TSB: REVISION NOTICE September 03, 2019 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 ? 2019 model year Corolla vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Some 2014 ? 2019 model year CK313 CVT Corolla vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P2757 (Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Performance [Shift Solenoid Valve SL]). Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Toyota Corolla powertrain problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 29 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Toyota Corolla, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2014 ? 2018 model year Corolla and 2017 ? 2018 model year iM vehicles equipped with the K313 Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) may exhibit a high-pitched hiss or whine noise after the vehicle has reached normal operating temperature. This condition may be caused by the valve body plate inside the CVT assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Region Letter: August 28,2018 The instructions for Option #1 have been corrected. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in the subject vehicles has improper programming that could lead a component in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to unnecessarily cycle and experience abnormal wear. If this component becomes damaged, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate in the instrument cluster and the vehicle could experience a reduction of speed. After reaching a pre-determined gear ratio, the vehicle can be operated up to approximately 37 mph.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Technical Instructions: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN JSD CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSAXLE SOFTWARE UPDATE CERTAIN 2014-2017 TOYOTA Corolla CERTAIN 2017 TOYOTA Corolla iM CERTAIN 2016 SCION iM UPDATE 8-20-2018
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of CVT transmission failures in the 2015 Corolla spanning from 4,900 to 105,000 miles. Common symptoms include delayed upshifts (holding 5,000–5,250 RPM before shifting), sudden power loss at highway speeds, hard or erratic downshifts, and complete transmission lockup. Many failures happen without warning—no check-engine light, no audible symptoms beforehand—forcing owners to pull over or coast to a stop.
Diagnostic codes when retrieved point to torque converter clutch solenoid issues (P2757) and valve body defects. Toyota issued Special Service Campaign JSD (software update) and Campaign J0D (for loss-of-acceleration symptoms), plus Technical Service Bulletins for valve body replacement, yet many vehicles never received these services or owners report issues persisting or worsening after service.
Dealers frequently claim transmission failures are unrelated to recalls or campaigns, leaving owners out of pocket. Those who obtained diagnostics faced repair quotes of $5,000–$7,000+ for full transmission replacement. A few owners mentioned using a used transmission as a cheaper alternative. Once warranty expires—often within the first 5–6 years—manufacturers refuse assistance, citing the failure as an independent defect rather than a manufacturing issue deserving coverage.
Same Toyota Corolla powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Delayed shifts and high-RPM transmission response
CVT transmission holds RPMs at 5,000–5,250 before upshifting; owner compares behavior to learning manual transmission, raising concern about potential long-term internal damage (burned-out clutch plates in comparable vehicles).
When: Six months after purchase in 2015 model; reported in 2019 (approximately 70k miles implied)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM reaches 5,000–5,250 before transmission shifts to next gear; Occurs on city streets and highways; Resembles delayed shift response in older manual vehicles
Unexpected downshifts and loss of power at highway speed
CVT transmission randomly downshifts to low gear without warning while cruising at 35–40 mph, causing engine to lose power. Driver must pull over and completely stop vehicle before transmission will work normally again. Multiple occurrences in single session. Recalled (Reference ID JSD for ECU programming), but dealer later claimed transmission failed independently, not related to recall.
When: Multiple incidents in one morning; first at city speeds, then on highway; approximately 6 years into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Random downshift to low gear at 35–40 mph; Complete loss of power to engine; Engine revs to high RPM on acceleration attempt; Vehicle must be stopped completely to reset
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer claimed transmission failure unrelated to recall; no coverage provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Notice JSD issued for ECU programming related to transmission control; dealer later denied claim was covered under recall
CVT transmission failure with solenoid defect
CVT transmission with approximately 19,752 miles failed completely in reverse gear. Owner reports dealership had performed regular maintenance shortly before with no notation of problems. Owner attributes failure to 'bad solenoid' and cites CVT transmission as known issue in 2014–2019 Corolla models; also references special service campaign.
When: 19,752 miles; shortly after routine dealer maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to move in reverse; Complete transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Bad solenoid identified as cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special service campaign exists but no formal recall issued per owner; owner seeking remedy under campaign
Loss of acceleration and jerking/lurching behavior
CVT transmission exhibits intermittent failure to accelerate at various speeds (freeway and residential). When accelerator is pressed, car either lurches repeatedly or engine revs to high RPM without producing forward motion. Owner had recalled for CVT wear mitigation but was out of warranty; dealer stated only full transmission replacement available, though owner doubts software update alone would have resolved it. History of stuttering at stops starting 1–2 years after purchase.
