Engine Problems of Toyota Corolla - part 1

I filed a complaint, odi number 10313597 to bring attention to a potentially hazardous condition with my 2006 Toyota Corolla. As stated in the original complaint, my vehicles ecu (engine computer) failed while in traffic 2 times on this vehicle. I was pleased to find out that a recall for this issue was initiated for my model year Corolla. Called Toyota for more information about the recall and they said that my VIN number vehicle was not affected by the recall. I tried to explain to the operator that my vehicle's ecu had failed twice and had been replaced by a dealership. She could not give me a reason why my vehicle was not part of the recall. Called dealer to find out if the last ecu was an updated one that would not fail and the parts guy thought it was. I am filing this complaint to see if the recall can be expanded to include my vehicle so if the current computer does fail, that I can get it replaced under the recall. When these computers fail the vehicle's engine dies and is hard to restart. This can happen at anytime, driving in traffic, pulling out into traffic and this can been very dangerous.

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My engine stopped this morning while I was driving my car, a 2005 Toyota Corolla, part of a 1. 3 million car 2010 recall. Luckily, I was at a stoplight, my car restarted, and I was able to drive to a nearby Toyota dealership, where it is being fixed free of charge (although it's taking 24-36 hours for the part to be restocked). Toyota's known about his potential problem since 2005 - I'm furious that it took them 5 years to issue a recall. I could have been killed.

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In March 2007, I bought a brand new Toyota Corolla. More than three months ago my car started having major problems when I try to turn to car on. First the car engine did not turn on right away, so I had to keep trying to turn it on, then the car did not turn on at all. I got stock at the supermarket parking lot one day because the car was dead. I took it to have a battery check and the mechanic told me that the batteries of the car was in excellent condition, so the problem was the engine of the car. Couple of weeks later, I received a letter by Toyota explaining me that they recalled my car with a major problem in the engine, the letter stated that I needed to be careful because my car engine can turn off while I am driving. I took the car to the Toyota dealer to have then check the car, and they did not even touch my car, they told me that when my car turn off again, to call them or have my car toll to their place. Two days after I went to the dealership the car started having the same problems. It makes a wear sound when I put my keys in the engine and try to turn the car on. I take any tries before the car turn on, so I called Toyotas corporate number and they told me to take my car to the dealership, and it did it; however, they did not even touch my car. They leaved parked on a side of the lot and they waited more than two hours to tell me again that I have to wait until the car does not turn on again so they can take a look of the engine. They told me that Toyota is working on a resolution for my problem and by the end of November, I will get a second letter from Toyota stating the solution for the problem and to take my car to the dealership so they can fix in. Today is December 14, 2010 and I have not received any other communication from Toyota. I have not driven my car because I have to kids and I'm afraid that something can happen to us while I am driving my unsafe car. I request an action from Toyota because I am paying for a car that I am not using.

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I have a 2008 Toyota Corolla. On four separate occasions after coming to a complete stop the engine accelerated. I immediately put the transmission into neutral and the engine rpm increased to 6000rpm. After the first occurrence I removed the floor mats at Toyota's request even though they were no where near the accelerator and the condition re-occurred. Both the local and regional Toyota rep checked the car and found nothing wrong. I put the floor mats back - again no where near the accelerator and on 2 July the unintended acceleration occurred again when I was on a trip. When I returned I brought the car to my local dealer they checked the car and found nothing. The regional Toyota rep would not come to inspect it because the floor mats were in place - but again they are no where near the accelerator. I was told to bring it in if it happens again and to remove the floor mats. My wife and mother in law were in the car during the last incident and they were very frightened. My wife will no longer drive the car. I do not feel that the car is safe but have no choice since I cannot afford another car. The accelerator is not sticking but it is advancing to cause the higher rpms. I'm not sure why Toyota does not realize this.

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The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla. While driving out of the driveway at approximately 5 mph the vehicle completely shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they replaced the main control module and they calibrated it per the warranty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance a couple weeks prior to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was 13,410.

Engine will surge when at a stop and unless brake is fully depressed to the floor, vehicle may move forward. This surge is not consistent, occurring between 10-20% of the time and more likely to occur within the first 10 seconds of stopping at a light or to park vehicle after being on highways at higher rates of speed.

