2009 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 1,533 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 194 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 118 people were injured and 2 people 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 moduleJan 9, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." 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 occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity 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 the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Campaign 18V024000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Campaign 17V006000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 23, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).
Campaign 16V340000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 22, 2015
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
Campaign 15V689000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleApr 9, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.
If the FFC is damaged, connectivity to the driver's air bag module could be lost and the air bag deactivated. The failure of the driver's air bag to deploy in the event of a crash that typically necessitates deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver.
Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall. Toyota will mail owners a second letter when remedy parts are available. General Motors sent Pontiac Vibe owners an Interim letter on June 20, 2014 notifying them that parts are currently unavailable. General Motors sent notices to the Pontiac Vibe owners on September 15, 2014, that a remedy is available. The recall began on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 14V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsOct 10, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The power window master switch assemblies in some of these vehicles were built using a less precise process for lubricating the internal components of the switch assemblies. Irregularities in this lubrication process may cause the power window master switch assemblies to malfunction and overheat.
If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.
Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.
Campaign 12V491000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 27, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, VENZA AND MATRIX PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT. THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF A CAMPAIGN OF 3.8 MILLION OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES ANNOUNCED IN 2009 FOR THE SAME ISSUE (SEE 09V-388).
A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
TOYOTA WILL MODIFY OR REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDALS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FLOOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND WILL BE INCLUDED FOR ANY MODEL FOR WHICH IT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE. INITIALLY, DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO RESHAPE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FOR THE REPAIR. AS REPLACEMENT PARTS WITH THE SAME SHAPE AS THE MODIFIED PEDAL BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEALERS FOR THE REPAIR. CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE PEDAL RESHAPE REMEDY COMPLETED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A NEW PEDAL IF THEY DESIRE, AFTER REPLACEMENT PEDALS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, TOYOTA WILL REPLACE ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT BUT DO NOT NEED OR WANT THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT, TOYOTA WILL RECOVER THE PREVIOUS DESIGN ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT AND REIMBURSE ITS PRICE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN MARCH 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V023000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalJan 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 CAMRY, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX, RAV4, MODEL YEAR 2010 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SEQUOIA, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 TUNDRA VEHICLES. DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FRICTION LEVER INTERACTS WITH THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSIDE THE PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY, THE SLIDING SURFACE OF THE LEVER MAY BECOME SMOOTH DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THIS CONDITION, IF CONDENSATION OCCURS ON THE SURFACE, AS MAY OCCUR FROM HEATER OPERATION (WITHOUT A/C) WHEN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS COLD, THE FRICTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS OPERATED MAY INCREASE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECOMING HARDER TO DEPRESS, SLOWER TO RETURN, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION.
THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BECOME HARD TO DEPRESS, SLOW TO RETURN TO IDLE, OR, IN THE WORST CASE, MECHANICALLY STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BAR IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHICH WILL ALLOW THE PEDAL TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS FOR THE PONTIAC VIBE PLEASE SEE 10V-018. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2010 AND WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 10V017000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumAug 27, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 SCION XD AND MY 2009-2010 COROLLA, AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WHEN DRIVING UNDER CERTAIN UNIQUE CONDITIONS IN EXTREMELY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SUCTION PORT FOR THE BRAKE VACUUM CAN BECOME BLOCKED DUE TO THE FREEZING OF CONDENSATION RESULTING FROM POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION.
THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED INTAKE AIR CONNECTOR WHICH WILL RELOCATE THE BRAKE SYSTEM VACUUM PORT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 09V338000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,533 reports, newest first.
