general problems of the 2009 Toyota Corolla - part 2

The power steering went out in a parking lot while turning in to a parking spot and almost hit someone. Had to have the car towed to the dealership. They told me it was working fine now and they could not find a problem. If it goes out again while driving at higher speed turn it could cause a deadly accident.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact was driving 40 mph over a bridge when another vehicle veered extremely close to the contact¿s vehicle. The contact crashed into the vehicle and the vehicle then abnormally accelerated. The contact abruptly applied the brakes however, they were unresponsive and the power steering assist then suddenly failed. The failure caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle and spin uncontrollably until the vehicle flipped twice and came to a halt. The vehicle was extremely close to falling off the edge of the bridge. The contact sustained severe bruising to the chest and a fractured left hip. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was inspected by the contact¿s insurance company but they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

Sporadically the car would give the driver the sensation of severe wind buffeting (car would wiggle side to side). This occurred in both od and 3rd (no other gears tested), with all electronics on, then off (radio, cruise, vent, ac, etc. ) and both on and off the nys thruway. Occurrences did not cause the driver to lose control of vehicle though it made it difficult to keep the car within the lane markings. This condition was not noticed on 55mph more rural roads in which frequent or semi frequent stops were encountered. Our plan is to secure a hero cam in an attempt to record actual steering wheel's (front tires) motion apart from operator's physical steering wheel within passenger compartment. Although no loss of control was encountered each occurrence was not always the same in severity so no assertions are being made as to whether or not this condition could yield a catastrophic failure at highway speeds thus producing a severe accident harming vehicles occupants or other vehicle’s occupants sharing the same roadway.

Loss of steering at a right bend in the street, think the power went out to the electronic power assist, car went straight into a sign pole with a large cement base, major damage to front end, airbag didn't deploy, seat belt didn't work and there was no power at all to the car even though the battery was not damaged. Car was recently at Toyota dealership for recall to repair to electrical power window problem to prevent electrical fire, oil change and service done at same time, the car has been well maintained. New tires and brakes. Opened a claim with Toyota, so far met with apathy and resistance.

Steering requires constant driver correction to go straight down the highway. Car pulls to the left or right, but won't track straight when driving on the highway. This occurs whenever the car is driven at highway speeds. When driving on windy days, it's more difficult to control because crosswinds add to the instability.

Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the steering wheel locked, the brakes failed to stop, and the accelerator failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000. Kmj.

I am unable to drive at a safe speed on the interstate due to instability with the steering mechanism. The car pulls to the left and at times my wheels goes over into the other lane. At times it feels I have no control over the car and must apply the brakes to keep the car from steering in whatever direction it wants to go. My rear tires feel like they want to bypass the front of my car on the left hand side. Taking an exit with a sharp curve to the right, I had to slam on my brakes to keep the vehicle from steering off the road especially with another vehicle behind me. I had my tires changed and a front wheel alignment, still the problem continues. The mechanic test drove my car after I took it back to the shop. The mechanic wrote on my sales slip, "vehicle sways at hwy speeds. Rechecked suspension, felt no play on both front wheels, vehicle drives straight when it feels like its swaying side to side. Steering wheel itself feels loose. " I consider my vehicle unsafe to drive on the highway because I could lose control of the steering within a matter of seconds or if I need to change lanes at a much slower speed than most others are going in order to maintain control of the vehicle. With the average person driving 10 miles over the speed limit and some up to 90 miles weaving in and out of traffic, cutting people off, basically being rude; it makes for a dangerous situation not only for myself but others on the road. I can only pray that I make it home safely to work and home each day before I'm able to shell out a large amount of money for more repair work on my car. Thanks Toyota!.

I purchased an 09 Toyota Corolla x-ray on March 28 2013 I took for an alignment on 4-9-13 because it was pulling and didn't want to stay straight. Then I find out that there is a flaw in the rear toe and Toyota is not doing anything. This is not safe and needs to be addressed now.

Steering needs to be constantly corrected. Vehicle drifts as though your driving through a wind storm. Very difficult to keep vehicle strait at highway speeds. I had steering checked at dealership and was told no problems were found with calibration. I called Toyota and they stated that there were no recalls on steering and if I had concerns I should have it checked at the dealership. This issue needs to be investigated as soon as possible before someone gets killed. I noticed that there have been many complaints to NHTSA with the same steering problems I am having with the 2009 Corolla.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, a loud crackling noise was heard coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 17,000. Updated 04-03-13 the consumer stated she just found out, there was a problem with the steering intermediate shaft, that was causing a noise. Updated 06/12/14.