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Unintended acceleration. Slowed to a near stop at a red arrow. The car started to creep into the intersection, pushed harder on the brakes and it did not stop the car. The engine rpms increased. Shifted into n, went to r for a second then back to n. Rpms decreased and then the car appeared ok. Look at the floor mat and it did not appear to be out of place. First time was today. No repairs yet.

The heater in our car was malfunctioning, it would take 15-20 minutes before it would get warm, we took it to the Toyota dealership( roughly 03/31/2010 ) where we purchased it ( and they have done all the maintenance, oil changes, transmission flush, etc. ) they looked at the car and just said that it needed some coolant and that was it. The heater worked for just a couple days and then the heater began doing the same thing again. On the night of 04/17/2010 while driving home the engine got very hot all of the sudden, we pulled over and purchased some more coolant and put it in the car , drove the car home and then on Monday 04/19/2010 we took it back in to have them look at it again and they said that there is a crack right down the middle of the engine block and that is why the coolant keeps draining. They told us we need to have the engine replaced. It is a 2005 Corolla with only 79,000 miles on it. We were 4,000 miles past our extended warranty. They said since they haven't seen this before that they would give us brand new engine but we would have to pay $ 2274. 00 for labor and a thermostat. It is currently at tony divino Toyota in riverdale , utah being repaired.

On 3/11/2010, I drove 2005 Toyota Corolla on the exit of high way at about 35 mile per hr. The car suddenly speed u and hit concert barrier. My car was total loss. I am a good drive and never had a ticket during past 20 years. I am sure it is car problem.

Car would not start. Towed to dealer. Car started @ dealer. Advisor said the same thing has happened to five other cars in the last 30 days.

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I rented a Toyota Corolla from an interprise agency, and it is stinky inside when driving it. I had been vomiting because of the strong smell of carbon monoxide. When a blow my nose dirt come out, and the car is also liking alot of oil. This situation is a health problem. This is a Toyota 2010 please take them out of the market. Thank you.

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The engine suddenly lost power on 1/04. 3/02 and 3/12 and eventually replaced the conputer control part on 3/16.

Unexpected, sudden, full acceleration while at a complete stop [with the transaxle in "drive"].

Unexpected, sudden, full acceleration while braking/slowing and little or no response from brakes.

I own a 2006 Toyota Corolla le. Earlier this month, I lost all but an extremely minimal amount of power while driving. I nursed the car to my home and contacted my local Toyota dealership by telephone and described the problem. Over the phone, the service person with whom I spoke said that he believed the problem was with one of the car's computers. He indicated that the problem I described was not unique, but that I should bring it in for formal diagnostic tests. When I had the car towed into the dealership, the service personnel verified that one of the car's computers had to be replaced. I spoke with two of the service personnel at the time and both gave me the impression that the problem was not unusual for that year's Corolla le. I bring this to your attention because of the current questions regarding Toyota's problems and the possibility that some of the major problems could have an electronic origin.

I'm not sure if this is a defect but I just want to file a comment I have with my vehicle. I have a 2003 Toyota Corolla s made in 7/2002. The thing I have experiencing and still am is that my vehicle will lurch when it comes to a stop and engine idle speed changes when the vehicle was stopped. I've never experience this with other cars I have driven. I also didn't know if this is a defect or not back then until I start reading the news about the recall and other complaints from my model that is not due to the current recall. . Read more...

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We own a 2000 Toyota Corolla ce. The car was functioning fine most of the time however it sometimes shuts down its engine immediately with or without much notice. Sometimes the engine appears to be jerking off before it starts to die down, but it's not always the case. We have asked several mechanics about the problem (and have replaced many parts) but no one can give a definite answer for the problems. One mechanic suggested that the problem is with the computer, and there is nothing he can do about it but to replace the whole computer. We have not yet involved in any crashes or accidents (yet) because we only use the car locally since we found out about the problem. Usually we stay at the slower lane and immediately pull over when the engine dies down. It happens like once a month or so. Any idea how to get Toyota responsible for this?.

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I own a 2009 Toyota Corolla that has had numerous incidents of not starting. The vehicle will not start after sitting for a period of time, however, it will start after numerous attempts to do so. This vehicle was purchased brand new in April 2008. I have had this vehicle in the shop on three separate occasions with this same issue and they tell me they cannot find a cause for this. This has also happened four other times that I did not take the vehicle to the garage since they informed me they could not fix it if it would not repeat the behavior. The occurrence is very sporadic and there is no way to know when it will happen again. The last time it was in the garage they placed a fuel additive in the gas tank to fix the problem. . . Still no resolve.

