2009 Toyota Corolla Problems
Compared with other Toyota Corolla years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 13× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 13× that of a typical Toyota Corolla year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 637 of its 1,459 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Airbag warning light on, or airbags not deploying (457 complaints, median 79,500 mi).
- 13 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 1,459filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles, 838 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 13campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Toyota Corolla (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe two things: a steering feel that needs constant small corrections at highway speed, and the unintended-acceleration / pedal campaigns that many cars went through. Airbag complaints cluster around warning lights and, in some accounts, airbags not deploying in a crash, alongside the Takata inflator recalls. With a median complaint mileage near 23,000 and a falling trend, most of these reports come from the car's earlier years, while oil consumption appears on higher-mileage examples.
- Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration / sticking accelerator pedal
- 216 complaints (15%)
- median 20,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (176 state mileage)
- 72 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,100 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2009–2024
Owners describe the engine racing or surging when their foot was off the pedal, sometimes while braking at a light or stop sign, and in some cases the pedal sticking near the floor. Many say they put the car in neutral and shut off the engine to stop it. Complaints frequently mention that the condition continued after an accelerator pedal reinforcement or recall repair was performed, and the dealer either could not duplicate it or installed the reinforcement bar. Reported across a wide mileage span, from a few hundred to about 50,000 miles, and in some cases right after a recall repair.
Recall 10V023000Recall 10V017000
What to check: Confirm which accelerator pedal and floor mat campaigns were completed and ask for documentation; test that the pedal returns freely and that floor mats are the correct, secured type.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2009 Toyota Corolla. It accelerated while I was waiting for the traffic light to turn red to green. The RPM shot up so I put in neutral and then the RPM rapidly shot up to the red mark so the turn off the engine and parked it at my work since evening of 11/05/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10291523, filed 2009-11, 16,273 miles“My car is a manual. I was driving about 25mph when in between 3rd and 4th the car engine revved up to about 5k or 6k RPM. I tried to just hit the gas but it wouldn't go back down. I did not release the clutch. I had to turn the car off and restart it so it wouldn't do that again. It happened again after that and I did the same thing by restarting it. I noticed a different pressure in the gas pedal with my foot during this occurrence. After the second time, it did not occur again. This is the second time this has happend. …”
NHTSA complaint #11377813, filed 2020-12, 101,500 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on, or airbags not deploying
- 457 complaints (31%)
- median 79,500 mi at 7.1 yrs old (106 state mileage)
- 61 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2008–2024
Owners report the SRS or airbag warning light staying on or coming on intermittently, sometimes with a passenger-side airbag off indicator. Several complaints describe collisions where the airbags did not deploy, including impact with a barrier or another vehicle. Others describe being told the fix requires replacing the floor harness, airbag ECU or seat assembly, or being told parts for a recall are unavailable; one owner whose passenger inflator was replaced was later told the driver-side airbag had been deactivated. Spread from low mileage up to well over 100,000 miles, with many reports tied to recall repair visits.
Recall 19V741000Recall 18V024000Recall 17V006000Recall 16V340000Recall 14V1680002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask for proof that all Takata inflator recalls and the steering-column spiral cable recall (14V168000) were completed, and check that the airbag light is off with the key on before starting.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a Toyota Corolla 2009s it was part of the original takata airbag recall that original remedy was completed in 2017. Since that day I have taken the vehicle back to the dealership multiple times and concerns with a foul odor coming from the glove compartment. I have been contacted by the dealership via email saying that I need to bring it back in the airbags are being recalled that were used to replace the original recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297119, filed 2020-01, 105,000 miles“There was a recall on the passenger side airbag of my vehicle which Toyota fixed. While the technician was fixing my passenger side airbag they discovered that my driver side airbag had been deactivated. I contacted Toyota about the problem after reading about a recall which electrical connections to a spiral cable assembly can be damaged when the steering wheel is turned. Which could lead to the driver's airbag to being deactivated, and failing to deploy in a crash. I was told they would not fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11300797, filed 2020-01, 128,000 miles - Steering
Steering wanders, needs constant correction on highway
- 254 complaints (17%)
- median 7,800 mi at 1.2 yrs old (202 state mileage)
- 24 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2020
Complaints describe the car drifting or wandering in its lane at highway speeds, feeling as if a crosswind or ice is pushing it, so the driver has to keep making small steering corrections. Several say the condition was present from new, and some relate instances where the wheel briefly felt unresponsive and the car moved sideways. According to complaints, dealers often said nothing was wrong or that the car met specifications, and in some cases owners were told it was their problem or advised to add weight in the trunk. A few owners report tire changes and alignments without improvement. Most reports come from the first few thousand miles, at highway speeds above about 55 mph.
What to check: Drive the car on a highway at 60-65 mph and see how much correction it takes to hold a lane; ask whether tires, alignment and steering components have been checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This problem has happened at least twice since I bought the Toyota Corolla 2009. While driving straight(on an interstate) it feels as if we are sliding on black ice and have no control of the steering. I have noticed the steering wheel in general has become very loose and doesn't drive as tightly as it once did a few months ago.”
