1997 Toyota Corolla Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,350miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Toyota Corolla, 4% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,350 miles.
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 had transmission flush on 1997 Corolla on dec 31, 2008. On jan 17, 2009, while driving, car suddenly stopped after strong vibrations. Fortunately, this did not happen on highway. The first repair shop said transmission torque converter locking up. Transmission is needed?. The second repair shop opened the transmission and found ?transfer case has no oil inside?, with broken bearing that cause damage to the transmission and need total rebuild. Both shops said it could be the results of the transmission flush job. …”
NHTSA complaint #10257773, filed 2009-02, 148,700 miles“The automatic gear shift light in the interior has been off in the car since I received it. I was told by mechanics this a a common manufacture defect with this vehicle and saftey hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10062241, filed 2004-03“While driving vehicle at 60 MPH the rear axle on driver's side broke. Owner took vehicle to dealer to have it repaired, but the cause is uncertain. Owner is very concerned for her safety.”
NHTSA complaint #812803, filed 1997-06Related service bulletins
- 10109404Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle…
- 10109492Sep 30, 2014TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or…
- 10132084Oct 1, 2013The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or…
- 10061578Jun 13, 2011Summary to be provided on a future date.
Transmission 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 | 27 | 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 1997 Toyota Corolla
38 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Toyota Corolla
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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