Steering eps module is down. Toyota did replace the computer for the eps on some of the 2009 and early 2010s. But did not recall.

Driving on a straight interstate. Speed limit was 70 mph. Road surface was wet. Drove over water, engine abruptly surged, similar to pushing accelerator to floor. Front end veered abruptly left. I applied brakes. Car spun backwards. Rear right wheel made contact with the metal cable-type barrier on left side of highway.

When driving, steering requires constant attention as it drifts both right and left off center making it difficult to drive straight. Vehicle, at highway speeds, will sometimes give the feel of hydroplaning or being buffeted by strong cross winds(very scary and dangerous). This vehicle is unsafe as it requires you to focus all of your attention directly in front of the car just trying to keep it between the lines. Any distraction such as reading a highway sign for 2 seconds can find you drifting into another lane or off the road. The sudden feeling of hydrplaning is exceptionally dangerous as one can oversteer to correct.

Steering lost response to wheels, after correction, steering will not come back to center' car wanders from side to side you must keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, problem has happened before. . We had tires rotated, wheel alignment, alignment shop says the problem is with electronic computer which controls steering.

I just recently purchased a certified used 2009 Toyota Corolla with only 25,000 miles on it. I've noticed that steering this vehicle, especially at highway speeds, can be a challenge. The car seems to have a mind of its own sometimes because out of nowhere the car will abruptly veer to the left or right. I've already taken this vehicle back to the dealer and they checked the wheel alignment, rotated the tires, and adjusted the tire air pressure. They notified me that everything was up to specification. On April 16, 2012 a box blew out of the back of a truck on a highway and when I swerved to avoid it I almost lost control of the vehicle. When I got home I got online and found a ton of people complaining about the same issue with their 2009-2010 Corolla. Apparently it has to do with the new electronic power steering they initiated in 2009. Perhaps they should go back to the old hydraulic power steering system. Please help!!.

While making a left turn yesterday,my steering wheel started shifting so hard that made me lose control of the car, causing me to spin and hit another car also turning left. I was driving with caution, especially because it had been previously raining,but the worst part is that it's not the first time this has happened to me. I reported another accident in 2010 caused by the same failed component. I was driving on a straight lane while raining and all of the sudden my steering wheel lost control and my car span 2 times,making me end on a ditch. Thanks god the road was clear, so my car didn't hit any other car;however, this has been the most terrifying experience of my life!; it left me with a trauma that was with me for over a year. It made me terrified of driving this car, especially under raining conditions. After that I bought new tires,then took it to Toyota to get checked. They said the steering was in fact shifting, and that the computer that controls it wasn't working correctly, so they replaced it. I felt more secure afterwards,so I drove my car normally, still feeling the shift under windy conditions,blaming it on the wind for not feeling terrified anymore. . Until yesterday!this time causing me to crash onto another car!now I'm scared to death to drive my car, and have to lose time, stress and aggravation on something that should've been a recall years ago! it is ridiculous that after having the power to force any company who's not following security regulations,the NHTSA is still not censuring Toyota who claims so strongly "security first". How many wrecks, injuries and deaths need to occur for NHTSA to realize this as a major safety issue because it affects the driver in such an abrupt manner! something needs to be done now! god forbids, this happens again and I'll make sure all organizations/corporations involved get sued for not taking drastic measures.

Power steering stopped working suddenly, car veered to the right, became very difficult to steer; dashboard warning light went on. This has occurred up to 20 times, sometimes as soon as the car is turned on, sometimes on the freeway at high speed. If vehicle is in motion, loss of power steering causes vehicle to jump sideways. At times, loss of power steering is preceded by groaning sound. Owners' manual advises stopping the vehicle, waiting until warning light goes out, and taking car to dealer. I have taken car to Toyota dealers on three separate occasions. The computer memory shows the warning light going on, but there appears to be nothing wrong with electric power steering unit, and dealer can not duplicate occurrence on a test drive.

When car is driven at highway speeds, 70-75 mph, steering pulls left and right rapidly, causing car to become very unstable in handling. Seems to drift in its lane. When driving it is very unpredictable. I just purchased this vehicle used and became aware of it. No accident issues only 40,000 miles contacted Toyota dealer in green bay, and they said they never heard of any complaints regarding the 2009 Corolla electric assisted power steering. Further stated I should 'try and find something on the internet' to show if there are any issues. . Complete stonewalling. .

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while the oil was being changed by an authorized dealer, he was informed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the front passenger side wheel was shaking and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,000. Updated 03/21/2012.