When: At approximately 74,000 miles; stuttering at stops started 1–2 years after initial purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Car will not accelerate when gas pedal pressed; Engine lurches repeatedly or revs high without acceleration; Occurs at both high and low speeds; Vehicle must be driven at reduced speed; Stuttering at complete stops in earlier history
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT transmission replacement required; out of warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for CVT wear mitigation (software update); owner skeptical of effectiveness
Transmission failure following incomplete recall service
Recall service performed in 2019 for transmission issue; dealer checked and said it seemed fine. Vehicle later made transmission noises and transmission failed approximately 10 minutes after service visit. Dealership claimed failure unrelated to recall. Owner paid for used transmission replacement out of pocket; vehicle is now out of warranty and manufacturer refused further assistance.
When: Approximately 1 year after recall service performed in 2019; ten minutes after leaving dealer
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission making noises; Transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Used transmission replacement; cost cited as $6,800 plus $7,200 owed on vehicle ($13,800 total out of pocket)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service performed; dealer denied transmission failure was related to recall
CVT torque converter clutch solenoid failure with control codes
CVT transmission began jerking and dropping out of gear while driving. Mechanic replaced transmission fluid and filter without resolution. Diagnostic code P2757 retrieved indicating torque converter clutch pressure control solenoid failure. Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin (CK313 CVT P2757) dated October 20, 2018 for valve body replacement, and software update dated August 13, 2018, but vehicle received neither update nor bulletin service. No prior warning lights or issues.
When: Problem started 11/12/2021
Symptoms owners cite: Car jerks and drops out of gear; Transmission function degradation
Codes mentioned: P2757
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter clutch pressure control solenoid failure requiring valve body replacement per TSB
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB CK313 and software update (not applied to this vehicle); no recall issued; dealer claims no recalls on vehicle
Sudden RPM flare and loss of acceleration in cruise
Engine RPM suddenly increases close to redline while vehicle maintains steady throttle position, regardless of temperature. Vehicle becomes sluggish and will not accelerate. Vehicle is subject to dealer campaign but dealer claims internal transmission failure and recommends $5,000+ replacement. No warning lights illuminated. Issues worsened after dealer inspection. Dealer and Toyota claim no known transmission problems.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM suddenly flares near redline during steady cruise; Vehicle will not accelerate (sluggish); No warning lights; Condition worsened after dealer service
Repairs/costs cited: $5,000+ transmission replacement recommended by dealer; not performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subject to dealer campaign; dealer claims internal failure not covered; Toyota claims no known issues
Loss of acceleration after complete stop
CVT transmission loses ability to accelerate or fails to accelerate immediately after coming to complete stop. Special Service Campaign J0D issued for 2014–2017 Corolla models. Vehicle has been serviced multiple times for same issue with no resolution. Recall issued March 2018 but later suspended because recall made issues worse. Problem began at 8,000 miles and persists despite multiple services.
When: Started at 8,000 miles; persists through multiple services
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate after complete stop; Idle issue
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple services attempted without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Service Campaign J0D issued; Recall issued March 2018 but suspended due to making issues worse
Sudden jerking and complete loss of motive power
Vehicle jerked and lost all motive power while driving at 55 mph without warning. Failure recurred several times. Vehicle was restarted but problem reoccurred. Two separate dealers unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble code. Vehicle never repaired.
When: Approximately 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks without warning; Complete loss of motive power; Failure recurs multiple times; No diagnostic codes available
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; mechanics unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but offered no assistance
CVT transmission noise and belt failure after incomplete recall
Special Service Campaign JSD performed November 3, 2019 with software component updated, but solenoid valve inspection and valve body assembly replacement marked as 'not required.' After that date, CVT began making noise during acceleration and deceleration. Dealership recommends full transmission replacement citing belt issues inside CVT. Vehicle repaired with used transmission; manufacturer refused assistance because vehicle out of warranty.
When: After November 3, 2019 recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission makes noise while accelerating; Transmission makes noise while decelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Used transmission replacement performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign JSD performed (software only, no valve body replacement); manufacturer refused warranty assistance (out of warranty)
Uncontrolled acceleration while in reverse
While backing out of driveway with foot on brake pedal, accelerator unexpectedly surged. Vehicle in reverse accelerated to approximately 35 mph, crossed street, hit curb, and struck tree in opposing property. Research shows multiple complaints of accelerator surging in this year/make/model while in drive or reverse.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator surged while foot on brake; Uncontrolled acceleration in reverse
Vehicle rolling and surging after ignition off
After turning off vehicle and removing key from ignition, vehicle independently began to roll and crashed into another vehicle. Owner reports vehicle had been surging for approximately one month before failure. Manufacturer field supervisor unable to duplicate failure. Vehicle not repaired.
