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2004 Toyota Corolla acceleration complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 60, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Toyota Corolla acceleration problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Acceleration · 58,000 miles · AZ

Cruise control doesn't work. I had it repaired at the dealership and about a month later it went out again. When I called back, they said they would repair it, but it would not be free of charge. Seemed like the repair should have lasted if it truly was fixed. Haven't had cruise since and it was so nice for long distance travel.

Filed Mar 25, 2013 · Acceleration · 74,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact stated that after first starting the vehicle, the accelerator pedal became extremely difficult to depress. The contact applied extreme force in order to depress on the pedal. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified, who offered no assistance for the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2013 · Acceleration, Airbags · 70,000 miles · AL · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle until crashing into a parked vehicle at 30 MPH. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for repairs. The dealer inspected the vehicle and could not determine what caused the acceleration failure. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 70,000.

Filed Sep 19, 2011 · Acceleration · 66,771 miles · CA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact was driving with the cruise control set to approximately 70 MPH. When the brakes were applied to disable the cruise control, the vehicle would not respond and instead, accelerated abnormally. The brake pedal fell into the floorboard and the contact applied the emergency parking brake but the vehicle still would not respond and the contact crashed into the rear of a vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had an engineer inspect the vehicle who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 66,771.

Filed Aug 25, 2011 · Acceleration · 48,030 miles · CA

I was about to stop when vehicle suddenly accelerated. Luckily there no one or property in the way before I could get the car to stop. Problem only occurred once. Will stop driving the car for now.

Filed Jun 8, 2011 · Acceleration · 43,100 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Sudden acceleration of my 2004 toyota corolla resulting in an accident. This year was not a recall year.

Filed Jun 8, 2011 · Acceleration · 43,100 miles · FL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact was driving 5 MPH attempting to park when there was an unusual increase in engine rpms and the vehicle then accelerated abnormally. She then crashed into a tree while depressing the brakes. The police were called and a report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and was pending an investigation. The failure and current mileages were approximately 43,100.

Filed Apr 4, 2011 · Acceleration · 39,000 miles · CT · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. While the contact was driving approximately 6 MPH into a parking space, the vehicle lunged forward with a sudden increase of acceleration. The vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a nearby building. There was no personal injury and a police report was filed. The exterior body of the vehicle sustained severe damages and was towed to a local collision shop. The cause of the failure had not been determined. The failure mileage was 39,000.

Filed Nov 30, 2010 · Acceleration · 80,000 miles · NJ · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. While the contact was driving approximately 10 MPH and attempted to make a left turn with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy but there were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would send someone to inspect the vehicle which the contact was awaiting. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Acceleration, Engine · 33,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate and attempted to stall. The contact engaged the accelerator pedal so that the vehicle would not stall at all. The vehicle was taken into the dealer where they stated that there was excess carbon build up in the throttle body from a new battery that was installed. The dealer then performed a throttle body cleaning which removed the carbon build up. The contact stated that within the last 3 to 4 months the problem continued to occur. The dealer was not contacted and there have been no diagnostic test or repairs. The failure mileage was 33000 and the current mileage was 36000. Updated 12/03/10. *lj the consumer stated it felt as though the engine was going to stall. According to the service invoice, the dealer stated the engine belt was glazed and the tensioner had lack of tension. Updated 12/14/10

Filed Jul 1, 2010 · Acceleration · 86,000 miles · AZ

Cruise control can be activated at typical road/highway speeds even when car is in neutral (on a manual transmission). As a result, the accelerator is electronically depressed, causing the engine to rev and hit the rev limiter. There are multiple ways to deactivate the cruise control, but the stress could be damaging on the engine and the scenario could a major distraction to the driver.

Filed Jun 30, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 61,000 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact stated that while driving on wet pavement at approximately 25mph,the vehicle accelerated without driver intent. The contact's vehicle was struck by two other vehicles traveling approximately 55mph to 60mph. The air bags never deployed. The illinois state police and ambulance responded. The contact was taken to the hospital with multiple fractures on the left side of his body and severe bruising. The contact was in the hospital for two days. A police report was filed and the contact had a copy of it. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The manufacturer sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle on june 29, 2010. The results of the investigation would not be known for four to six weeks. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 61,000 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The contact was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and proceeded into heavy traffic. The contact was struck by two other vehicles and his vehicle came to a stop. The contact suffered injuries to his ribs. A police report was available. The vehicle was towed by the contact's insurance company where he was awaiting further investigation into the cause of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 61,000. Updated 8/2/10 *cn the consumer also stated the air bags did not deploy. Updated 08/09/10

Filed May 24, 2010 · Acceleration · 22,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. While driving at 55 MPH, the engine began to make a loud noise and stalled. The contact pulled to the side of the road and took the vehicle to the dealership. The dealer ran a diagnostic test and stated that the throttle body assembly needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint; the manufacturer referred him back to the dealership for repairs. The current and failure mileages were approximately 22,000. Updated 07/19/10.

Filed Mar 17, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 43,000 miles · AR · crash

Rear end collision involving 2004 toyota corolla and nissan xterra. Upon collision the car's engine was revving and the ignition had to be turned off to get the car to stop moving. The entire front end of the corolla was damaged and the air bags did not deploy. Not sure if the accelerator stuck. Definitely think the air bags should have deployed. The corolla was totaled.

