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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,055 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Toyota Corolla electrical problems

electrical problem

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2009 Toyota Corolla Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #43

Apr 152014

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

During slow speeds or stopped when I press on the gas pedal to move forward the car's check engine light comes on and I can't move forward until I turn the car off, then back on. This has happened at stop lights, in parking garages, and even on the interstate. Not safe. This is my third time taking my vehicle to the Toyota dealership to fix the same problem. I paid $900 to fix the ECU (which they told me was the issue), but the same problem keeps happening. The second time I took it in they fixed something with the brake lights, now the third time they fixed something with a short in the brakes... the taillights were blinking rapidly? I doubt the problem is fixed and I am very frustrated to pay that kind of money with no refund when the same issue keeps happening. A similar issue happened in a recall with the 2005-2008 Corolla/matrix models and they had the ECM fixed with no charge. Sounds like the same problem to me.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #42

Apr 152014

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
During slow speeds or stopped when I press on the gas pedal to move forward the car's check engine light comes on and I can't move forward until I turn the car off, then back on. This has happened at stop lights, in parking garages, and even on the interstate. Not safe! this is my third time taking my vehicle to the Toyota dealership to fix the same problem. I paid $900 to fix the ECU (which they told me was the issue), but the same problem keeps happening. The second time I took it in they fixed something with the brake lights, now the third time they fixed something with a short to the brakes... something about the taillights blinking rapidly? I doubt the problem is fixed and I am very frustrated to pay that kind of money with no refund when the same issue keeps happening. A very similar issue happened in a recall with the 2005-2008 Corolla/matrix models and they had the ECM fixed with no charge. Sounds like the same problem to me.

- Phoenix , AZ, USA

problem #41

Jan 282012

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 25,975 miles
I bought this car used with 18,000 miles on it in July of 2010. And I have all service done at a Toyota dealer. At 25,975 miles, replaced the front brakes, machined rotors, brake fluid flush, cleaned and adjusted rear brakes(1/28/12). (brake pedal felt soft). At 37,966 miles, replaced the front brakes again(12/21/12). Pads lasted 11,991 miles! at 55,662 miles, replaced the front brakes, machined rotors again(2/20/2014). Pads lasted 17,696 miles! since I do mainly highway driving, I feel that there is a defect associated with the front brake abnormal wear. Also, at 50,548 replaced #2 steering shaft assembly. At, 50,691 replaced alternator. At 55,662 replaced water pump, coolant and drive belt.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #40

Jan 262014

Corolla

  • 52,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the ABS and the brake lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic diagnosed that the sensor on the passenger's side rear, and the power assist vacuum system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 52,800.

- Rome, NY, USA

problem #39

Oct 212013

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 67,235 miles
On 10/21/2013 at about 12 am I was dropping off my wife and daughter in front of our apartment complex. I was driving a Toyota 2009 Corolla (VIN-[xxx]). the vehicle had a sudden, abrupt and unintended acceleration I pressed the brake pedal it did not stop. It went over a curb in the parking lot and collided with another vehicle standing on the opposite side. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)....updated 11/03/14 updated 8/5/2015

- West Springfield, MA, USA

problem #38

Jul 312013

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 55,000 miles
Loss of steering at a right bend in the street, think the power went out to the electronic power assist, car went straight into a sign pole with a large cement base, major damage to front end, airbag didn't deploy, seat belt didn't work and there was no power at all to the car even though the battery was not damaged. Car was recently at Toyota dealership for recall to repair to electrical power window problem to prevent electrical fire, oil change and service done at same time, the car has been well maintained. New tires and brakes. Opened a claim with Toyota, so far met with apathy and resistance.

- Salinas, CA, USA

problem #37

Jun 072013

Corolla

  • 42,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the steering wheel locked, the brakes failed to stop, and the accelerator failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

- Marshall , TX, USA

problem #36

Aug 022013

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 31,000 miles
Sporadically the car would give the driver the sensation of severe wind buffeting (car would wiggle side to side). This occurred in both od and 3rd (no other gears tested), with all electronics on, then off (radio, cruise, vent, ac, etc.) and both on and off the nys thruway. Occurrences did not cause the driver to lose control of vehicle though it made it difficult to keep the car within the lane markings. This condition was not noticed on 55mph more rural roads in which frequent or semi frequent stops were encountered. Our plan is to secure a hero cam in an attempt to record actual steering wheel's (front tires) motion apart from operator's physical steering wheel within passenger compartment. Although no loss of control was encountered each occurrence was not always the same in severity so no assertions are being made as to whether or not this condition could yield a catastrophic failure at highway speeds thus producing a severe accident harming vehicles occupants or other vehicle's occupants sharing the same roadway.

- Tupper Lake, NY, USA

problem #35

Jun 072013

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 77,798 miles
Car had just been started, was departing a parking garage and power steering suddenly failed, followed by engine failure. Car would not start again; battery was completely drained. Alternator had gone bad and was replaced.

- Venango, PA, USA

problem #34

Jun 032013

Corolla 4-cyl

  • miles
2009 Toyota Corolla. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle console accessory fuse blowing out. When the fuse blew out, he was unable to charge his phone, and other accessories. The consumer stated the fuse was replaced several times.