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
CHANGE IN STEERING RESPONSE . CAR WANTS TO WANDER GOING DOWN ROAD. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
THE CAR IS HARD TO CONTROL THE POWER STEERING AND I LUCKILY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET CONTROL OF THE CAR WITHOUT A ACCIDENT BUT I HAVE BEEN CLOSE TO BEING SLAMMED IN THE SIDE OF 18 WHEELERS, OTHER CARS AND CONCRETE BARRIERS. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED ASAP. MY DEALERSHIP KEEPS TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. AS A CONSUMER AND A PARENT OF SMALL KIDS THIS IS NOT RIGHT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OR TAKE THE CARS BACK AND FIX THEM AND QUIT TELLING US THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. *TR THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN THE TRAVEL LANE. UPDATED 05/24/10
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CAR TENDS TO VEER EITHER WAY LEFT OR RIGHT AND HAS TO BE CONSTANTLY ADJUSTED TO STAY STRAIGHT CENTER IN THE LANE. IT'S BEEN OCCURRING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I THOUGHT IT WAS WEIRD AT FIRST, BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL MORE COMPLAINTS OCCURRED. NOW, I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF TRYING TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
THANK YOU NHTSA ! HELLO, I HAVE HAD EXTREME ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ON MY 2009 COROLLA. THERE IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING ON MINE AND MANY OTHER 2009 COROLLA'S. THE CAR IS DANGEROUS! THE COROLLA SWERVES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT BY ITS SELF AND IS VERY VERY SCARY AT TIMES. A GOOD EXAMPLE WOULD BE TO IMAGINE YOUR CAR BEING HIT BY EXTREME WINDS FROM THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIMULTANEOUSLY. I HAVE NEARLY BEEN INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS IN THIS CAR. I HAVE BEEN TO THE AVONDALE TOYOTA DEALER IN ARIZONA TWICE AND THEY ALWAYS TOLD ME THE CAR WAS WITH IN SPECS. THE REGIONAL MANAGER WAS INFORMED OF MY PROBLEM YET HE WOULDN'T EVEN DRIVE MY CAR TO SEE THE PROBLEM. AS IF I WAS CRAZY OR SOMETHING, I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL CUSTOMER TO TOYOTA FOR MANY YEARS AND THIS FEELS LIKE A SLAP IN THE FACE. I AM VERY EDUCATED IN MECHANICS OF AUTOMOBILES AND HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS. THIS IS NOT DRIVER ERROR! I ALSO HAVE TO SAY, I HAVE BEEN MORE UPSET OVER THE DENIAL OF THIS PROBLEM EVEN MORE THAN THE PROBLEM ITS SELF. IF TOYOTA WOULD HAVE LISTENED TO ME AND ACTUALLY DRIVEN MY CAR THEY PROBABLY COULD HAVE SAVED THEM A TON OF MONEY ON ALL THE RECALLS NOW. GOOD LESSON TO ALL BUSINESS'S. LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. I AM VERY THANKFUL THIS DESIGN FLAW HAS GOTTEN SOME MEDIA ATTENTION. MAYBE NOW THEY WILL ACTUALLY LOOK INTO THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA HAS STEERING ISSUES, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS CAR IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP TRACKING STRAIGHT WITHOUT CONSTANT CORRECTION TO THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WANTS TO "GENTLY" WANDER FROM SIDE TO SIDE ALL THE TIME. THIS POSES A DANGER TO ANYONE DRIVING THIS CAR AS WELL AS OTHERS ON THE ROAD. I WAS A TOYOTA SERVICE TECHNICIAN FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED SUCH A PROBLEM WITH A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
I BOUGHT MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA LATE IN 2008. I USED TO USE IT A LOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN GOING TO CHAMPAIGN FROM CHICAGO. I NOTICED THAT I HAD TO FIGHT A LOT WITH THE CAR AS IT FELT REALLY LOOSE. IT WAS NEVER A COMFORTABLE TRIP AS I HAD TO ALWAYS HOLD THE WHEEL SUPER TIGHT OR ELSE THE CAR MAY JUMP TO ANOTHER LANE OR INTO THE DITCH. I NEVER REALLY LOOKED INTO IT BECAUSE IT WAS MY FIRST CAR (I HAD AN SUV PREVIOUS TO IT) AND I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS EITHER JUST ME OR IT WAS NORMAL THAT IT HAPPENED. BUT JUST TODAY I SAW AN ARTICLE ON AN INVESTIGATION BEING DONE ON THE COROLLA'S POWER STEERING AND IT DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH ME AND MY CAR. I WANTED TO FILE A COMPLAINT TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS IS ISSUE IS NOT OVERLOOKED AS MANY DRIVERS AS MYSELF MAY NOT HAVE REALIZED THAT WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH THE STEERING WAS A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. TO SUMMARIZE, WHEN I AM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I FEEL AS I HAVE TO FIGHT WITH MY CAR OR ELSE I MAY LOSE CONTROL OF IT AND STEER OFF THE LANE. THIS NEVER HAPPENS IN THE CITY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND IT WAS AN ISSUE FROM THE START AND THEREFORE NOT AN ISSUE CAUSED BY WEAR ON THE TIRES OR THE SUCH. