1989 Toyota Corolla Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 17%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Toyota Corolla, 17% of the 23 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was traveling at approx 35 MPH enroute to the freeway when the transmission siezed locking up the front end, bringing the car to a screeching hault. I was fortunate that the driver behind me was able to react and avoid a collision. Dealer confirmed a transmission problem. Vehicle has not yet been repaired as I plan to replace the transmission myself with a used or rebuilt component. I don't expect any reibursement, but thought it should be reported as it did create a hazardous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #712236, filed 1999-09“There wasn't a warning of low fluid in the differential unit and it broke and locked up the front tires making the vehicle come to a dead stop. This is not a part that is checked for safety.”
NHTSA complaint #758420, filed 2002-02“Automactic transmission, can remove the key in any gear. Removed the key in reverse and vehicle rolled backwards, impact 6:00 position, hit a parked vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #811921, filed 1997-05Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 6% |
| 2025 | 2 | 6% |
| 2024 | 8 | 12% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 17 | 17% |
| 2021 | 19 | 10% |
| 2020 | 40 | 13% |
| 2019 | 55 | 27% |
| 2018 | 12 | 9% |
| 2017 | 15 | 8% |
| 2016 | 22 | 10% |
| 2015 | 30 | 14% |
| 2014 | 28 | 10% |
| 2013 | 9 | 4% |
| 2012 | 8 | 2% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 49 | 4% |
| 2009 | 45 | 3% |
| 2008 | 13 | 4% |
| 2007 | 26 | 3% |
| 2006 | 43 | 5% |
| 2005 | 37 | 4% |
| 2004 | 16 | 3% |
| 2003 | 61 | 8% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 9 | 7% |
| 2000 | 7 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 9 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 4% |
| 1996 | 4 | 3% |
| 1995 | 13 | 7% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 8 | 13% |
| 1991 | 8 | 11% |
| 1990 | 5 | 19% |
| 1989 | 4 | 17% |
| 1988 | 2 | 8% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1989 Toyota Corolla
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Toyota Corolla
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology