10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,802 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #60

Jun 192012

Corolla 4-cyl

  • miles
I was driving uphill on a one-way street in downtown when I saw and heard the sparks about 1 minute apart from each other on the front left side between the crack of the hood, the car lost power and turned off. I started it again, and it only moved about two feet and turned off. The car started to roll back, and the steering wheel locked making it impossible to steer. An unknown driver who was in front of us was merging to park to the right told us to get off because the car was on fire, next the smoke was visible. It began to smell like burned plastic, and then we saw the thick grey smoke coming through the crack of the hood. I pulled the hand emergency brake to stop the car from rolling back down any further. I opened the hood we all got out of the car. I went back inside the car to unhooked the harness off my dog. I was so scared that I couldn't release my dog, and my son's girlfriend helped me, and we got my dog out. My son, his girlfriend and I got the super-size large drink we just bought at mcdonald's and dumped on the fire with the help of the unknown man who got a bucket of some liquid possibly water from the hotel next to us, and the fire was out. I was so terrifying of how rapid my car caught on fire and how fast everything happening. My car was well maintained by Toyota regularly, and the mechanic told us that there is no known reason why the fire started. Toyota has replaced the defected computer twice, the transmission once, I had two electrical problems in the past, and I do not feel safe in a car with so many manufacturers defective parts. Unexplainable fire, is the response I got from the insurance and repair shop which does not make me feel safe to drive a car that could caught fire at any time.

- Imperial Beach, CA, USA

problem #59

Jul 012008

Corolla

  • 12,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the power outlet was defective. When the power outlet was used, a burning odor would penetrate through the vents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure. The dealer replaced the power outlet fuse several times, but the failure was not corrected and the power outlet fuse continued to fail. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000 and the current mileage was 50,000.

- Plantesville , CT, USA

problem #58

Oct 092011

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 39,671 miles
While exiting a parking lot onto a main road, the car stalled during acceleration. The driver attempted to restart the car, however, the car would not start. The starter continued to turn, but the engine would not turnover. After waiting approximately 10 minutes the car restarted, but then stalled again after approximately 30 seconds of running. The driver noticed the check engine light on the instrument panel was illuminated. Thinking it may be a fuel level problem, the driver went to the gas station and bought three gallons of gas and put it in the car. But the engine stalled again after running for a few seconds. The driver let the car sit in the parking lot over night and attempted to restart it in the morning, again, the car stalled after approximately one minute. After reading numerous entries pertaining to the Corolla's ECM, the driver had to get the car towed to the nearest dealership.

- Bossier City, LA, USA

problem #57

Jun 132011

Corolla

  • miles
On June 13th 2011 my wife was on a NY state highway driving home from work traveling at 65mph and the car engine shut off. My wife was very lucky as she rolled to the side of highway that she was not rear ended.my wife restarted car after 15 minutes, but car shut off 2 more times. My wife was able to pull into a car repair shop because the car would not restart. The next day repair shop said you need to get Toyota to a dealership. The repair shop said the main computer failed.the ECM, electronic control module. I had a diagnostic fee $40.50 from repair shop that Toyota refused to reimburse me. I had car towed and Toyota fixed the problem they said it was a recalled. However I did not receive a recall notice until after my Toyota was repaired.I wrote two letters asking for the $40.50 that I had to pay for something they caused. I did not request towing fees because I have aarp coverage. I explained in my letter to Toyota Corp. That a $40.50 charge is a small price to pay for my wife who could have been killed on the highway. You would think a company of this size would bend over backwards to make everything right in order 2 maintain customer loyalty.

- New Paltz, NY, USA

problem #56

Aug 092011

Corolla 4-cyl

  • 19,800 miles
On August 7, 2011 when I got off of work I started my 2007 Toyota Corolla and I noticed that the engine light was on and it wasn't on when I drove to work earlier. On the way home I noticed the car started to sound funny then the battery light and oil light came on and suddenly the car started to loose power. I suddenly try to speed up to get into a parking light before the car shut off but it wont accelerate, I made it into the parking light and the car jus shut off while in drive. So I turn off the car and try to restart it but it wont start. So I had to leave the car in the parking light and catch a ride home. The next morning I went back to get the car it started but then it shut off, I got the battery checked and it was good. I got the car towed to the Toyota dealership and they told me that they have to replace the computer. I'm very upset because now I don't have no transportation and I have to work also I'm scared I fixed it and it go bad again and my car only have 19,800 miles on it.

