2009 Toyota Corolla Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 0%of 1,459 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Toyota Corolla, 0% of the 1,459 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 2 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.
“Takata recall on 7/3/13, left work at 2:30 from fm1960 and aldine westfield. Took the on ramp of west loutetta to get off of ramp. I inched up to the intersection and the at&trepairman thought I was going, so, he gunned it. Needdlesstosay, I recieved spinal injuries, and the airbag never popped out. Years later, it is still indicating as implemented to no avail. I was told that the repairing of this problem is a massive undertaking. Of which I thought was going to be taken care of when the car was being repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11043836, filed 2017-11, 65,000 miles“The high beams on the headlights come on without the control being touched. This began when I first bought the car & still does. At first it would happen at any time of the day but now it happens only when it is dark or getting dark. This could impair the vision of the driver of an oncoming vehicle. It is most dangerous on narrow streets. There are other electrical problems that occur from time to time such as the cruise control, power mirrors, air conditioner, driving & dash lights not working. …”
NHTSA complaint #10721720, filed 2015-05, 10 miles“We have a serious nighttime driving visibility condition. The auto manufacturers are now making headlights with plastic lens which tend to darken in a relatively short time thereby inhibiting nighttime driving vision especially for older people who need more light than a younger driver. It in my opinion should not be tolerated. The manufacturers should be compelled to go back to glass lenses for safety reasons.”
NHTSA complaint #10237839, filed 2008-08“The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that when adding a new bulb to the headlights for the low beams, the bulbs would only last for two months before failing. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer or mechanic. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 106,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10485157, filed 2012-11, 106,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the steering wheel cover panel detached and left the air bag exposed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that a bolt was loose and caused the panel to detach. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned that the air bag would unexpectedly deploy without being involved in a crash. The failure mileage was 35,902 and the current mileage was 36,233. Updated 07/25/11 the consumer also stated water was getting inside of the head lights causing them to become discolored. Updated 12/19/11”
NHTSA complaint #10407569, filed 2011-06, 35,902 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 4 | 6% |
| 2023 | 11 | 15% |
| 2022 | 9 | 9% |
| 2021 | 8 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 6 | 3% |
| 2016 | 10 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 6% |
| 2014 | 9 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 0% |
| 2009 | 6 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% |
| 2001 | 9 | 7% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 5% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 12 | 9% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 3 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2009 Toyota Corolla
552 complaintsSteering
382 complaintsVehicle speed control
197 complaintsBrakes
120 complaintsEngine
91 complaintsElectrical system
89 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
45 complaintsEngine cooling
42 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsFuel system
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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