAPPENS TO HAVE FAULTY CIRCUIT THAT CAN RESULT IN THE WARNING LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY.) SOME HAVE PAID OVER $1K IN SERVICE FEES. I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT IT. THEY ARE NOT LOOKING TO OWN UP TO THIS QUALITY DEFECT. IT'S NOT A WEAR AND TEAR (VEHICLE AGE) ISSUE. THE CULPRIT APPEARS TO BE A COMPONENT THAT CRACKS OFF THE PCB ON THE CLOCK. SOMEONE HAS REPORTED HAVING RE-SOLDERED THIS COMPONENT TO ELIMINATE THE INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT ISSUE. WHEN WILL TOYOTA RECALL? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 10, 2013
WHILE COMMUTING ONE SUMMER MORNING, MY VEHICLES A/C WENT FROM BLOWING COLD TO HOT AIR INSTANTANEOUS. I THEN WENT WITHOUT A/C FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS, LUCKILY I WAS ON TDY AND DID NOT HAVE MY YOUNG CHILDREN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID A ROCK PUNCTURED THE A/C CONDENSER. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN(AC002-06), INDICATING THAT THE A/C CONDENSER IS NOT PROPERLY PROTECTED. *TR
Power train, Aug 6, 2013
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS SCANNED BY A LOCAL SHOP WAS ADVISED OF THE CODE P0741 WAS TOLD MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF 2495.00 I HAVE NOT HAD THE MONEY TO FIX THE CAR WAS TOLD BY A FRIEND WHO WORKS FOR A SHOP THERE WAS A TSB FOR THIS CODE FOR MY CAR CALLED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE THE WARRANTY IS UP ON MY CAR. I ASKED WHY THIS WAS NOT ADDRESSED WHEN MY CAR WAS TAKEN FOR THE ECM RECALL AND THE LADY FROM TOYOTA NAMED [XXX] BECAME VERY RUDE AND TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO AND THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR YOUR VEHICLE AND ASKED IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE SHE COULD HELP ME WITH. THE CAR STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR