2009 Toyota Corolla Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,459 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2009 Toyota Corolla, 3% of the 1,459 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was in motion when the driver's side door started smoking and eventually burst into flames. Fire rescue was called but we managed to put out the fire with water before they arrived. This happened on 2/19/16 and to date Toyota is yet to send someone to look at the vehicle. I am at my wits end with Toyota.”
NHTSA complaint #10850724, filed 2016-03, 120,000 miles“I was driving and was close to my destination when I hear something go wrong. I park at my destination and I see a pool of what I think was coolant on the ground. It also felt like it was overheating so I did not want to risk the car blowing up so I had it towed. The problem was that the water pump ceased which caused the serpentine belt to also break. I searched online and found this to be a common problem and I am surprised that there have not been any recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10715293, filed 2015-05, 25,000 miles“My 2009 Corolla experienced issues identical to a prior recall circa 2010 for '05-'08 Corolla & matrix models regarding engine control modules (ECM) that may have been improperly manufactured. On 3/30/16, the check engine light turned on and my vehicle experienced harsh shifting and struggled for gas. Vehicle was in motion with over a 1/4 tank of gas on a residential street at the time. On 3/31/16, I had the vehicle towed to my local Toyota dealership. Diagnostics were run and ECM fault codes were identified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10860957, filed 2016-04, 128,650 miles“My concern is with the brake recall on Toyota corollas that was started on august 26th, 2009. First, the recall only applies to 19 states....what about those of us that drive across state lines? Or if the car is sold to someone from another state? Then it is ok if the brakes fail? We have been waiting since august to hear from them regarding this issue. Second, I no longer believe much (if anything) that Toyota tells us. …”
NHTSA complaint #10314012, filed 2010-02, 4,000 miles“I took my Corolla to the 75k miles services, but at the 76k when I was driving the engine start making noise. I opened the hood and I was surprised to see that the water cooler tank was almost empty. I took my car again totoyota service center and they said that the cooler pump is leaking so I have to change it and the repair will cost around $500.00. My 09 Toyota Corolla's water pump is busted and I thought all along that Corolla are supposed to be the best?.this really annoying issue, with only 75,000 miles on the car the water pump shouldn't be all ready worn out !.”
NHTSA complaint #10790081, filed 2015-11, 76,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Some 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…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 44% |
| 2025 | 7 | 23% |
| 2024 | 17 | 26% |
| 2023 | 18 | 24% |
| 2022 | 15 | 15% |
| 2021 | 33 | 18% |
| 2020 | 80 | 26% |
| 2019 | 33 | 16% |
| 2018 | 19 | 14% |
| 2017 | 31 | 17% |
| 2016 | 24 | 11% |
| 2015 | 33 | 15% |
| 2014 | 38 | 14% |
| 2013 | 16 | 8% |
| 2012 | 11 | 2% |
| 2011 | 19 | 3% |
| 2010 | 47 | 4% |
| 2009 | 40 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 22 | 3% |
| 2006 | 29 | 3% |
| 2005 | 25 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 3% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
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 complaintsSuspension
31 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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