- Virgin Islands, VI, USA

problem #55

May 142011

Corolla

  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the check engine warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that an oxygen sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The remedy failed to repair the problem and the warning lamp illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that there was an electrical problem in the wiring harness which would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 64,000.

- Crystal Lake, IL, USA

problem #54

Dec 292010

Corolla

  • 130,000 miles
2007 Toyota Corolla suddenly stalled. After researching the problem it appears to be a bad ECM which appears to be a common problem for Toyota Corollas between the years 05 2005-2007. This is potentially a dangerous situation since the car just dies. Many forums have stated that they were fortunate that they were not rear ended. Since this is a known problem, Toyota should recall this item and avoid potential harm to the consumer.

- Glenville, PA, USA

problem #53

Apr 012009

Corolla 4-cyl

  • miles
2007 Toyota Corolla. Consumer states that the vehicle's engine began to speed up by itself while driving. The consumer also stated the engine light illuminated. The consumer stated he was involved in a car accident while waiting at a light. When the light turned green, he removed his foot from the brake pedal when suddenly the vehicle accelerated and the consumer hit the vehicle in front of him, and then another vehicle rear ended him. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop to have the necessary repairs made and to see why the vehicle was accelerating on its own. A few months later, the engine light illuminated again. The dealer informed the consumer the ECU needed to be replaced. Also, the air bag light illuminated and there was a knocking noise coming from the engine.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #52

Nov 142010

Corolla

  • 52,617 miles
Check engine light came on 11/14/10 and car started slam shifting, and died on freeway. The car started again, and I took it to xx in moreno valley next day. Dealer said faulty ECU (dtc P2716) and the part must be ordered. I asked if they could provide a loaner car because I don't feel safe driving the car with a faulty ECM. I was told part will most likely be in Tuesday or Wednesday. The dealer said a loaner car would not be provided unless the car totally stop operating. I live in san bernardino and work in moreno valley, approx 26 miles one way. I have aaa towing basic for 6 miles. I would usually purchase aaa southern ca automobile club towing for up to 100 miles, but because I bought a new reliable Toyota, I just got the basic towing in case the battery died. I don't have towing to get the car to moreno valley in case it completely stops running. I'm worried about safety and logistics! I don't trust this Toyota Corolla. Dealer will not keep the car and give me a loaner until the part arrives. Will Toyota be responsible if this car stalls again in traffic and causes an accident" will Toyota be responsible if this car needs to be towed to the dealer? will Toyota be responsible if the transmission becomes damaged from the hard shifting? will Toyota be responsible if the car catches fire from faulty electrical wiring" this Corolla has had brake and steering problems. Brake fluid always low, although brakes verified as repaired and okay by technician. The wheel bearing on the front driver's side wheel is going bad and the tire will not hold air. The tire has been examined and is good. I smell electrical burning once in awhile. The belt tensioner pulley bearing bad. Occasionally, smell antifreeze, which indicates a leaking head gasket. Wind noise, windows creak when moved up/down. The locks squeak. The interior rattles. The paint job is runny, weld points are sloppy. Car stalling, slam shifting, then cutting off. The car has a little over 50,000 miles.

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #51

Oct 192010

Corolla

  • 25,559 miles
1. pulled up to a red traffic light and stopped 2. car stalled and would not restart. Called a wrecker to tow car to Toyota dealership. Traffic was blocked for around 30 minutes. We were in danger of being rear ended the entire time. 3. Toyota dealership said the ECU had failed and they installed a new one.