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. I NEVER DO LONG DISTANCE TRAVEL WITH MY COROLLA DUE TO THAT ISSUE AND IF IT CAN BE FIXED IT WILL BE A GREAT RELIEF. BY THE WAY, I PUT A DATE FROM AROUND THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR BECAUSE IT DID NOT GIVE ME AN OPTION TO PUT ANY OTHER TYPE OF ANSWER, BUT THIS ISSUE HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON A HIGHWAY. THANK YOU. *TR
Steering, Feb 18, 2010
STEERING I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA I PURCHASED NEW 9/18/2008. WHEN I DRIVE ON THE FREEWAYS IT IS ALWAYS DRIFTING AS THE ROAD TAKES IT THIS WAY OR THAT WAY OF AIR TAKES THE CAR WITH IT EVEN INTO THE OTHER LANE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAR TO DRIVE OVER 45 MPH. I TOOK BACK TO DEALER THE FIRST TIME THEY REALIGNED THE FRONT END HELPED. AFTER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO. AFTER ALL I WAS THE "ONLY ONE WHO EVER COMPLAINED". *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA STEERING WILL DRIFT THE CAR OFF A STRAIGHT LINE AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF AROUND 60 MPH AND CROSS OVER LANES. CONSTANT EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO KEEP THE CAR WITHIN THE LANE ON HIGHWAY. THIS PROBLEM EXIST AFTER DELIVERY OF MY NEW COROLLA, COMPLAINT TO DEAL ON FIRST SERVICE BUT WAS BRUSHED OFF. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010, crash
GAS PEDAL IN MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA STUCK WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS BACKING UP AND CAUSED HER TO GO INTO A TREE CAUSING $7,000 IN DAMAGES TO MY CAR, WHICH MY INSURANCE PAID FOR AND SHE IS PAYING HIGHER INSURANCE FROM THE ACCIDENT. ALSO MY CAR DOES HAVE STEERING PROBLEMS DRIVING OVER 50 MPH. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
SINCE THE FIRST DAY I LEASED MY TOYOTA COROLLA IT HAS HAD BRAKE AND STEERING PROBLEMS. I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK AND MANY TIMES SINCE. THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD AND THE BRAKES GO TO THE FLOOR SOMETIMES. THE LAST TIME I MET WITH THE MANAGER IN WHICH HE TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL IN COROLLAS. THEY CHECKED ALIGNMENT AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THEY DID REPLACE 2 TIRES DUE TO THEM BEING TOTALLY WORN AFTER 16K MILES. MY WIFE HAS TO DRIVE THIS CAR EVERYDAY TO WORK. I THINK THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE KNOWN TO OTHERS. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
MY 2009 COROLLA AT HIGH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 55 TO 60 ON THE HIGHWAY FEELS LIKE IT IS ABSOLUTELY OUT OF CONTROL. I FEEL AS IF IT IS ALMOST DRIVEN BY THE WIND, EVEN ON STILL DAYS. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IN MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA IS VERY LIGHT AND TOO RESPONSIVE. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THE STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT SLIGHT CORRECTIONS TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CONSUMER REPORTS ALSO NOTED IN THEIR JULY 2008 ISSUE IN THEIR REVIEW OF THE 2009 COROLLA THAT "THE STEERING IS A BIT LIGHT AND RATHER VAGUE ON CENTER." *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
2009 TOYOTA COROLLA S . STEERING INPUT VARIES AND SOMETIMES IS MORE DIFFICULT THAN OTHERS. WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OCCASIONALLY. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
I PURCHASED A NEW 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA IN AUGUST OF 2009. SHORTLY AFTER THE PURCHASE, I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE DRIFTS ALL OVER THE ROAD WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE THAT YOU ARE DRIVING IN AND SEVERAL TIMES, I HAVE COME CLOSE TO HITTING THE CAR THAT WAS IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT EVERY THING IS NORMAL AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT MY CONCERNS. AT THIS POINT, I HAVE ELECTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE COROLLA. I RECENTLY HEARD THAT TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, HOWEVER THEY WERE NOT SURE WHAT ACTION THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE AS THERE WERE ONLY ABOUT 100 COMPLAINTS FILED ON THE ISSUE. I PERFORMED A WEB SEARCH (GOOGLE) ON THIS TOPIC AND RECEIVED OVER 2.5 MILLIONS RESULTS SO THIS IS NOT A SMALL ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO READ MANY CONSUMER REVIEW SITES AND THIS ISSUE IS MENTIONED IN ALMOST ALL REVIEWS OF THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
