10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 45 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 27 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 18,417 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
Within a few weeks of purchasing my Toyota Corolla 2009, I noticed at both slow and fast speeds the car drifts to the right or left depending on the inertia of the car. The car does not stay in its lane -- I.e. the car does not drive in a straight line -- without full attention and steady pressure of both hands on the wheel to correct the drift. On highways (from 45mph and especially from 65mph) this problem is exaggerated -- I.e. small drifts or corrections can result in swerving and have greater potential for an accident. On one occasion I experienced drifting off the road and was able to correct in time. However, it struck me as such a danger that I stopped driving the car at higher speeds and avoid highways altogether wherever possible. The vehicle failure mileage was about 100 and current mileage is 8,500. This complaint updates a prior complaint filed February 4, 2010.
- Islamorada, FL, USA
We have an 09 Corolla xle...the car wanders at speeds over 45 mph from lane to lane...it takes effort to keep it straight......Toyota has said it is the electric power steering...
- Osprey, FL, USA
The steering (eps) twitches at highway speeds, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. It seems to do it more in areas with powerlines and other interference. This is always, not just on a certain date. Some days it feels as if the car has a mind of it's own.
- Jackson, NJ, USA
When you pick up speed driving and reach around 55mph or over, the car ducks off to the left as if its ready to go off the road. And this car has a lot of blind spots when trying to back up or see oncoming traffic.
- Oxford, NC, USA
2009 Toyota Corolla steering issue at highway speeds. When at 50 mph or above my car starts pulling or turning while holding the wheel straight. I was playing tug of war. If its windy outside at all, the steering gets worse looking as if I'm a drunk driver or something.
- Marina, CA, USA
While following my daughter on an interstate highway, after she got a 2009 Toyota Corolla, I noted that she had a tendency to drift to the side of the lane, then correct the steering repeatedly. I noted it to her thinking it was a problem with her driving skills. We then switched cars. (I have over 40 years driving experience.) I noted in the rear view mirror that she did not seem to have this problem with my car. I seemed to have no problem keeping the Corolla in-lane at high speed. However, I was sensitized to the problem and was paying particular attention to where I was in the lane-something that I am not inordinately focused on normally when driving. I have recently discussed this with her and she now claims that she is having no problem keeping the Toyota in-lane. I am reporting this after reading in the news about other people having this problem with this vehicle.
- Woodbridge, VA, USA
My 2009 Toyota Corolla steering wanders around the road and makes steering difficult and tiring.
- Destin, FL, USA
I live in Minnesota and during winter my 2009 Toyota Corolla produce a slipping on black ice sensation when passing under a bridge. This usually happens at highway speed and I'm not steering the car at all. It's like the car temporarily steer itself under the bridge without me moving the steering wheel. I have to keep the steering extra still to avoid a skid or shifting to another lane. My car also has poor antilock braking. The antilock frequency is way to high to be effective in low speed driving. It usually cause skid and long braking distance.
- Woodbury, MN, USA
On 2009 and later Toyota Corollas, the electric power steering system causes excessive lightness in the wheel and excessive wandering at highway speeds. This can cause vehicle instability leading to a crash. Toyota says this is normal.
- Dallas, TX, USA
My 2009 Toyota Corolla's electric steering wanders all over the highway. You can't take your hands off the wheel for a second without the car drifting into another lane.
- Littleton, CO, USA
I bought my 2009 Toyota Corolla in May 2008. From the very first day of ownership, the steering has been very sloppy, especially when traveling over 50 mph while on the highway. The steering seems as if it is over-sensitive and not fine-tuned, but there also could be a major problem with the steering components. When I brought this issue up to my local Toyota dealership, they responded by telling me that the steering is supposed to be that way, since it was a new electronic power steering system, rather than a conventional power steering system like in previous models. If the steering is supposed to be that way, then why is it that I have such a hard time keeping my 2009 Toyota Corolla centered in the lane while driving down the highway. The vehicle wanders all over the road; and if I ever have a twitch or have to sneeze, the car would, most likely, be darting all over the highway because of the sloppy steering. In talking with many 2009 Toyota Corolla owners, this problem doesn't seem as if it is minor, as all owners that I talk to have similar problems. I have to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, looking straight ahead in order to keep my car in a semi-straight line while traveling down the highway. If I start looking around, scanning for potential hazards that may present themselves, I find that the car is wandering to the left or right without almost any steering input from myself. I would appreciate if the NHTSA and Toyota would look into this potentially serious problem with the steering with the 2009 Toyota Corolla so that all owners of this vehicle would actually be able to have a stress-free drive while operating this vehicle.
- Garner, NC, USA
Steering - gentle turns of the wheel can result in exaggerated motions.
- Roseville, MI, USA
Notice the steering wheel sometimes pulses only when my cell phone is (docked) near docked to the right of the steering wheel. It's strange I can sometimes tell if my black berry is going to ring or get an email. The steering wheel seems to shake or try to steer on its own. This is similar to my other 2009 Toyota Corolla that I resold to the dealer. I wonder if more shielding is needed to reduce any interference.
- Corpus Christi, TX, USA
Steering issues with the 2009 Toyota Corolla.
- Unknown, DC, USA
2009 Toyota Corolla eps causes the car to wander at speeds higher than 50 mph. This makes for very dangerous driving conditions. Toyota needs to address the issue and do a recall to fix the problem.
- Lynchburg, VA, USA
Okay enough is enough. I drove on interstate 75 today in Florida speed limit is 70mph. I was going between 65-70 and I came inches to hitting an 18wheeler, thankfully in my attempt to control the steering I slightly veered to the right and of course the Corolla veered a lot more to the right than I intended but at least there were no vehicles in that lane. God was with me. I am aware of my car's steering issue but I cannot drive at 30mph on a highway. Keeping the steering straight is a task all on its own. I'm focusing on the car not veering into another lane and causing a fatal accident when I should be focusing on the road and driving in a normal state rather then a panicky one. I drive this highway everyday and I have been close many times to hitting other vehicles. I really need this to be investigated I am becoming more and more scared every day on my drive to work. Driving in that state of mind is not safe. I'm considering my states lemon law petition program because its obvious that Toyota either doesn't care or probably to busy fixing their other flaws. I'm through with Toyota I just want them to take back their Corolla I can care less about the payments I've made. They need to take their car void my loan because I rather walk and have my life than play russian rullet in that car. This is an everyday incident. And although not physically injured, I am developing a fear of driving with this car on the highway. This is crazy. I am only 25 I shouldn't be frightened of driving my 2009 Corolla. Tw*
- Miramar, FL, USA
I already filed a previous complaint but forgot to mention that if I go pass 40 the car steers on its own as if it's hydro planing on dry road. I drive on I75 to and from work. Speed limit is 70 and when I reach the speed limit I have to constantly be correcting the steering of my car.
- Miramar, FL, USA
2009 Corolla wanders at highway speeds above 60 mph, it cannot go in a straight line it wanders three to four in the lane.
- Rocky Face, GA, USA
My 2009 Toyota Corolla wanders from side to side at highway speeds. I have to constantly make corrections which is exhausting and a safety issue. Please inform Toyota to issue a recall to correct this safety problem. Thank you.
- Chesterton, IN, USA
- Plattsburgh, NY, USA