NHTSA complaint #10312184, filed 2010-02, 18,000 miles“I would like to complain about the steering system of my 2009 Toyota Corolla. At the limits of the steering system there is a loud noise. That is, at the end of the degree to which I can turn the wheel the steering system makes a loud knocking sound. I have pointed this out to classic Toyota in mentor ohio in the past and was told there is no problem. I am concerned that there is a steering problem!”
NHTSA complaint #10313654, filed 2010-02, 10 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption, engine noise and stalling
- 151 complaints (10%)
- median 35,000 mi at 3.1 yrs old (121 state mileage)
- 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $872 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2008–2024
Owners describe oil disappearing between changes with no visible leak, in some cases finding only a quart or less at an oil change, and engines knocking or needing rebuild. Complaints also describe stalling at speed, loss of power with the check engine light, a grinding or squealing noise on cold start that dealers traced to belt, starter and later camshaft gear, and individual ignition coils failing. In one account the dealer could not diagnose the low-oil condition. Mostly at higher mileage, roughly 60,000 to 140,000 miles, often noticed at routine oil changes.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, ask how often oil is added between changes, and listen for a cold-start rattle or grind.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Back in january, 2018 my engine would knock when I started the car. Took the car for it's scheduled oil change only to find out that there was only a quart of oil that drained. My oil light never came on. Needless to say the engine continued to consume oil. Took the car to my mechanic and was informed that my engine needed to either be replaced or rebuilt. I opted to have it rebuilt. I paid $4000 dollars for this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11085027, filed 2018-04, 142,322 miles“My car has 91,414 miles and has had multiple cylinder misfires with my normal daily commute of six miles each way. In three years on a 4 cylinder engine I have had three ignition coils replaced, twice within two and a half years and 10,468 miles on the #2 coil. All repairs have been completed by Toyota certified repair facilities with Toyota oem parts. This is not normal for a low mileage vehicle maintained with regular service.”
NHTSA complaint #11307935, filed 2020-02, 91,267 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal needs extra pressure to stop
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the brake pedal going down further than usual or needing to be pressed hard before the car slows, in some cases with all dashboard warning lights on and the ABS diagnosed as needing replacement. Several complaints mention the car not stopping as expected at intersections or in traffic. Some owners note that brake-pad and rotor work did not resolve it and suspect the vacuum power assist. Reported from about 5,000 up to roughly 75,000 miles, across various driving conditions.
What to check: Ask whether the vacuum brake booster cold-weather campaign (09V338000) applies and was done, and test the pedal for firmness and travel on a safe road.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Toyota sent me an undated notice of a limited service campaign to install smart stop technology. When I took my car in for the installation, Toyota said I first had to have an inspection because I had actually experienced an unintended acceleration though there was no damage or injury. Despite my daily phone calls, they have yet to schedule that inspection and to install smart stop, leaving me without a car because they tell me not to drive mine until smart stop is installed.”
NHTSA complaint #10651328, filed 2014-10, 61,955 miles“The break stopped working. I had almost gotten into a car accident. Fortunately, I hit a close donation metal container and was able to stop the car. I have my car checked out by a mechanic and the issue is not related to break pads and/or rotor. It is a due to a manufacturing related issue; hydraulic:power assist:vacuum. I have stopped driving the vehicle and I would like to get it towed for a recall service to darcars Toyota dealer in silver spring md where I bought the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363853, filed 2020-10, 75,000 miles
Buying note. Check recall completion records for the airbag inflator, steering-column spiral cable, accelerator pedal and brake booster campaigns, then drive the car at highway speed to judge steering stability and listen for cold-start engine noise. Ask about oil consumption between changes, since that comes up repeatedly at higher mileage.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 1,459 consumer complaints for the 2009 Toyota Corolla. 838 of the complaints include a mileage, and 69% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 23,000 miles. Of all complaints, 186 involved a crash, 12 a fire, 110 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns and 372 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Toyota Corolla model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags552 38%
- Steering382 26%
- Vehicle speed control197 14%
- Brakes120 8.2%
- Engine91 6.2%
- Electrical system89 6.1%
- Transmission and drivetrain45 3.1%
- Engine cooling42 2.9%
- Body and structure42 2.9%
- Other or unknown40 2.7%
Also reported: Suspension (31), Fuel system (24), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (22), Electronic stability control (19), Equipment (14), Tires (14), Seat belts (11), Seats (9), Wheels (9), Exterior lighting (6), Latches, locks and linkages (4).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I was involved in a rollover crash and not a single airbag deployed. I honestly think it's a defect from all the issues that Toyota has had with airbags. I was ran off the road going around a curve and I hit a ditch and my car flipped end over end. The front of my car was severely damaged, I was going about 50mph, every air bag should have deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #11171233, filed 2019-01, 157,000 milesSteering: “I have been experiencing a lot of highway wanders and I have replaced tires and had three or more alignments done since january of this year. It feels as if the wild is blowing a hundred miles an hour around me and pushes my car all over the freeway. I feel it getting worse as well. I'm not sure what else to do or who to contact. I really need to get this fixed asap and we have tried many things.”