2009 COROLLA, HIGH SPEED STEERING AND WONDERING, HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECK, WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE AND WAS JUST ME. FILING A COMPLAINT NOW BECAUSE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE AND IT ISN'T ME. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
I BOUGHT MY CAR BACK IN AUGUST OF 2009 AND LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH KEEPING THE CAR STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I HAVE ALWAYS SAID I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HOLD BOTH HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO GO DOWN THE ROAD. IT GETS EVEN WORSE WHEN THE WIND IS STRONG. I WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE IT IS A SMALL CAR IT WILL DO THIS. BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD A SMALL CAR ACT THIS WAY. MY CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND I KNOW IT IS NOT THE TIRES NOR THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT. IF YOU DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO THIS PROBLEM IT WOULD TAKE NOTHING FOR YOU TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL (DRIFTS) AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF ABOUT 60 MPH. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
THE STEERING ON MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA S FEELS LOOSE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAR FEELS LIKE IT DRIFTS AND NEEDS CONSTANT CORRECTING, ALWAYS FEELS LIKE YOU NEED A FIRM GRIP ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITH BOTH HANDS. FEELS AS THOUGH YOU ARE DRIVING IN WINDY CONDITIONS WHEN IT'S CALM. I DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBABLY AT LOWER SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AS SOON AS I PURCHASED THE CAR, APRIL 2009, AND I STILL EXPERIENCE IT NOW. I HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I THOUGHT I WAS OVER SENSITIVE TO IT SINCE IT WAS A NEW CAR I WAS NOT USED TO DRIVING, BUT AFTER SEEING THIS WEBSITE, I KNOW IT IS THE CAR, NOT ME. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2010
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ( 1QT. PER 1K) FOR 09 TOYOTA COROLLA. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Feb 17, 2010
I HAVE A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA THAT IS PART OF THE GAS PEDAL RECALL. I BELIEVE IT MAY ALSO HAVE THE STEERING ISSUE AS WELL. I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY STEERING IS ALL OVER THE PLACE, IT TAKES 2 HANDS TO GENERALLY RUN SMOOTHLY. MY HUSBAND COMPLAINS ABOUT IT MORE, I JUST LOVE MY CAR SO I DEFENDED IT BUT NOW THAT I HAVE HEARD THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM, I THINK IT SHOULD BE LOOKED AT ALITTLE CLOSER. MY OTHER ISSUE IS THAT WHEN WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP BACK IN JAUNARY IN REGARDS TO THE GAS PEDAL THEY VERY NICELY INFORMED US THAT THEY WERE REPAIRING THE MORE EXPENSIVE VEHICLES FIRST AND THEN WOULD SCHEDULE ME AN APPOINTMENT. IS THAT ALLOWED? NO OFFENSE, BUT MY LIFE IS JUST AS VALUABLE AS A CAMRY, 4 RUNNER, OR OTHER VEHICLE THAT THEY CONSIDER MORE EXPENSIVE. I WANTED A TOYOTA COROLLA SO BAD AND NOW I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO GET RID OF IT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2010
EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA I HAVE NOTICED STEERING DIFFICULT. I READ BLOGS AT THE TIME AND IT SEEMED FROM WHAT I READ, THAT THIS WAS JUST A DRAW BACK OF THE CAR, SO I LET IT GO. I FEEL I NEED TO REPORT IT NOW. THE STEERING FEELS WAY TO RESPONSIVE TO EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HAND MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL, OR BUMP IN THE ROAD. BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION ON THIS MODEL IS SO STIFF, A BUMP IN THE ROAD CAN CAUSE MY HAND TO MOVE A TINY BIT, RESULTING IN THE CAR MOVING MUCH MORE THAN ONE WOULD EXPECT FROM LITTLE MOVEMENT. THE BEST WAY TO SUM UP THE PROBLEM IS THIS; IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO JUST GO STRAIGHT, OR HOLD THE WHEEL STILL FOR A SECOND. YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY MOVE SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT JUST TO KEEP IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR LANE. GOING AROUND CURVES SMOOTHLY IS DIFFICULT AS WELL. IF IT IS WINDY THIS PROBLEM IS 10 FOLD, AND DOWN RIGHT DANGEROUS. I HAVE ALREADY SKIDDED OFF A SNOWY HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE CAR SO EASILY FISH TAILED WHILE TRYING TO CORRECT MY STEERING. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO DAMAGE, HAD THERE BEEN VEHICLE IN THE LANE NEXT TO MINE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A HORRIFIC CRASH. IN MY 17 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER FISH TAILED BEFORE. THE ALIGNMENT AND TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE. I HAD THE BRAKE RECALL DONE BEFORE THE ABOVE MENTIONED INCIDENT. THERE DOESN'T FEEL TO BE AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE. THE CAR DOES NOT PULL. THE STEERING JUST SEEMS FAR TOO SENSITIVE, THIS COMBINED WITH IT'S ODD AERODYNAMIC RESPONSE, AND BUMPY RIDE MAKE THE STEERING FEEL VERY UNSAFE AT TIMES. EVEN WHEN IT DOESN'T FEEL DANGEROUS, IT IS TIRING TO HAVE TO CONSTANTLY ADJUST THE WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT JUST TO KEEP IT IN LANE. I'VE NEVER HAD A STEERING ISSUE LIKE THIS WITH ANY OTHER CAR. THERE IS ALSO THE OVERWHELMING SMELL OF SULFUR IN THE PASSENGER CABIN SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK, SEEMS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DOESN'T HANDLE IT WELL. TOOK IT TO A DEALER FOR THE SULFUR ISSUE AND THEY SAID THAT'S NORMAL. MAKES ME LIGHT HEADED AT TIMES, ON TOP OF JUST STINKING UP MY NEW CAR. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
I OWN A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. I HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE STEERING "WANDERING". WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WE WERE TOLD ABOUT THE NEW ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. I HAVE NOT LIKED THE STEERING SINCE DAY ONE BUT I THOUGHT THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT WAS. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR THE VEHICLE DOES "WANDER" FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
THE CAR OVERSTEERED AND FISHTAILED YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. AS A RESULT, I ALMOST CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR IN THE LANE TO MY RIGHT. I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH OR LESS ON DRY, NORMAL ASPHALT PAVEMENT, IN NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS, AFTER FREEWAY DRIVING IN LOS ANGELES CA. IN A SEPARATE INCIDENT, I FOUND THE STEERING TO BE DANGEROUSLY VAGUE WHEN I WAS DRIVING AROUND 70 MPH DOWNHILL ON A STEEP AND CURVY MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY (I-15 IN NEVADA, ABOUT 100 MILES SOUTH OF LAS VEGAS) IN DARK. THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, WITH THE STEERING BEING EXTREMELY LIGHT AND VAGUE. I CHECKED THE WHEEL VS. TIRE MOVEMENT OF MY CAR. IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE AN EXCESSIVE FREEPLAY ISSUE -- IN FACT THERE WAS NO FREEPLAY. IT APPEARS THAT THEY MADE THE STEERING WAY TOO LIGHT AND, ON TOP OF IT, VERY NONLINEAR -- THAT IS VERY SLOW STEERING RESPONSE AT THE CENTER. BECAUSE OF THIS THE CAR DOESN'T IMMEDIATELY STEER UNLESS YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL ABOUT TWO INCHES. I'M SURE TOYOTA DID THIS WITH SAFETY IN MIND -- SO THAT THE CAR CAN'T BE SUDDENLY STEERED -- BUT THE END RESULT WAS UNSAFE STEERING INSTEAD. IT'S UNSAFE BECAUSE THE STEERING IS SO VAGUE THAT PEOPLE CAN UNINTENTIONALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT NOT IMMEDIATELY CHANGING THE CAR'S DIRECTION BUT THEN IN A SECOND OR TWO CAR MAY VEER OUT OF CONTROL. *TR
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA. HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2008 AND SINCE THEN HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE ACTED AS IF IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT SPECIFICALLY WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MPH IT BECAME CONSISTENT. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT AND ADVISED HIM THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 3/30/2010
Steering, Feb 17, 2010
2009 COROLLA POWER STEERING MAKE NOISE AND NOT SMOOTH. *TR