Approaching red light, car in neutral, right foot depressing brake, left resting on clutch, and car was slowing down when engine revved (watched tachometer needle jump). As engine revved I checked to make sure that right foot was not near gas pedal (wasn't). This was second occurrence of the engine revving when gas pedal was not engaged. Apparently there is a recall for this defect. I am not an automotive engineer. Gas pedal will be modified by dealer within the week, but both times my feet were not near the pedal when the rpm's increased.

I have a Toyota Corolla 2010 which I bought in the first week of August 2009. While I was driving to sacramento around last August, my car lost power in the middle of a freeway. I was in the fast lane, and unable to operate the car. I realized that the engine was not there, it went off, no power and the car decreased its speed and finally stopped. Fortunately I was able to get out in the left emergence lane. If it was a rush hour and traffic was busy, I would have an accident. Fortunately, there was no accident. After thinking for 5 minutes or so, I turned on the engine and started driving again. Last week I went to Toyota dealer (for the recall) and told my situation. But they didn't give much attention to my concerns. I know come to realize that this may not be my problem and someone may have the same problem. I need help how this happen and if the problem occurs in other area, please prevent it happening again. So that we will save life.

Re my 2007 Corolla ce. Driving with my husband in my 2007 Corolla in 8/09 was making right turn out of residential subdivision onto heavy traffic roads during rush hour. With no warning engine literally stopped dead as I was moving into lane and perhaps 20% of way into lane. Engine had been running fine before that with absolutely no indication of problem. Fortunately--when engine stopped dead--front of car was not fully in lane into which I was turning and oncoming traffic could move around me. Turned off ignition, let set for perhaps 60 seconds; was able to re-start engine; car started and I was able to make it home, driving 1. 2 miles. Garaged overnight; car started next morning but died halfway out of garage. After 5-10 minutes started again but died after driving 30 yards. Had towed to dealer; learned there'd been a "dealer's technical service bulletin in 9/08, TSB ego42-07, in re defective part, to quote service mgr "bad batch of ecm's in "some" 2007 Toyotas. " dealers were supposed to have informed customers of this defective ecm when they brought Corollas in for service. Please note that I had this Corolla serviced at 2 different Toyota dealerships between 9/08 and 8/09, date of incident, and neither informed me of this TSB. My husband and I could have been killed in this incident and, since I transport my 4 yr old nephew, he, too, had been at risk. Dealership rep shrugged . . . Could have cared less. This defect should never have been a mere TSB . . . There should have been a recall and Corolla owners should have been notified. Online research at the time indicated that there had been Corollas which had died at highway speed, so we were probably fortunate. This could have been catastrophic for us.

Going 45 mph, car suddenly cut off without warning, would not restart. Had to be towed to dealership. Was told that the ecm failed and the part had to be ordered. I purchased the extended warranty when I bought the car new, so this is covered. In speaking with the service manager at dealership, he indicated there was no recall on this part because it wasn't a safety issue! it is a safety issue! I was lucky there was very little traffic at the time my car died or I may have been rearended. I'm just lucky it didn't happen on the highway.

Our son was driving my car at approx 55 mph, in the afternoon, in cool clear spring weather. . . A clunk was heard, the engine died, he was lucky to find a wide spot to pull off the rural two lane highway and coast to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, diagnoses revealed dtc 607 ecm performance, description computer,engine . The computer was defective, and was replaced with 1 quantity. . . . Fp number 89661-02k21 computer for the engine under warranty. (31,858 miles on odometer) thurston's dealership in ukiah gave us great service and a quick turn around time enabling son to commute to college once again with little inconvenience. I'm greatly concerned about this incident and hope my data submission will serve to alert service departments, manufacturers and investigators to our experience with the engine computer chip defect. I want to help prevent the possibility of other drivers being placed in a potentially hazardous situation of loss of engine computer control while driving.

I stepped on gas pedal and car stopped. This happened three times in a couple of minutes. The car was towed to Toyota. They fixed it immediately and stated in was a computerfailure. I was lucky to be in a parking lot. If on a highway I would be dead as the car died each time I restarted it and stepped on the gas. Toyota dealer stated it was a computer failure. My friend has the same car and same year. Same thing happened to her. Diagnosis again computer failure.

