One problem related to transmission shudder has been reported for the 2009 Toyota Corolla. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Toyota Corolla based on all problems reported for the 2009 Corolla.
The transmission grinds as it shifts into 3rd gear with the clutch disengaged as a result of a defective synchro ring. After a quick search online, this appears to be a common problem with the particular transmission on my '09 Corolla s. The problem was first described in a 2010 Toyota technical service bulletin (t-sb-0282-10), but Toyota did not extend the warranty despite the fact that the synchro ring in my particular vehicle was apparently doomed to fail at some point unless the lock ball spring strength was increased to reduce stress on the 3rd gear synchro. For anyone who didn't show symptoms before their warranty expired (like me), they were just a ticking time bomb.