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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-TOYOTA-COROLLA
2009 · Toyota

Toyota Corolla problems

1 safety recall. 1,533 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.2 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
568 reports · avg $1,100
critical
steering
387 reports · avg $700
severe
cruise control
142 reports · avg $600
severe
engine
103 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
brakes
92 reports · avg $450
severe
electrical
72 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
36 reports · avg $2,500
severe
body
28 reports · avg $1,500
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 Corolla · electrical
ALL DASHBOARDS CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALSO WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE OR PUTTING ANY LOAD ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THE VEHICLE STARTS STALLING. IT IS NOT CONSISTENT AND CAN'T BE REPEATED CONSISTENTLY.
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164197.0
2009 Corolla · powertrain
TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN AND OUT OF GEAR WHILE TRAVELING AT CONSISTENT SPEEDS ON ROADS AND FREEWAYS WITH LITTLE GRADES. WHILE IN COMMUTER TRAFFIC WHERE THE TRANSMISSION IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGED THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT GRAB AND ENGAGE EVERY TIME. *TR
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297638.0
2009 Corolla · brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA MATRIX. RECALL NUMBER 09V338000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) EXCLUDES OTHER COLD WEATHER STATES SUCH AS PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO. CONSEQUENTLY BRAKE FAILURE COULD OCCUR IN VEHICLES WHO OPERATE IN SUCH COLD CONDITIONS.…
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297665.0
2009 Corolla · airbags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
12/30/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938760.0

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 12V491000 10/10/2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles

If the switch overheats, it may melt, possibly resulting in a fire.

Fix: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge. Toyota owners that experience a problem with a switch should not attempt to make repairs, but should contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. General Motors will contact the Pontiac Vibe owners affected by this recall and GM dealers will inspect and repair switches as necessary. Those owners may contact Pontiac Customer Care at 1-800-762-2737.

Common questions

Is the 2009 Toyota Corolla reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 1,533 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Toyota Corolla has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 Toyota Corolla?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 568 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota Corolla has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 Toyota Corolla?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,533 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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