- Pineville, LA, USA

problem #50

Aug 292010

Corolla

  • 37,000 miles
My daughter's 2007 Corolla "check engine light" illuminated while driving back to college on 8/29/10. She stated that the car started to jerk periodically also. She was able to drive home safely the following day and I took it to my mechanic on 8/30/10. He said that there was a bulletin released regarding a recall on the ECM and to take it to the dealer for repair. I took it to Toyota mall of Georgia and handed the service rep the printout of the bulletin and explained what had happened. I asked him if this had to do with the recent recall - he said that this wasn't recent since the date on the bulletin was 2007. He said probably the ECM needed to be replaced and would call when he knew for sure. A few hours later he said that the ECM was replaced at no charge. In the interim, I had done some research and found that there was a recall bulletin issued on 8/26/10 so when I picked up the car later that evening, I questioned a different service rep and he said he didn't know about any recall! huh" didn't the other rep tell me that this was from 2007? I said why did you replace the ECM then, he said because there is a start up issue with the ECM. I told him we weren't having start up trouble, but that the engine light came on and the car started to jerk. I told him what I had learned about the engine stalling while driving and asked him if these issues were fixed with this replacement and he said no, just the start up issue!! he said since there wasn't a recall on the stalling issue, they couldn't fix this. I was totally confused and did not feel safe putting my daughter back in that car. Now I see all these complaints going back to 2007 regarding this. Toyota has known about this for 3 years and has done nothing to inform the public. Meanwhile my daughter has basically been driving a time bomb for the past 3 years!! I don't feel that the replacement has corrected the problem, so now what is my recourse" please help!

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #49

Aug 072010

Corolla

  • miles
My check engine light came on a few months ago, and then turned off. My transmission started shifting rough and jerking between gears - particularly going in and out of reverse. A few weeks later my dash light went out, and my tail lights stopped working. I called Toyota, and they had me come in to the dealership to have my ECU re-calibrated. Rather than re-calibrating it, I was told after the appointment that they had replaced the ECU. The replacement ECU was installed on August 7, 2010. They were unable to help me with the lighting problem because they said it was a fuse problem. None of my fuses are blown. The car does not have as hard of a time shifting between gears as it did before the ECU replacement, but now I am hardly able to accelerate up the hill to my house. My engine revs up to almost 4000rpm just trying to get up to 30mph. The engine is working hard and is loud, the car has been vibrating during acceleration, and it takes a lot of pressure on the brakes to stop the car. There was a recall announced on my car, and I went to Toyota.com to check my VIN. It is involved in the recall, but I already had the new part they say I need installed and the problem persists. I want to return this car.

- Lynnwood, WA, USA

problem #48

Aug 082009

Corolla

  • 64,521 miles
Car stalled on highway at ~55 mph, and successfully restarted once. Stalled out again on highway later that day and needed tow to dealership. Dealership noted engine stalling below 1000 RPM, and could not communicate with computer (ECM). Dealership replaced ECM (89661-02K21) for free under warranty, and Toyota Corp. Reimbursed for towing.

- Farmingville, NY, USA

problem #47

Jul 122010

Corolla

  • 100,616 miles
We own a 2007 Toyota Corolla four-door with a 1.8 liter DOHC engine. Since purchasing this car, we bought it used with low miles, we have had four engine control modules in this car. The first one was in the car when we bought it. The second was replaced free of charge by Toyota in may or June of 2009 under tsb TC015-07. The third one was replaced in columbus, ga., by Toyota on July 12, 2010 which we had to pay for and the fourth one was replaced on July 14, 2010 by Toyota in mobile, al., free of charge under warranty...two days later. The second and third ECM problem caused the car to stall.

- Fairhope, AL, USA

problem #46

Aug 022010

Corolla

  • 13,100 miles
When I was backing out my 2007 Toyota Corolla the engine stalled (had the airconditioner at full blast as it was a hot day). Fortunately, I successfully restarted it and promptly drove it to the Toyota dealership (brought it first to Firestone autocare but they advised me to bring it to Toyota). They found out that the car was jumpy specifically when backing out. It was running funny even when moving forward. Before they fixed the car, they asked me if my car was still under warranty - (3 years or 36000 miles whichever comes first) and I told them that it was not. They told me afterwards that they had to replace the ECU unit and that I don't have to pay anything because it was still under warranty which I found strange as I was given the impression that the car was not under warranty.