The steering is terrible. Every time I get onto the highway, I have to hold on to the steering wheel very hard with both hands to feel safe. I am always worried about hitting the car next to. The car swerves constantly, and is very hard to control. I can not believe that a relatively new car such as this can not stay straight on the road. It feels as if it were extremely windy outside making the car shake left and right. I have always trusted Toyota and thought that they sold nothing but the best. I have lost the joy and excitement in driving. Please correct this dangerous issue. Blind spots are also a major safety issue I have found. Also, there is an extremely annoying rattle inside the car. It sounds like it is coming from the ceiling, and from the rear windshield. It is noticeable at all speeds.

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/lj.

I own a 2009 Corolla which I bought in September of 2008. Around June 1st I began having trouble with my steering wheel. While making a sharp turn I heard a loud pop. After that my steering wheel did not feel right the rest of the way home. When I parked in my driveway with my wheels straight I noticed my steering wheel was upside down. The next morning it was fine. 2 weeks later the same thing happened again. I took it to the dealership and was told the computer did not show anything wrong and if the steering wheel had turned upside down there would have been an error message on the computer. I had shown them pictures proving that it happened. They told me they had no idea what the problem was so there was nothing they could do. I am afraid to drive my car on interstates now because I am afraid the steering will go out completely and cause me to wreck. I know Toyota has had several complaints about steering problems in the 2009 Corolla. I just want to know that my car is safe to drive and apparently no one can tell me that.

Driving north on an urban interstate highway at about 60 mph the car experienced random movement similar to a strong crosswind or low tire pressure. Tire pressure sensors did indicate low pressure and next morning tire pressure was checked with a gauge and were at the recommended pressure. There was a moderate to strong wind from the west but the car movement even occurred when driving in a depressed roadway with no observable wind. My wife mentioned that this had happened to her recently. After a few miles the car returned to normal. Later that evening when going south, this same symptoms occurred on and off over a 20 + mile period. An hour or so later, when driving east on a rural interstate the motion began again with the wind behind us. At all times when dropping the speed tp below 50 mph the problem ceased. On may 2, my wife stated that this squirrelly problem reoccured driving south on a suburban interstate. Tire sensors indicated no tire pressure issue. Light wind from the east. There has been very little freeway driving since March. After discussing this occurrence, I recalled another Corolla owner mentioning a steering problem. I went online a found numerous descriptions of similar incidents.

This morning while driving at 55 mph on the highway our 2009 Corolla seemed to jerk itself out of the middle of 5 lanes of traffic, started spinning, hit the guard rail with the right rear tail section. The car essentially bounced off the rail, continued to spin across the lanes of traffic and back, coming to a rest back on the same side I hit the guard rail. I was extremely lucky that no other cars managed to be involved in this accident. From the minute the car first jerked out of control until it came to a rest I could not gain any control over the stearing or movement of the car. The car has done this to a lesser degree on a few occasions over the past few months (car was purchased used, from a dealer, 3/13/2010) which we thought might be due to hydroplaning (we're in seattle where the roads are often wet but we've driven here for 35 years with nothing like this feeling in any other car) or a need for new tires but this was clearly not the only issue. On those occasions it also felt like the car was suddenly floating and the steering jerked it to the left (but I was not going through a deep puddle/hydroplaning). It was momentary but enough to scare me and make me wonder what had just happened. It was raining this morning at the time of the accident but something else caused the car to jerk itself out of the lane and lose control of the steering. It is currently in the body shop awaiting an estimate for repair. The Toyota dealer didn't want to look at it despite my description. I'm left traumatized, with likely whiplash and a wrecked car. This car is not safe! we are afraid to drive this car anywhere! I will also be contacting Toyota corp. Regarding the apparent problem, the accident and the dealership's dismissal.

Electric power steering over corrects. Dangerous while driving at high speeds. First time I had to report a life threatening incident. My 2009 Toyota caused me to pull over twice to check the steering. It felt as if was hit with by heavy winds. While driving at above 60mph I was fighting to control the steering, the car would cross over lanes was about to loose total control, on several long turns in the hgwy. At times it was safer to drive with no hands. !!! there was no mechanical noise while driving, but I'm now afraid of the car, my daily commute is 80 miles. I purchased this card second hand from a dealer. Today I registered the car with Toyota. Com after my terrifying experience; to my surprise the previous owner had reported a long list of issues from faulty sensors to steering problems. Hate to assume that this was the reason to trade-in the car. But ill be looking to do the same. I hope this helps NHTSA investigate this issues.

