10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 61 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 30 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 24,055 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
The description I am sending in may or may not be connected to the Toyota recalls for brakes or gas pedal sticking. My experience is that everytime I step on the brake pedal I feel something move under my feet. Sometimes it feels like something is rolling under the carpet. My floor mats are snapped into place so I know that they are not moving. I plan on taking my car to a Toyota dealer on Thursday Feb. 18, 2010. This feeling has been there since I bought the car back in August of 2009. My car is a 2009 Toyota Corolla le. They say because it was made in Japan I do not have anything to worry about. We will see.
- Plymouth, ME, USA
My daughter and son-in-law while driving in their 09 Toyota Corolla, experienced uncontrolled acceleration; on a straight piece of dry pavement, causing the vehicle to shoot into the oncoming lane (a condition known as torsional steering by some) on a 2 way traffic road striking a car in the oncoming lane and thus causing a major accident. There were only slight injuries. Though the wheels were pointed straight ahead, the car veered left as the car uncontrollably sped up. My son-in-law states that his foot was not on the pedal. The action initiated after he depressed the pedal to accelerate along with other traffic. The car was repair by the insurance but still has the original problem. It has only done it the time that the car was involved in the accident and my daughter and son in law have been reluctant to use it since the accident so thus we have not had the experience recur. Yes the original part is available and still on the vehicle, though Toyota is scheduled to either repair it or replace it soon.
- Laredo, TX, USA
The 2009 Toyota Corolla that was purchased in 2009 accelerated, on it's on Accord while pulling out of the garage. This caused the car to increase in speed so quickly that the car hit the natural gas meter located next to the house.the force of this impact combined with the acceleration caused major damage. The gas meter began to leak and the force of impact and continuing acceleration of the vehicle, literally ripped a gash in the side of the car, approx 5 feet long. This gash was caused by the regular on the gas meter. (the meter is well out of the way of the path and has never been a problem. It has been in this location for decades. The vehicle only stopped because it was forced to, as the small section of the gas meter which impacted the car was unable to continue ripping into the car. As it finally came to a point where the door ended and the passenger side front quarter panel began. This was not reported to the police, as this happened on our private property. In addition, we saw no point in reporting it to NHTSA as we could not fathom that it was even the cars fault. As perplexed as we were that this happened, until recently, we have never been able to explain why such damage would be caused by pulling out of the driveway at such a slow speed, or even how we managed to hit the gas meter. With the given news of the sudden acceleration recall, we now have a very clear picture as to what happened. The vehicle was never repaired as the cost of this repair is going to be more than we can afford at the moment. Additionally, the gas meter began to leak and had to immediately be turned off and an emergency repair call to the gas company was made. The regulator on the meter was replaced, but we were without gas in the house for a short period. Thankfully, the house did not explode. We are very concerned about this as this car is driven 80 miles a day to go to work and return daily.
- Lansing, IL, USA
I purchased my 09 Corolla in August of 09. Since then when driving on highway, the gas pedal gets stuck at about 60mph then accelerates on its own to about 70 mph. It has happened about 10 times and I am concerned about it.
- York, PA, USA
This description is correcting my description I just filed with you. As soon as I started driving my car upon leaving the dealership after purchasing the car, I noticed it moved forward as if being bumped from behind as I let up on the accelerator. Also, if I removed my foot quickly from the pedal and waited a few seconds before placing my foot on the brake, the car would make jerky motions and the tachometer (RPM) would jump wildly. I didn't know if the problem was in the accelerator or in the electrical system. I brought it to the twice for the problem but they couldn't find anything showing up on the diagnostic computer check the first time. The service tech did have to re-set the original setting on something and he told me to bring it back if that didn't fix it. The problem still existed so I brought it back the second time and the tech rode with me and he also felt what I was experiencing. He tried to explain it away but I couldn't believe that it was the car getting used to a new driver as he said it was because it is still having the problem and I have driven the car for 1,225.
- Charleston, SC, USA
Car moving forward as I let up on the accelerator. It also jerks when I quickly remove my foot from the pedal for a few seconds and before I place my foot on the brake and the altimeter goes up and down several times when I do this as if it is stalling out. It has done this every time I drive the car and I had it to the dealership twice but they couldn't find anything wrong according to the diagnostic machine so I still have the problem.
- Charleston, SC, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. While driving 60 mph and various speeds the cruise control failed to disengage when the brake pedal was applied. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 900 and the current mileage was 12,403.
- Clarksville, IN, USA
About 5:30pm on Thursday evening (2/4/10), I was driving home N on silver lake blvd & 36 St. It was lightly snowing, the streets were wet and slippery, and I was driving under 15/mph going downhill. As I pressed the brakes, the car went faster, and did not stop until I badly hit the car in front of me and went over the curb. My car is a 2009 Toyota Corolla. About 2-3 months ago, Toyota sent me a recall notice for the brakes, much before the nationwide Toyota recall hit the media. And now, even after I did recall a few months ago, this is the second time that such a brake-related incident has happened to me ever since the recall. I feel that this accident is related to another brake defect of the newly-replaced/altered brakes, and would kindly ask for it to be further investigated.
- St. Anthony, MN, USA
In the past year, I have experienced sudden 'jerks' during acceleration on at least two occasions, and had the vehicle inspected twice, in August 2009 and in December 2009. In both instances, Toyota mechanics advised they could not identify a problem. Additionally, throughout the past year, I have experienced noticeable problems with the electrical system, which raise concerns about the overall integrity of the electrics. There has been very frequent loss of power to the power door locks and manufacturer's radio. During the inspections, Toyota mechanics could not identify a problem in this area either.