- Collierville, TN, USA

problem #45

Aug 072010

Corolla

  • 54,800 miles
Read a story in usa today about the stalling problem with the 2007 Toyota Corolla. Asked my dealer about the problem, they didn't hear about it. Two months later while heading on vacation to Canada on Aug. 7, 2010, car stalled infront of mall in victor New York. After a few minutes, car started. Went to fill up gas tank (was at 1/4 tank). Couldn't start the car again. Called aaa. When tow truck came, we were able to start again. He followed me to parts store, it was closed. Followed him to his home to do some checking. Wouldn't start. Towed to lebrun Toyota in canadadequa New York. They replace ECU Monday morning. Lebrun was great at fixing the problem quick.

- Aurora, OH, USA

problem #44

Aug 232010

Corolla

  • 83,419 miles
1. 08/23/2010- left for work car stalled, hard knocking in gear. Car inoperable I had it towed to the dealer where I purchased it. 2. engine control module was replaced 04/23/2009, part # 89661-02K21, vehicle was still under warranty. This incident 08/23/2010 the service department advised the vehicle has the same issue, the engine control module which was replaced 04/23/2009, the engine control module at a cost of approximately $1000 to repair, plus the cost of a rental car. The mileage at this time is 83,419. So I am advised it is not under warranty. This same issue has occurred twice in two years. Not to mention the cost of this repair but will it happen in the next two months? it is obvious to me this vehicle has a defect. Thank goodness the car behind me was paying attention to fact I was having difficulties or an accident could have easily occurred.

- Charlestown, WV, USA

problem #43

May 312010

Corolla

  • 35,800 miles
I planned a 200-mile (one way) vacation over memorial day weekend, May 28 - 31, 2010. I had no signs of car troubles at the start of my vacation on May 28 and no car troubles during my vacation. However, as I was getting ready to drive the 200 miles back home on May 31, I started my car, but it died. I started it again, and it died. I made sure the accessories were off and that nothing was draining the battery. I then started the car again, and the engine ran for 30 seconds and then died. Since the car was still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, I called Toyota roadside assistance and the Toyota dealership, but the dealership's service department was closed for the holiday. With no way to get back home, I had no choice but to request a day off from work the next day, June 1, and contacted Toyota roadside assistance again. They towed my car to the dealership for inspection and repair. After they had a chance to review, they told me the computer/ECM (electronic control module)/ECU (electronic control unit) failed, and it was causing an electrical short to the entire car's electrical system. They replaced the ECM free of charge. While I am very thankful I was parked and in a safe location (not driving on the highway), this should not happen to a fairly new car with under 36,000 miles. I searched complaints, and it appears others have had the same issue with their 2005 - 2007 Corollas. Toyota issued a tsb but did not mail it to all their potentially affected customers. Toyota should be required to fix these cars instead of waiting for their customers to complain and tow it to the dealership when their cars break down!

- Sierra Vista, AZ, USA

problem #42

Aug 152010

Corolla

  • 24,000 miles
I was driving in the rain one day and my vehicle just stalled out. I had not driven through high water, or had any brake issues, but the car stalled. Went to turn the next corner after I had restarted it, and it stalled again. This happened 4 times in a row. I took it into the shop and they could not find a problem with my vehicle. The problem still occurs about once a week.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #41

Apr 032010

Corolla

  • 60,605 miles
Car failed state inspection once (emissions) because car's computer would not communicate with the testing equipment. Dealer retested and got it to pass / work. Two weeks later, the car, which never had any engine light indications stopped in city driving. The engine light came on and 3 seconds later the engine stopped. Had to drift over to the side of the road and have car towed. Engine would restart but not stay on for more than 1 minute. Dealer replaced the car's computer module (ECU).

- Sharon, MA, USA

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