- Williamsburg, KY, USA

problem #33

Mar 012013

Corolla

  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle lost power steering on freeway, all electronic components shut down and I was stranded on the side of the freeway. The car would not start, after $3200 in repairs, the mechanic said the pistons looked like they were from a 30 year old car. Regular oil changes, well maintained, this car is not reliable!

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

problem #32

Jan 162013

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 95,000 miles
ABS and brake light turned on together. This is turning out to be a very common issue which is due to the corrosion of the sensors on the rare wheels. With ABS light turned on, the vehicle is incapable of applying ABS when required during brake, creating a high safety concern.

- Allston, MA, USA

problem #31

Aug 302012

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Car was turned off and parked in a parking lot on a normal day, I came back to it turned the car on and smoke started coming out of the power window controls on the driver side, I turned of the car right away, the smoke got worse and then there were flames. I was picking up a friend from work at a car dealership and some people working in the body shop help me put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. The window controls, door handle and door to some extant melted and were destroyed.

- Beavercreek, OH, USA

problem #30

Jun 292012

Corolla

  • miles
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that there was a fire inside of the driver's side door panel. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, he smelled smoke. The contact then poured water down the door panel. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been inspected because the manufacturer planned on doing so, but had not yet done that. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 84,000.

- Wayne, NJ, USA

problem #29

May 312012

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
I was driving on ca hwy 101 at 7:30pm when I smelled, then saw smoke and flames coming from the driver-side door. Luckily, I had a gallon of drinking water within reach. I poured it on the fire while swerving to the margin so as to avoid collision. I extinguished the fire and disconnected the windows-switch panel. Apparently, a short-circuit in the window switches ignited the sound-insulation material that should have been fire-proof to begin with. The fire melted most of the driver-side plastic door cover and partially fried the switches and associated wiring. I found the article 'burning Toyota Camry/rav4 window switches prompt NHTSA investigation' and many others that explained everything I needed to know about the cause of the fire. The next day I went to my Toyota dealer who inspected the car. I asked the dealer to repair the car at no cost to me because, obviously, the fire resulted from an inherent defect. The dealer said he won't repair the car for free. Toyota customer service and legal counsel did not take any responsibility either, and, basically, kept on harassing me over the following 3 weeks with many phone calls requesting that I bring my car here and there at their whim. Incidentally, this harassment caused me to lose my job. I reported that much and more to Toyota on their form. Here is what I requested: 1.repair my car and give me a loaner at no cost to me. 2.compensate me monetarily, with $10,000, for the extreme 'inconvenience' you have been causing me over the last three (3) weeks. 3.congratulate me for surviving a very-close call. Miraculously, no one was hurt or killed.

- Los Altos, CA, USA

problem #28

Jun 082012

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 61,000 miles
I have automatic locks and have never had any problems with them until recently when my front passenger side door would not open from inside or out in the unlocked position. All other doors work normally. I tried using my key to unlock it and that also failed. I took it to the dealership and they said it was a problem with a broken cable which they repaired. It was not covered under warranty.

- Scranton , PA, USA

problem #27

Nov 282011

Corolla 4-cyl

  • miles
2009 Toyota Corolla. Consumer states issues with screeching noise the consumer stated the noise would occur, when she started the vehicle, followed by the battery light illuminating. The battery light would eventually go off and then the vehicle would make the screeching noise again. The problem started intermittently in October and one day it completely drained the battery. The battery was replaced and the issue continued, becoming more frequent. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, they informed her the problem was the drive belt, which was replaced. The noise continued and a hot burning smell appeared after the screeching noise. The consumer went to get a second opinion and was informed the problem was the clutch pulley in which a recall had been issued, but not for her model. The consumer then went back to the dealer with the new information and was told she needed a new alternator. The consumer also stated there was an issue with the vehicle idling in a strange manner. The vehicle randomly vibrated and idled very low when stopping at a red light or stop sign.

- Amherst, OH, USA

problem #26

Apr 042010

Corolla

  • 6,000 miles
Batesville, in, 6 pm, dry, level ground started after 2 hr. Standing, exited lot to stop sign, braked; engine raced against brake, slowed when shifted D-N-D with brake applied. After two blocks, at red signal, did it again. Eight subsequent occurrences, most recent involving " redlining" of the tachometer and inability to retard by the means given above. Four of these have occurred in the past seven weeks. Present mileage 16,677.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #25

Aug 012009

Corolla 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the audio warning sensors would not sound when a warning was indicated. The dealer was contacted in regards to the failure, but stated that there was no failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. In addition, the passenger air bag warning light would illuminate sporadically. The dealer reset the air bag numerous times but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 2 and the current mileage was 3,500. Updated 07/08/11

- Wheeling, WV, USA

problem #24

Sep 252010

Corolla

  • 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact was driving 60 mph when the vehicle began to lose power abnormally. The instrument panel gauges would fluctuate oddly and the power steering, power brakes and headlights all became inoperable. The dealer made two attempts to duplicate the failure and advised the contact to have the battery replaced and that the symptoms would be normal if the battery was the culprit of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who advised the contact to have the alternator replaced. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The current mileage was 52,000 and the failure mileage was 42,000.

- Plano, TX, USA

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