1999 Toyota Corolla Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 155 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Toyota Corolla, 4% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,950 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 driving home and exiting the highway when there was a sudden loud crackling noise coming from the transmission. I continued home approximately 1/2 mile, I then parked the car checked all fluids, everything was fine. Next day I was driving and upon acceleration the car hesitated to move but at a slow speed it went on. Anyhow, as I drove I noticed that upon acceleration it would quiet, but once I released the peddle there was a loud cracking sound, and it finally stopped moving.”
NHTSA complaint #10525906, filed 2013-07, 112,063 miles“When I was driving my 1999 Toyota Corolla, the steering wheel started shaking. Then when I tried to make right turn, I heard something broke and the car couldn't move. Towed the car to dealership and found the left transaxle was broken. Fortunately, the accident happened on local street. If it were on highway, I cold have been injuried.”
NHTSA complaint #10062795, filed 2004-03, 66,900 miles“I had purchased a 1999 Toyota Corolla. Shortly after buying it, the front wheels began rotating improperly. I took it in for service, and they said the improper rotation of the wheels, was caused by an impairment in the transmission linkage and that I need a new transmission. I got a second opinion, and the same diagnosis was found. Since then, over the last few years, every time I pass a Corolla or prism from 1999 on, the majority of the front wheels are not rotating smoothly and have a wobble/imbalance problem, which like mine, I'm sure is a result of transmission linkage problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133124, filed 2005-08, 500 miles“1999 Toyota Corolla accelerator stuck and could not be stopped even when applying brake. Driver did not know to place gear in neutral. Crashed into rear of pickup at approximately 30 MPH triggering both air bags. Car was totaled and driver suffered minor injuries. Driver female, age 85 was taken to hospital for evaluation. No sign of mini-stroke. At that time floor mats were suspect. Floor mat was in proper place. However, driver suspects stuck accelerator. According to insurance company, car has been sold for parts and not available for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10310575, filed 2010-02, 45,000 miles“While driving on the highway at 45 MPH consumer tried to change gears from 5 speed to 4 speed, and gears would not shift. Consumer had to put on emergency light to avoid being hit by oncoming vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #857949, filed 2000-03Related 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 | 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 1999 Toyota Corolla
22 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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