CarComplaints.com Notes: There must have been something in the water at the plant where they built the eighth generation Corollas, especially the 1998 and 1999 model years.
Outside of a few engine related issues for the 1999, these are about as dependable a car as you’ll find. And remember most of these cars have 200k miles on them by now. But good luck finding one; owners say they want a new car, but can’t justify trading in their Corolla because the darn thing just keeps rolling.
I have a 1999 Toyota Corolla that has a Toyota brand security system (installed by the dealer prior to sale) and automatic ignition controlled door locks. Since last October, I’ve been having constant problems with the door locks unlocking when they’re not supposed to - they'll unlock while I’m driving, or after activating the security system. My attempts at having the car repaired involved seven visits between two Toyota service departments with a difference diagnosis each time. Each “fix” lasts anywhere from two months to two weeks. In November 2001, Service Dept. #1 diagnosed a faulty security system computer part, with a cost of over $200 to fix. Took it to Service Dept. #2 for second opinion. They said the wiring was “shot”; claimed they replaced it but didn’t give me a repair ticket and didn’t charge me. By February 2002, problem had returned. Service #2 diagnosed the actuator and replaced it but problem remained. Said the 'new' actuator must have something wrong with it; ordered another one and installed a few days later. By April problem had returned. Service #2 diagnosed a loose connection (connections had been checked during the previous visit and were fine). In May, same problem, back to Service #2. Said they were able to duplicate the problem initially, then they went to lunch and the problem was gone when they got back. Two weeks later, same thing. Took car back to Service Dept. #1, perhaps they were correct in their diagnosis of the security system computer part. $72 diagnostic charge later, another loose connection. Two weeks later, I’m having trouble again. Locks will not stay locked when I set security system. I’m getting pissed to say the least.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have a 1999 Toyota Corolla that has a Toyota brand security system (installed by the dealer prior to sale) and automatic ignition controlled door locks. Since last October, I’ve been having constant problems with the door locks unlocking when they’re not supposed to - they'll unlock while I’m driving, or after activating the security system. My attempts at having the car repaired involved seven visits between two Toyota service departments with a difference diagnosis each time. Each “fix” lasts anywhere from two months to two weeks. In November 2001, Service Dept. #1 diagnosed a faulty security system computer part, with a cost of over $200 to fix. Took it to Service Dept. #2 for second opinion. They said the wiring was “shot”; claimed they replaced it but didn’t give me a repair ticket and didn’t charge me. By February 2002, problem had returned. Service #2 diagnosed the actuator and replaced it but problem remained. Said the 'new' actuator must have something wrong with it; ordered another one and installed a few days later. By April problem had returned. Service #2 diagnosed a loose connection (connections had been checked during the previous visit and were fine). In May, same problem, back to Service #2. Said they were able to duplicate the problem initially, then they went to lunch and the problem was gone when they got back. Two weeks later, same thing. Took car back to Service Dept. #1, perhaps they were correct in their diagnosis of the security system computer part. $72 diagnostic charge later, another loose connection. Two weeks later, I’m having trouble again. Locks will not stay locked when I set security system. I’m getting pissed to say the least.
- sesms, Dallas, TX, US