2009 Toyota Corolla
The Verdict
The 2009 Toyota Corolla has 1,502 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (609 complaints) and body (579 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Toyota Corolla, consider the 2025 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2025 has 98% fewer complaints
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Klunk Score: Total Klunk
Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 1
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 SCION XD AND MY 2009-2010 COROLLA, AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATE...
Risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED INTAKE AIR CONNECTOR WHICH WILL RELOCATE THE BRAKE SYSTEM VACUUM PORT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2009....
Reported Apr 11, 2026
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 57 | 10 | 22 | 58 | 7 |
| 2001 | 43 | 12 | 34 | 40 | 9 |
| 2002 | 64 | 15 | 29 | 32 | 8 |
| 2003 | 180 | 28 | 374 | 123 | 56 |
| 2004 | 133 | 14 | 264 | 79 | 14 |
| 2005 | 148 | 36 | 534 | 157 | 34 |
| 2006 | 131 | 30 | 509 | 155 | 42 |
| 2007 | 173 | 40 | 492 | 126 | 22 |
| 2008 | 72 | 27 | 165 | 65 | 11 |
| 2009 | 579 | 112 | 609 | 169 | 33 |
| 2010 | 530 | 166 | 432 | 64 | 39 |
| 2011 | 92 | 19 | 405 | 35 | 16 |
| 2012 | 43 | 10 | 360 | 5 | 6 |
| 2013 | 77 | 23 | 66 | 24 | 8 |
| 2014 | 90 | 14 | 113 | 28 | 22 |
| 2015 | 76 | 13 | 76 | 26 | 27 |
| 2016 | 71 | 28 | 74 | 20 | 18 |
| 2017 | 61 | 25 | 68 | 19 | 14 |
| 2018 | 37 | 10 | 29 | 50 | 7 |
| 2019 | 44 | 12 | 26 | 74 | 44 |
| 2020 | 98 | 16 | 36 | 122 | 29 |
| 2021 | 48 | 9 | 64 | 39 | 18 |
| 2022 | 27 | 12 | 27 | 13 | 15 |
| 2023 | 26 | 3 | 24 | 13 | 5 |
| 2024 | 24 | 10 | 12 | 7 | 6 |
| 2025 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
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Worst Problems
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Complaints
Subject: Request to Consider Recall for 2009 Toyota Matrix Excessive Oil Consumption Dear Toyota Motor Corporation/NHTSA, I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue with my 2009 Toyota Matrix, which has been experiencing excessive oil consumption. Despite regular maintenance and oil changes, the vehicle continues to burn through oil at an alarming rate, posing potential environmental and safety hazards. After researching this issue, I found that numerous 2009 Toyota Matrix owners have reported similar problems, suggesting a possible design or manufacturing flaw. I believe it is essential for Toyota to acknowledge this issue and take corrective action to ensure the safety and well-being of drivers and the environment. I respectfully request that you consider adding excessive oil consumption to the list of recalls for the 2009 Toyota Matrix. I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter and take necessary steps to address this issue. Please find below the details of my vehicle: - Year: 2009 - Make: Toyota - Model: Matrix - Mileage: 92000 - Engine: 2.4L 2AZ-FE Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The contact's mother owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that on several occasions while he was driving straight at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to drift to the left and right inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I purchased my car in March 2023. From the first week, it wouldn't start sometimes. Id wait 5 minutes, then it would start fine. I thought it was when it got wet, at first. I also had a certain part replaced air flow compressor, possibly was called?, thinking this would fix it. It did not. In fact, the problem seemed to be happening more and more but, always, if I waited 5 to 10 minutes, sometimes messed around under the hood, it would start. This was not very comforting however, when it would stall at a light and not start right back up. I took it to AutoZone and was run on the diagnostics machine. Was told it needed new spark plugs and ignition coil packs. Which I got and replaced. Still happening. I took back to AutoZone, had it run again on diagnostic. This time it said battery. So I had a new battery put in. Still happening. All along, might I add, my fuses will blow randomly, my headlights And taillights will blow for no reason. One taillightooks like it melted through the plastic before it decided to blow. I e replaced some fuses, only to have blown again. I also have replaced the light bulb in taillight, only to have blown twice more. This is very dangerous, especially at a traffic light or, late at night if I need to go somewhere or leave somewhere And it won't start. I've been stuck in the middle of the road, on the wring sidevif the riad, in the midfle if a snowstorm, with it not starting for me. Also, it was gett5really cold without heat and, I was nearly hit several times as i was also at the bottom of a steep hill when my car decided to stop sliding backwards and stall on me and would not restart. That was the most fearful I have been with this issue and with good reason! I now see several others having similar issues with their same exact car. Why isn't Toyota addressing this?