NHTSA complaint #11115707, filed 2018-08, 150,000 milesVehicle speed control: “At random times the car begins to accelerate on its own with no interference to the pedal. It will keep accelerating until I hit the pedal and pull up on the pedal with my foot. In neutral the engine will rev up to over 6,000 RPM and continue going up. This happens while driving a normal speed and is random.”
NHTSA complaint #11097575, filed 2018-05, 130,000 milesBrakes: “Abs and brake lights came on. The mechanic tells me that both rear ABS sensors are bad (codes c0210 and c0215). This is a Toyota Corolla 2009 le with only 81k miles and I hear the same problem exists in some friend's cars. We have lots of snow in cleveland area and it is ridiculous not to have ABS working because of this problem. Looking at discussion groups, this sounds like a recall to me.”
NHTSA complaint #10680171, filed 2015-01, 81,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
69% of the 838 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,400 and 61,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Toyota Corolla. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Toyota Corolla version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Corolla FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 26 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Corolla FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Corolla FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V741000Oct 17, 2019Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Toyota Corolla 2003–2013, Lexus SC430 2002–2010, GX460 2010–2017 +14 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012…
- 18V024000Jan 9, 2018Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Toyota Corolla 2009–2010, 2013, Scion XB 2009–2010, 2013, Toyota Corolla Matrix 2009–2010, 2013 +11 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI…
- 17V006000Jan 9, 2017Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Toyota Corolla 2009, 2012, Lexus IS 250 2006–2009, 2012, IS 350 2006–2009, 2012 +11 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered…
- 16V396000Jun 2, 2016Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/coolerCovers: Toyota Corolla 1989, 2009–2010, Camry 1988–1990, 2005–2010, Highlander 2005–2011 +11 more
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011…
- 16V340000May 23, 2016Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Toyota Corolla 2009–2011, Lexus IS 250 2006–2011, IS 350 2006–2011 +11 more
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C…
- 15V689000Oct 22, 2015Visibility › Power window devices and controlsCovers: Toyota Corolla 2009–2011, RAV4 2006–2011, Yaris 2006–2010 +10 more
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010…
See all 13 recalls for the 2009 Toyota Corolla → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA21002Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen · Sep 17, 2021
- DP14003Low-speed surgingClosed · Sep 19, 2014
- PE10008Steering Wander or DriftClosed · Feb 18, 2010
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 372 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
Other model years of the Toyota Corolla
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 824 | 1 | 5 | 34 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 31 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 66 | 15,858 | 2 | 5 | 35 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 74 | 62,500 | 3 | 5 | 35 | 16 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 102 | 21,300 | 0 | 5 | 33 | 4 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 188 | 39,200 | 1 | 5 | 33 | 16 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 311 | 10,000 | 3 | 5 | 33 | 66 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 204 | 12,400 | 5 | 5 | 32 | 57 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 136 | 17,000 | 3 | 5 | 32 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 178 | 13,500 | 3 | 5 | 32 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 215 | 25,000 | 1 | 5 | 32 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 220 | 30,000 | 1 | 5 | 32 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 270 | 35,000 | 2 | 5 | 32 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 201 | 25,500 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 446 | 36,509 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 584 | 31,000 | 9 | 3 | 29 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 1,244 | 6,000 | 17 | — | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,459 | 23,000 | 13 | — | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 314 | 39,694 | 6 | — | 31 | 68 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 836 | 46,900 | 6 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 840 | 56,414 | 7 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 854 | 69,889 | 6 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 477 | 60,000 | 9 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 721 | 86,000 | 9 | — | 31 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 117 | 62,000 | 0 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 133 | 62,500 | 0 | — | 30 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 145 | 69,750 | 0 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 155 | 66,900 | 0 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 225 | 77,800 | 0 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 135 | 99,000 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 129 | 80,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 176 | 150,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 172 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 130 | 101,000 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 63 | 98,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 71 | 100,252 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 27 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 23 | — | 1 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 26 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 14 | 10,000 | 0 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 6 | 50,000 | 2 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 1982 | 5 | 190 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Toyota Corolla model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Corolla?
Owners of this model year most often describe two things: a steering feel that needs constant small corrections at highway speed, and the unintended-acceleration / pedal campaigns that many cars went through. The issues reported most often: Unintended acceleration / sticking accelerator pedal; Airbag warning light on, or airbags not deploying; Steering wanders, needs constant correction on highway.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Toyota Corolla have?
NHTSA recorded 1,459 consumer complaints for the 2009 Toyota Corolla as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Toyota Corolla is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 552 complaints (38% of the total), followed by steering with 382.
Has the 2009 Toyota Corolla been recalled?
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Toyota Corolla get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Toyota Corolla (Corolla, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Toyota Corolla reported?
Among the 838 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 23,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,400 and 61,000 miles; 69% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.