2003 Toyota Corolla le, 48,000 miles, engine seized due to lack of oil circulation in the engine block. Result was a complete engine replacement. The vehicle has always been well maintained and the oil changed at regular intervals.

Engine malfunction dash indicator came on. First Toyota dealer replaced spark plugs after discussion and said drive car for few days. Warning light came on next day. Second Toyota dealer ran full diagnostics and got code p1346. Advised vvti cam needed to be replaced and possible timing chain. Minimum cost just over $1000. I asked if there was a service bulletins on this. They said no. There is. Now what step should I take?.

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The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Corolla. While driving 40 mph, the engine suddenly shut off and the fuel and temperature gauges displayed zero. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the main computer in the vehicle failed and the component could not be replaced until October. The VIN and engine size were unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 18,000.

I have encountered what I believe to be a major manufacturing error. My vehicles engine produces a very large and instantaneous increase in horsepower (a surge) at 6800 rpm (due to a cam switchover). I have observed dynamometer readouts which place this jump at around 40hp. Because of this strange and instantaneous jump in horsepower, during slippery conditions, or on roads with debris such as sand or gravel, the car would, without prior warning, lose traction when it hit this power surge point. I am well aware the xrs is a performance type vehicle, and enjoy it when road conditions are perfect, yet it causes me great discomfort to know that merging onto the highway during rain or snow (or with sand or gravel on the road surface) may mean an abrupt loss in traction leading to a crash, injury, or worse. I have personally experienced some very unnerving near-accidents due to the engines bizarre power delivery. Strangely enough, my research indicates that previous iterations of the same engine produced by Toyota have the cam switchover point placed much lower in the rpm range, leading to a much smoother power delivery (which I believe is safer and more predictable). I have contacted Toyota a total of three times, once through mail and twice by phone, about this problem. The representatives I talked with could/would not answer my questions about this problem, as well as refusing to admit to a problem with this particular special edition car. With winter approaching, I'm not waiting to have an accident to report this manufacturer error, especially so since Toyota has refused to acknowledge the problem.

2003 Toyota Corolla purchased in 2002 was told today I need a brand new engine. My car has 102,000 not old at all well maintained got services when needed. No one can explain why my engine has gone bad. I just wonder how many other engines have gone bad this soon?? the last time something was wrong with my car it ended up being a recall a few months later had to have a rear axle replaced.

I came home on 8/25/06 at 12:30am, driving about 15 miles home from the restaurant, and parked the car in my apartment complex. At approximately 5:30am the vehicle broke into a fire, and was burnt to the ground. The flames completely engulfed the car. My insurance investigator said that the fire started in the engine, and worked it's way around the driver side of the car. Have notified Toyota, and have a claims ticket with them, but getting them to return any phone calls has been completely unsuccessful at all.

I have noticed that several others have complained about the rotten egg odor coming from the engine. I had taken the car in several times about this and was told to only buy shell gas, I had tried this and it doesn't work. I was then told that the car was built for high emission standards and since I live in texas, there is nothing that they can do about it. While I lived in California I did not experience the rotten odor. Has this issue ever been resolved? I am really tired of the odor.

: the contact stated the vehicle shakes when started. The dealership performed the service bulletin, NHTSA item #10017318, for extended crank condition, but the problem returned. The vehicle has been to the dealer four times to have the problem corrected. Updated 02/24/06.

The consumer's 2000 Toyota Corolla began to exhibit engine problems four months after the vehicle was purchased. The consumer was told the vehicle had internal engine damage and it would require rebuilding the engine. The rear brakes were replaced.

My 2004 Toyota corrolla seems to be steering improperly. Upon turning the steering wheel to a straight position the whole car seems to swerve and become almost uncontrollable. I have just barely avoided serveral accidents and in wet condtions the problem is worse. I replaced the tires and had them check the alignment on the vehicle and it still continues to be an issue. I took the car to my dealer and was advised that they could not replicate the problem but have had at least four other persons drive the vehicle and they all have commented on the steering/control problem even passengers in the vehicle notice the problem as you can feel it while driving or riding in the vehicle. My dealer also states they did not see any broken or loose parts that would cause the control problem.

Transmission went out, according to repair shop was defect from company. Less than 115 miles later the engine goes. According to service manager and master technician, engine looked great and could find no problem until discovered the cylinder head was warped and was a "common problem" . Engine and transimission gone within 115 miles of each other.