TT: On 2019-2020 model year Corolla Hatchback vehicles follow the recommendations when performing the HVAC odor maintenance service using A/C Power Foam Evaporator Cleaner & Refresher.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Toyota Corolla powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Toyota Corolla have filed 52 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 28,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Corolla | 29 |
| 2016 Corolla | 20 |
| 2017 Corolla | 16 |
| 2018 Corolla | 11 |
| 2019 Corolla (this page) | 52 |
| 2020 Corolla | 35 |
| 2021 Corolla | 19 |
| 2022 Corolla | 15 |
| 2023 Corolla | 5 |
1crash
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Toyota Corolla we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 52.
Owners have filed 52 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.
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 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 ↗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 2019 model year Corolla Hatchback vehicles equipped with a K120 Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) may exhibit a phenomenon which prevents the vehicle from accelerating past the driver set cruise speed during the following conditions. * Cruise control system is engaged * Drive mode selected: Sport * Vehicle speed is 60 mph or greater *Driving uphill - road grade 6% or greater The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE Term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to reduce the possibility of this condition occurring. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Corolla powertrain has a consistent pattern of failures across both automatic and manual transmissions. Automatic models lose motive power suddenly—sometimes at idle, sometimes on hills or during acceleration—with no warning. NHTSA issued recall 18V901000 in December 2018, but owners have spent months waiting for parts that remain unavailable, leaving vehicles sitting at dealerships or in loaner pools indefinitely.
Manual transmission owners face a design defect: the clutch slave cylinder is made of plastic and sits inside the transmission where it shares brake fluid with the clutch system. When it fails—and owners report it routinely fails between 20,000 and 90,000 miles—it leaks brake fluid directly onto the clutch and flywheel. This creates a dual failure mode: the driver loses the ability to shift gears and simultaneously loses brake fluid. Toyota has updated newer models to use a metal cylinder instead of plastic, yet has not recalled the 2019 models. Repairs run $4,000–$5,000, and Toyota denies warranty claims by labeling the clutch a "wear item."
Beyond transmission issues, owners report sudden power loss during normal driving (especially during lane changes and acceleration), unexplained stalling, shifting delays, transmission noise and clunking, difficulty engaging first gear when cold, and coolant loss without visible leaks. Dealers frequently cannot replicate or diagnose these issues. A class action lawsuit alleges defective coolant bypass valves in 2019–2023 Corollas and RAV4s.
Same Toyota Corolla powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
CVT/Automatic Transmission Loss of Power or Failure
Automatic transmission models experience sudden loss of motive power, inability to accelerate, or complete transmission failure without warning. Vehicle may stall at idle, during acceleration, or on hills. Affected vehicles are subject to NHTSA recall 18V901000. Some owners report waiting months for recall parts that remain unavailable.
When: Early in ownership (9,179 miles) to mid-life (48,992-55,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling while driving; Loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle unable to move despite engine running; Inability to shift out of gear; RPM surge without speed increase; Forward collision warning light triggering randomly; Check engine light, drive-start control malfunction message; Engine losing power on hills or at speed
Codes mentioned: P11ED00, P030085, P030027, P030200
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement or repair; recall work at dealership when parts available. One owner reports new transmission installation that still does not shift properly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 18V901000 (issued 12/19/18) for transmission defects; recall notice J17/J07; some owners received letters stating CVT could fail under certain conditions, but no remedy timeline provided. Toyota has been slow to supply replacement transmission parts.
Manual Transmission Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure
Concentric slave cylinder (CSC) fails prematurely in 6-speed manual transmissions. The CSC is a plastic component located inside the transmission that doubles as the brake fluid release mechanism. When it fails, it leaks brake fluid into the transmission, contaminating the clutch and flywheel. Because the brake and clutch share a single fluid reservoir, brake failure can occur simultaneously with clutch failure—a critical safety defect.
When: Between 20,000 and 90,000 miles; as early as 29,900 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sinks to floor without warning; Unable to shift gears or stuck in gear; Spongy or squeaky clutch pedal; Vibration or chattering from transmission on engagement; Difficulty engaging first gear when cold; Late clutch engagement; Metallic fragments in transmission fluid; Inability to restart vehicle or move shifter
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch slave cylinder replacement (~$4,000–$5,000); clutch assembly and flywheel often require replacement due to brake fluid contamination. Repair facility can provide failed components for inspection. Toyota dealership confirmed failures in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Toyota updated newer model years with metal slave cylinder instead of plastic. Owners report Toyota denies warranty coverage, claiming clutch is a wear item despite premature failure and documented design issue.
Coolant Bypass Valve Failure
Coolant bypass valve fails, causing coolant loss without visible leaks, overheating, white exhaust smoke, and engine misfires. Multiple owners reference an active class action lawsuit alleging defective coolant bypass valves in 2019–2023 Corolla and RAV4 models.
When: Early in ownership; one case noted coolant loss shortly after topping off reservoir
Symptoms owners cite: White exhaust smoke even after engine warms; Coolant level drops without visible leaks or puddles; Engine shaking severely on startup; Coolant-burning smell; Multiple warning lights on dashboard; Loss of power while driving; Engine maintenance required message
Codes mentioned: C142571
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic testing confirms coolant bypass valve failure. Exact repair cost not stated, but related engine work (injector replacement) quoted at ~$2,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Active class action lawsuit; Toyota dealer identified port injector malfunction and recommended replacement of all four injectors (~$2,000) but could not confirm this would resolve the root cause. Owners have formally requested NHTSA investigation.
Manual Transmission Shifter or Gear Engagement Issues
Six-speed manual transmissions exhibit chronic difficulty engaging gears, particularly first gear when cold, or shifting becomes blocked by mechanical resistance. Some vehicles lock into gear and cannot be shifted, requiring emergency push-off of roadway or manual shifter manipulation to clear.
When: Before 9,000 miles (cold shift issues); persisting through 80,000+ miles (gear lock incidents)
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty or inability to engage first gear when cold; Resistance to shifting into gears (hitting a wall); Vehicle locked in gear, unable to shift; Shifter stuck or unmovable after stalling; Sporadic shifting failure while driving; Transmission slipping without forward movement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate issue at first visit despite documented reports. Later diagnosis: clutch assembly, flywheel, and/or transmission replacement required. Costs $4,000–$5,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Early dealer visits resulted in no diagnosis; technician assured owner issues were documented but proved unable to witness problem. Warranty denial based on claim that clutch is a wear item.
Sudden Unintended Power Loss or Acceleration During Normal Driving
Vehicle suddenly loses power during acceleration, uphill driving, or while crossing lanes, or in isolated cases, vehicle accelerates unintentionally. Power loss is intermittent and unpredictable, lasting 5–10 seconds, creating collision hazard. Dashboard may display false readings like 'Accelerator and Brake Pedals Pressed Simultaneously' despite single-foot operation.
When: Intermittent, occurring 2–3 times per week; happens at stop signs, U-turns, lane changes, or highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle limited to 25 mph despite full throttle; Uphill driving causing power loss; Unintended acceleration without driver input; False warning: 'Accelerator and Brake Pedals Pressed Simultaneously'; 5–10 second delay before vehicle responds to accelerator; No consistent pattern (happens 2–3 times per week)
Codes mentioned: U1117, B2284, B15AD
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits unable to find fault. Owner captured dashboard message via dash camera as evidence. Vehicle now out of warranty; issue persists since purchase.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB addressing this specific failure mode. Dealers unable to diagnose or repair.
Transmission Rattle, Noise, or Shifting Harshness
Transmission produces clunking, clicking, or rattling sounds during low-speed driving, downshifting, or gear engagement. Vehicle may shudder, clunk mildly, or hesitate when accelerating. Rotary component inside transmission knocks and clicks.
When: Present at low speeds (5–15 mph) in parking lots, stop-and-go traffic, or during downshifts to first gear
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or clicking from transmission at idle and coasting; Knocking from rotary component; Shuddering during acceleration; Hesitating to ease into driving speed; Loud metal clanking during slow-speed downshifting; Whole car briefly brakes when downshifting to first
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports vehicle presented with problem at delivery (under 9,000 miles). Post-recall transmission replacement still exhibits clanking on downshift.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported.
Transmission Stalling or Inability to Restart After Stall
Vehicle stalls suddenly during normal driving at various speeds without warning lights. In some cases, vehicle will not restart for several minutes or shifts backward after restart.
When: Early ownership (9,179 miles) to higher mileage; occurs at stop lights, highway speeds, or while merging
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling without warning; Vehicle unable to restart for approximately 10 minutes; Vehicle shifts backward after restart despite driver intent; Check engine light turns on with stall event
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; not diagnosed or repaired at dealership in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported in these cases.
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Clutch stopped working while driving. Car has 61,000 miles.
premature failure of clutch components: throwout bearing, clutch slave cylinder (which doubles as master brake cylinder). This type of failure, particularly when vehicle is in motion, will prevent the ability to change gears, as well as potential for brake failure if loss of fluid is great enough. This is a clear and obvious road hazard and the failure occurs within or just outside of factory…
Clutch throwout bearing went out at 69,000. Clutch pedal began getting stuck half way through pedal travel, then got stuck to floor. Lost all clutch operation.
I purchased my 2019 corolla hatch manual new. Before even 9000 miles I started having transmission issues. I could not shift into first when the car was cold. It was like hitting a wall. I had to cycle through all the other gears before it would go back into first. I took it to Toyota. They were unable to replicate the issue. It happened so sporadically I asked the technician what would happen if…
My 2019 hatchback clutch failed Clutch Release Bearing and Slave Cylinder Assembly is leaking. Toyota part # 31400-19027
As I was driving my check engine light turned and also another message saying “Drive-Start control malfunction”. A few second after another light came one showing “Engine coolant Temp high. On 11/24/24 I experienced this mechanical failure as I was driving. I was driving behind another car, where my car suddenly lost power and randomly accelerated almost causing me to crash behind the car in…
The transmission slave cylinder on this vehicle leaks and causes multiple issues with the transmission. it is a known issue among all manual transmission owners and resulting on average 4000 dollar repair.
rattle in transmission. Car hesitates to accelerate randomly leading to unpredictable acceleration sometimes. Transmission is failing.
No warning lamps, and no accident yet; however, I believe if I continue driving it without repair, it is a safety risk. The sound I can hear coming from CVT torque converter, impeller blades is getting louder the more I drive them vehicle. This was confirmed by a transmission service center (see photo) who identified a toyota recall J17/J07 (NHTSA recall campaign 18V901000), which lists the 2019…
All 2019-2022 Toyota Corolla 6 Speed Manual Transmission cars are affected. The slave cylinder is a defective part that fails prematurely anywhere between the 20,000-70,000 mile range. The slave cylinder on this car is made out of plastic and is located inside of the transmission, when the slave cylinder fails, it leaks brake fluid all over causing the car to lock into gear and not be able to…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Toyota Corolla?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 52 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 8,900 and 48,992 miles, with the median around 28,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,900; a quarter make it past 48,992. 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/2019/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.