My 2009 Toyota Corolla purchased in December of 2010 has "wandered" slightly while driving at highway speed since I purchased it. This has been an intermittent occurrence that often left me questioning alignment or road condition until today when while driving to work the problem again occurred and unlike the previous occurrences where the car would drift slightly much like what might occur while driving in high wind, the car began to swerve in and out of the lane requiring me to come to nearly a complete stop in the middle of a freeway. This is my 3rd Toyota and 2nd Corolla (2003) traded in for this vehicle. I have been driving since 1977 and am a safe driver that understands that different models and equipment changes may create subtle differences from vehicle to vehicle. This condition is not however, something one can contribute to anything logically related as it starts without warning, usually at speeds over 50 to 55 mile per hour and in varying severity. This was a nuisance until today and now is something that leaves me fearful to drive as had there been a vehicle next to me, a collision most likely would have been unavoidable. The road surface was clear, the weather was clear and the wind was low, so weather did not play as a factor.

This is my first complaint I've ever filed with the NHTSA, and it is because I believe now that our car is incredibly dangerous to drive unless substantial changes are made to the electric power steering. We recently purchased our 2009 Toyota corrolla, and at highway speeds (60-75 mph) the car is pushed around by wind constanty. Even if it isn't windy though, the car still will not track straight, and feels as though wind is pushing it from side to side. A few days ago, on a fairly windy day, I had to hold the steering wheel to the right to keep going straight and prevent the car from being pushed into the left lane on the highway. As soon as a short break in the wind happened though the car would then shoot over the line to the right (where the steering wheel was pointed to counteract the force of the wind pushing the vehicle to the left). Although on calm days it is sometimes only an annoyance, on windy days (even in light winds) it can become extremely dangerous at 70mph. I have owned many different vehicles over my years, and this is by far the worst handling car on a highway that I have ever driven.

The steering goes to the left or to the right. . . I have to really hold on with both hand to control the steering. When I go fast on the highway the car seems to lose control. . It will not go straight. I get real nervous everytime I drive on a highway. I just do not feel safe.

I was driving along the freeway at a normal speed of about 55-65mph, when suddenly my car start swerving right and left, and I have no way of stopping the car but to hold the steering wheel all the way to the left so it would hit the dividing wall of the freeway to stop it moving.

Every since buying this car something has felt wrong with the steering. It has gotten worse over time. It feels like you are skating on ice as you drive down the highway even on dry pavement with no wind. The steering wanders constantly causing me to have to correct it. You can't drive it with one hand at all. I've had 3 sets of tires and two alignments to try and correct the problem. The mechanics say they can find nothing wrong.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that another driver was operating the vehicle 55 mph when the steering suddenly malfunctioned. The vehicle began swerving in and out of traffic as the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle began to spin out of control and landed sideways before coming to a stop. The driver was uninjured. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that they would send a representative to inspect the vehicle for the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileage was approximately 29,600.

My 2009 Corolla le has been having front end alignment / steering problems since new. It started shortly after buying it, I took it in for it's first oil change and asked the dealer to look into the alignment since the steering wheel was off center. This happened again 2-3 times afterwards, then I finally had brakes serviced and had it aligned. 2-3 days later after alignment I noticed the wheel off center again. I am a busy person so I decided to take it for due oil change and have them take a look at the steering once again because now is getting worse, is pulling to the right and the other day I over compensated taking a left turn and hit the curb which caused to bend the lip of a wheel, lucky for me no air got out of the tire. Now I have to buy a new wheel, that one would never balance. Please help, there is something wrong with the front end of this car, maybe a recall should be made.

My 2009 Toyota Corolla continues to be all over the road at highway speeds. I have to make constant corrections in steering to keep in within the lane. The eps is way too sensitive. Very dangerous and produces driver fatigue and potential for overcorrections. I have read in consumer reports that Toyota has addressed this and is offering a fix, only to those customers who complain, to replace the eps control module. I contacted my dealer on 9/24/2010 and the service manager stated he knew nothing about this fix. The dealers were supposed to know about this in June 2010 from a service bulletin from Toyota corporate. Please require Toyota to issue a recall to replace the eps control module as the dealers are reluctant to fix upon request from the customer.

2009 Toyota Corolla with steering issues. Car always pulls to the right. Already needing to replace tires, with only 24,000 miles on it. Dealership not covering anything.

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact was driving 60 mph when a vehicle ahead of her abruptly stopped. The contact attempted to steer to avoid crashing into the vehicle and lost control. The steering wheel excessively went from left to right and the contact crashed into a cement median. The contact sustained minor injuries to her neck. The vehicle was towed from the scene by her insurance company who deemed the vehicle as destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 24,000.