When: Approximately 22,000 miles; surging occurred for ~1 month prior
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges intermittently for about one month; Vehicle rolls on its own after engine shut off and key removed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Field supervisor sent but could not duplicate failure
Delayed transmission recall notice and unavailable parts
Dealer contacted owner March 28, 2018 indicating manufacturer issued transmission recall; vehicle needed service per recall campaign. Dealer and manufacturer stated vehicle was included in recall, but recall notice had not been formally mailed and required part was not available. Owner had not yet experienced failure at time of notification.
When: March 28, 2018
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign issued; notice not mailed; part not available
Hesitation and loss of power with warning lights
While driving at various speeds, vehicle hesitated to accelerate when accelerator pedal was depressed. Vehicle lost motive power with fuel, check engine, traction control, and oil level warning lights illuminated. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired. Manufacturer informed owner VIN not included in recall.
When: Approximately 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates to accelerate; Loss of motive power; Fuel warning light; Check engine light; Traction control light; Oil level warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed VIN not included in any recall
CV half shaft assembly failure
Vehicle shook violently while driving at 55 mph with no warning lights illuminated. Dealer diagnosed failed CV half shaft assembly requiring replacement. Vehicle not repaired; manufacturer asked owner to schedule appointment for investigation.
When: Approximately 63,762 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking while driving at 55 mph; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: CV half shaft assembly replacement needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer asked owner to schedule investigation appointment
Abnormal RPM increase and acceleration failure on incline
While driving down an incline, engine RPM increased abnormally and vehicle failed to accelerate without warning. Failure recurred several times. Dealer diagnosed vehicle as working to specifications. VIN not included in any recall.
When: 35 miles (very early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal increase in engine RPM while descending incline; Vehicle fails to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealer found vehicle within specifications
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in recall
Extremely hard downshifts during acceleration
Intermittent problem with transmission downshifting extremely hard during acceleration, particularly uphill. Downshift is jolting and abnormal compared to normal transmission behavior. Vehicle brought to dealer multiple times; mechanic unable to duplicate problem during test drive. Intermittent issue persists for over one year.
When: Over one year of intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely hard downshift during acceleration; Jolting sensation; Particularly occurs when going uphill
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealer unable to duplicate
Complete loss of power and engine seizure at low mileage
While driving at 45 mph, vehicle lost power without warning. Accelerator pedal depression produced no response and engine seized. Vehicle towed to dealer but failure could not be diagnosed or duplicated. Vehicle not repaired.
When: Approximately 4,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power at 45 mph; Engine seizure; No response to accelerator
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealer unable to diagnose or duplicate
Complete transmission failure after interstate driving
After exiting interstate at stop, vehicle would barely move. After a few more miles, vehicle stopped completely. Engine still ran but no acceleration possible. Vehicle towed and inspected; owner was told new transmission required.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced movement capability after stop; Complete stoppage with engine running; No acceleration possible
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission required
Passenger side wheel wobble during acceleration
Passenger side wheel wobbles when accelerating. Toyota diagnostics attributed problem to brake rotors; brakes and rotors replaced but wobble persisted. Problem attributed to tires; tires checked and balanced but wobble continues. Root cause remains undiagnosed.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side wheel wobbles during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes and rotors replaced without resolution; tire balance checked without resolution
Possible sticking accelerator pedal
While slowly pulling into parking spot, vehicle unexpectedly accelerated at high speed into barrier.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator surged during low-speed parking maneuver
CVT transmission malfunction with speed limitation
Vehicle unable to exceed 35 mph every day. CVT transmission not working properly.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not go faster than 35 mph; Daily occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: CVT transmission malfunction
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Toyota corolla. After the vehicle was turned off and the key was removed from the ignition switch, the vehicle independently began to roll and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle began to surge for approximately a month before the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of…
I was diving down an interstate and after exiting to a stop, the car would barely go after turning left. After a few more miles, the car juat stopped. The engine would still run but no acceleration. After having the car towed and inspected, was told I needed a new transmission.
The new Toyota corolla's have several issues with their headlight design. First, the daytime running lamps on vehicles with the xenon or LED lights appears to be the same lights that run at night when you turn on the switch. This means that people in oncoming lanes constantly flash their lights thinking the bright lights are on during the day because it is extremely bright. I've also noticed that…
Vehicle is an le eco model with continuously variable transmission (CVT). Engine RPM will suddenly flare...often close to redline with throttle in steady cruise position, regardless of engine operating and ambient temperature. Vehicle will not accelerate (sluggish). It is subject to a dealer campaign, but dealer claims an internal failure and is being highly ambiguous about the actual failure.…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 Toyota Corolla?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 Toyota Corolla?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,000 and 94,000 miles, with the median around 63,762. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 94,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Toyota/Corolla.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.