- Islamorada, FL, USA
2009 Toyota Corolla with idle control issues including slow to return to idle on occasion. Vehicle has had brake vacuum recall completed and just today the gas pedal repair. Problem still exists. I feel it is up in the fuel control systems and have told the dealer this each time starting back on 12/30/09. Toyota corporate has given me a case number but the person handling the case has never called and is never available. Cold engine always has high idle up until full operating temperature. It fluctuates frequently. Once full operating temperature is reached it then goes to a normal idle but then frequently stumbles and drops by 200 RPM. On a few times during each drive of 45 minutes or more it is noticeable that the rpms are slow to return to idle and vehicle keeps speed without touching the gas.
- New Holland, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. While she put her foot on the accelerator pedal lightly the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 125mph and stopped when it crashed into private home wall. The vehicle was towed to the tow-yard. The insurance company total the vehicle. She will have an attorney inspect the vehicle. She contacted the manufacturer to advise that the she will have legal actions taken. She received injuries to the upper body. The current and the failure mileage was 10, 0000. The police report info was not available. She also stated that in March of 2008 she also experienced the sudden acceleration with the 1999 Toyota and this vehicle was also a total loss.
- Stamford , CT, USA
I was driving my 2009 Toyota Corolla. Once, prior to the event in question I had briefly noticed a lack of acceleration. I pressed on the accelerator and nothing happened. The car just quit moving forward. No noise or anything. But, in a few seconds, I tried again and it seemed normal so, I decided it was just my imagination. Then, in Jan /Feb I was coming home from the gym (thankfully not on the freeway) about 9pm on a city street traveling about 30 mph. I tried to accelerate slightly to the speed limit of 35mph and discovered (again, with no warning) that my car would not move forward. None of the systems worked steering etc. But at that speed I did manage to stop. I called 911 and the police stopped 3 lanes of traffic and pushed me to the side. I waited an hour for aaa and had the car towed to the Toyota dealer. It took them a whole day to decide it was an electronic problem and to "fix" it. I was scared to drive it, but I did for maybe another month before deciding that he constant fear of it happening again (maybe on the freeway) was not worth it. The dealer made me a "deal" on a trade for a 2010 Corolla. I drove this car until 2 weeks ago. I could not live with the anxiety of having another (in my mind) electronic failure. I am one who is convinced the Toyota problem is electronic and not related to mechanics. I now have a Ford. Thank you for your attention.
- Stockton, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. While driving 45 mph and attempting to slow down the accelerator pedal was stuck to the floor and caused a crash to occur. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership although the contact previously experienced the same failure. There were no injuries. The current and failure mileages were 24000.
- Freemont, CA, USA
My vehicle was involved in an accident and I belive that the manufacturer was at fault. I had my vehicle inspected for brake problems numerous times by the dealer and it was always said nothing was wrong. Well on Sep. 22,2009 my mother was driving my car while I was passenger and she says it would not stop. Now that I see others are experiencing the same problems I want the manufacturer to be held responsible because I have been dealing with these problems for two years now and it finally seems like something is going to be done about it. It took my car and who knows how many others. I gave the dealership many opportunities to remedy the situation at my expence.
- Corona, CA, USA
I own a 2009 Toyota Corolla that has been giving me problems since the day one. I have been in the dealership many times for my brake problems and they have been unable to resolve the issue. On Sep. 28, 2009 the vehicle was involved in an accident my mother was driving and she says it would not stop. Now that I am aware that others are experiencing this problem I am stepping forward to let everyone know that their not alone.
- Corona, CA, USA
On 11/4/09 I was driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla. As I approached a red traffic light on mclendree church road, lawrenceville, ga., I took my right foot off the accelerator in order to brake. Instantly the car shot forward and even though I used both feet to brake, the car continued at a high rate of speed and out of control. I crossed a curb and struck on oncoming vehicle. On Jan. 5, 2010, in the gwinnett county ga. Recorder's court, I pled "nolo contendere" to the charge of "failure to maintain safe equipment".
- Suwanee, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact noticed a grinding noise most of the time when she depressed the brake pedal. She took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that they could not find anything wrong with it. The failure continued to occur and the dealer turned the rotors to remedy the problem; however, she continued hearing the grinding noise. In September 2009, she took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the brake pads and rotors. She no longer noticed the noise; yet, the brake pedal extended to the floor with a sudden pulling and grabbing motion. The dealer told her that the ABS activated which caused that feeling. She also stated that the vehicle would suddenly accelerate on an intermittent basis. In December 2009, the driver crashed into a brick wall when the vehicle suddenly accelerated. There were no injuries. The dealer took pictures and told her that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Furthermore, the gear shift broke and the dealer did not repair the vehicle for six months. She called the manufacturer and was unable to speak with a representative. The current mileage was approximately 17,000. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
- Morgantown, WV, USA
Experienced sudden acceleration even after releasing the accelerator pedal. The speed could be controlled by breaking and normal driving resumed. I was not aware of the recall at that time and did not think could be a serious defect in the vehicle.
- Loudonville, NY, USA
First - my 2009 Corolla feels like it doesn't grip the road. I live in Florida and it feels like I'm driving on ice when I go pass 40. It hydroplanes on dry roads. Second - in order for me to come to a complete stop I need to start pressing the break all the way down from like a mile back. Third - on one occasion, and thankfully this only happened once, my accelerator came up slowly. What I mean is that after I let go of the accelerator, rather than the pedal coming up instantly it came up very slow. In general I don't feel safe driving this car and it's a shame because it's the car I want.
- Miramar, FL, USA
- Wise, VA, USA