The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph and exiting a parking lot when the vehicle accelerated on its own, veered to the left, and crashed into a gate. No warning lights were illuminated and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injury to the right shoulder, right foot, and right hand, but did not seek medical attention. No police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed to a towing company. Additionally, the contact stated in 2021 while reversing from a parking space, as the vehicle was driving forward, it veered to the left and crashed into a tree. The vehicle was towed to the to be diagnosed and repaired. Per the contact, the dealer offered no diagnosis or reason for the acceleration. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
I have been sent two different recalls on my cars airbags. I had one repaired. I do not know how to tell what repairs were were not done. They’ve all been marked as being done yet. Four years later less than four years later my airbag warning light is on. I’m concerned that supposedly the sensor was a rotating and warmer climate and then it was that it would propel shop objects and now I don’t have a recall, but I’ve had a light on, and of course, now other Toyotas of the same group that mine is usually in Corolla Tacoma on and on , I’m having a similar problem with the light being on and I’m very concerned that one are both of those airbags are not properly working. I’ve tried to explain to Toyota that I need to be able to identify and have problems fixed that are due to their manufacturing issues. my mats were never fixed by Toyota. I had to fix them myself. Having this repair investigated is going to cost me a lot of money and what I’m gonna find out. I bet is that other colors were recalled for it. What’s the likelihood that my car still has airbag issues , especially where all the recalls are marked is done and I know that I only had took it in once to have it fixed and that was for the sensor and I don’t even know how the parts the flying parts play into this. I hope you can find out if Ty should be expanding this recall, or if they’re just getting nailed with the recent ones Because there’s not enough 2009 Corolla on the road anymore to justify a recall .
My daughter was hit by a red light runner at 60mph and her airbags did not deploy at all. Her head hit the door and she sustained a broken collarbone, concussion and mild brain bleed.
UNKNOWN airbag light is on and never goes off. This worries me because it could affect my safety.
Power steering fails to operate causing loss of control while navigating turns.
Known well issues, faulty thank getting water to canister. Car Scanner ELM OBD2 Version: 1.99.2/1.99.2/iOS DTC report Connection profile: Toyota 2006-2009 OBD-II / EOBD + CAN busDate: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] ============================ OBD-IIOBD-II DTCs: 5 ---------------------------- P043E [0x043E] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection reference orifice - low flow Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P043F [0x043F] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection system reference orifice - excessive flow detected Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P2401 [0x2401] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection pump, control - circuit low Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P2402 [0x2402] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection pump, control - circuit high Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P2419 [0x2419] Evaporative emission (EVAP) switching valve - circuit low Status: Confirmed ============================ Engine control unit #1Engine control unit #1 DTCs: 5 ---------------------------- P043E [0x043E] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection reference orifice - low flow Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P043F [0x043F] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection system reference orifice - excessive flow detected Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P2401 [0x2401] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection pump, control - circuit low Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P2402 [0x2402] Evaporative emission (EVAP) leak detection pump, control - circuit high Status: Confirmed ---------------------------- P2419 [0x2419] Evaporative emission (EVAP) switching valve - circuit low Status: Confirmed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control / sudden unintended acceleration. This was NOT a "misapplication of pedal" by driver! It was clearly a mechanical failure—apparently accelerator pedal (not floor mat, which was secured on its pegs). NO warning lamp, msg, symptom prior to crash. Afterward, saw NHTSA rpts others FIXED speed control issue & same prob STILL recurred! My VIN wasn't listed as unrepaired (likely the original owner repaired recall issue/s)—yet car was still dangerous! At slow speed, approx 1-2 mph, I was entering my garage in usual way, turning R. Car abruptly sped up uncontrollably (self-accelerated); couldn't stop it! Crashed thru garage doorpost & wall, then backyard fence. Lucky I'm alive & no one in yard. VERY traumatic! Physical injury (neck/back) helped by ibuprofen. FWIW air bag didn't deploy. AAA said they'd only tow for repair, not inspection. I wasn't going to repair; I'd NEVER trust driving that car again & wouldn't sell to ANYONE to drive, due to grave concern same issue'd recur! Available for inspection at PickNPull, Moss Landing, CA. PnP corp agreed they'd haul away ONLY for its OTHER parts—order taker understood it had UNTRUSTED accelerator pedal / vehicle speed control. They also promised me they wouldn't let anyone drive it! Of 2009 Corolla NHTSA's 1,523 rpts, "vehicle speed control" is 3rd highest, far > nearly all other rpts. Below, a few of MANY related examples. (Note: dates may be either report or incident dates.) 10/26/21 NHTSA #11438174; 5/31/17 #10992371; 7/16/16 #10885246 ("CAR WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL...STILL AN ISSUE WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION.); 6/3/16, #10872355; 10/2/14 #10640760 ("VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT FAILURE RECURRED"); 9/30/14 #10640098; 9/25/14 #10639073; 11/16/13 #10552563; 3/4/12 #10450183; 2/10/12 #10450183 ("ALREADY HAD ALL OF TOYOTA'S "RECALL" REMEDIES";) 1/29/12 #10447756; 6/22/10 #10343426 (recall work had been done); 6/23/10 #10340943 (work had been done); 6/6/10 #10339969; 5/18/10 #10330952.
The steering stopped responding, car started spinning hitting both left and right retaining walls. Normal high way driving. Great dry weather. NO WARNING- no shake- no rattle-no lights- no noise-NOTHING
Once you turn on your car the lifters become stuck and make a loud clicking noise on the engine. It makes the car hesitate to turn on and at times it shuts off the car automatically at any time.
Side styrofoam piece broke with just basic use and installation. Seems to occur frequently with this seat.
My driver’s side window controls are slowly falling into the doors. I read where there was a recall online, but I have never received any paperwork. I am the original owner and have had all work done at various Toyota’s for 13 years now. Will I be able to have a dealer fix this? Thank you,
El auto muestra en el panel el simbolo de la bolsa de aire .Fui a un taller autorizado Toyota y le hicieron el diagnostigo y me imformaron que la computadora de las bolsas de aire no sirve y que hay que cambiarla por una nueva y habia que ordenarlas porque no la tenian en inventario.
My 2009 Toyota Corolla is once again exhibiting undesired acceleration. Toyota has deemed this vehicle repaired in response to the recall that covered this issue. I was told it was caused by the floormat which it obviously was not. The accelerator pedal sticks and they will not fix it under the previous recall. Is there any steps I can take to get this situation resolved? I was told the car is no longer under warranty so any repairs regarding this issue would be put on me.
The car speed variable when I try speed up became slow or sometimes it speed up one time it stops in the middle of rail crossing and completely stop then I moved out and the car pushed up other side and the car accelerated not working properly nod the fuel system also I have big doubt about this car!
2009 Toyota Corolla S was involved in an accident where the car flipped several times. Not a single airbag deployed.
I have had my 2009 Toyota Corolla since day 1. I seen another post in here that is having the same issue as myself. I have had to replace my battery 3 times all because the “wiring harness” on this vehicle is faulty. Toyota knew about this beforehand. As customers we put our trust and faith in these big corporations to do the right thing when making these vehicles. We, as customers, shouldn’t have to purchase and pay for labor when all while Toyota was aware of the faulty wiring harness. This causes more issues than 1 because it controls everything inside and outside of your car.
My Toyota power door lock actuators continue to fail, even after multiple replacements. The failure mode starts as intermittent operation, often leaving doors unlocked when using the electronic locking system. Eventually the door lock actuator fails to respond at all. The intermittent nature of the failure onset puts consumers at risk for not realizing the system left their car unlocked, providing an opportunity for someone to enter the vehicle and wait in the car for vehicle owner to return or to have things stolen from the vehicle. Based on the repeated failures, the actuator design or manufacturing process is clearly defective. The repeated actuator failures requires the customer to be vigilant for failures and the pay for replacement, several hundreds of dollars each time, out of their own pocket since Toyota refuses to acknowledge an egregious failure rate on their power door lock mechanisms. Cynical observers may note that the failures generate a regular revenue stream for Toyota service departments. Thank you for your time.
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