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Acceleration, Steering · 90,000 miles · MA · crash · 1 injury

My daughter had a head-on collision with a motorcycle, while driving her 2004 toyota corolla. The motorcycle rider was killed. The airbag in the corolla deployed and saved my daughter's life. Unfortunately, she still has little, or no memory of the accident. We don't know what happened, or why? The police believe she lost control of her vehicle, crossed the lane into oncoming traffic and struck the motorcycle. A witness stated her car was going fairly fast. Why was it going so fast in a residential area? A traffic light was right in front her (about 100 feet ahead). At that light, she would have taken a square right hand turn, enroute to her home. I don't understand why she was going so fast. And I don't understand why she lost control of her car. She was 90% of the way home. It was about 6:15 in the afternoon in the middle of summer. A sunny day, no clouds or precip. The car is being held by the west springfield, ma police department. Can you inspect the vehicle? She had complained to me about the vehicle previous to this. She once asked me add power steering fluid. When I checked, the reservoir was already up to the full mark. Being a dad, my only job was to maintain the car (change oil, etc). I very, very rarely drove the car. And when I did drive, it was fine. This corolla was registered in my name. I bought it in 2007 for my daughter (her first car). I bought corolla's for both of my children. I gave my son a 2001 corolla years ago. I'm a big believer in toyota quality. I own a tacoma myself. But, something isn't right about this accident. I think the steering and acceleration should be checked, as a minimum. *tr updated 05/19/10 *bf *tr updated 10/04/10 updated 9/27/11

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Acceleration · 1,000 miles · CA

When I stop the car when I'm driving e.g. At a traffic light, the car pulls forward when I brake. This occurs like 70% of the time. I tried to get in touch with toyota and they tell me that the recall does not apply for my vehicle. Since I bought the car brand new, I thought it was my imagination but I came to a realization that it is my car.

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Acceleration · IL · crash · 3 injuries

Tl- while driving a rented 2004 pontiac montana west bound on bridge at approximately 65mph a toyota corolla driving east bound came over the medium into his lane and collided head into his vehicle. There was two fatalities the driver in the toyota corolla, and his front seat passenger, he and the other two passengers were also injured. He stated this complaint is on the toyota corolla. He believed the driver in the 2004 toyota corolla attempted to stop the vehicle, but was not able because of a defective\\ gas pedal and brakes, or electronic control. Florida highway patrol 70564001, florida highway patrols investigator report f050ff004415, florida crash report 70987110. The mileage information for the 2004 toyota corolla was not available. Li updated 05/10/10 *bf updated 08/23/10 updated 9/28/11

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 19,000 miles · PA · crash

While in reverse and backing my 2004 toyota corolla into my garage the car suddenly accelerated and I hit the rear of the garage. I am positive I did not have my foot on the gas pedal. The engine was still racing when I put it in drive and drove out of the garage . I had to run into a snowpile on the front lawn to stop the vehicle. After the engine was turned off I looked at the floor mat and saw nothing wrong with it. This same problem while reversing into the garage happened in sept 2005. At the time I just thought the mistake was mine, now after the second incident I am convinced there is a mechanical problem with the car.

Filed Mar 14, 2010 · Acceleration · 36,000 miles · NY · crash

Accelerator pedal stuck, hit handicapped stanchion at bj`s warehouse in farmingdale,ny. Had to turn off ignition. It happened once. Had the damage repaired at farmingdale auto collision costing $587 nothing done to correct this pedal, did not know what the cause was .

Filed Mar 9, 2010 · Acceleration · 121,000 miles · MA

I was driving my 2004 toyota corolla the other day on a side road. I was approaching a corner in the road and took my foot off my gas pedal. The car continued to accelerate. I pushed on the break which slowed the car slightly, but wouldn't stop it. I put the car into neutral and pulled off to the side of the road. The engine was revving very loudly so I turned off the car. I proceeded to turn the car back on and it was still revving. I pulled on the gas pedal and check my floor mat, as I knew of all the current recalls in effect. The floor mat was not in the way and the pedal appeared fine. Nothing changed. I called a tow truck and in about 2 hrs later when the tow truck guy started my car, it appeared fine. It was brought to a toyota dealership, whom played if off as if my floor mat was the cause and sent me on my way. I then brought it to my father who used to be a mechanic and he checked all the mechanics of the car. He lubed up some parts and cleaned the accelerator plate, however he stated everything looked good to him. As of today this has not happen again.

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Acceleration, Airbags · 25,050 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact was driving 5 MPH into a parking lot when the vehicle accelerated while the contact was depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle continued to idle and crashed into a building pillar although extreme pressure was applied to the brake pedal. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained minor injuries. The vehicle started to smoke after the crash. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer after it cooled down. The dealer stated that he could not repair the vehicle until they spoke with the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that they would send the complaint to a claim adjuster which could take up to 10 days for a response. The vehicle was still at the authorized dealer when the complaint was filed. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 25,050 and the current mileage was 25,100. Updated 06/29/10 *bf updated 07/23/10

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Acceleration · 40,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. While the contact was driving 30 MPH the vehicle suddenly accelerated up to 60 MPH. In order to stop the vehicle from accelerating, the contact had pressed the accelerator and brake pedal simultaneously. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 40000.

Filed Feb 26, 2010 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · VA

My 2004 toyota corolla surges for 1-2 seconds while at stop or red light. It feels like it is going to take off by itself. This happens more often in warm weather than cold weather. I brought my car to the dear and complained about this problem. They told me it is normal. This can be over all serious safety problem.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Acceleration · 25,000 miles · ME

My 2004 corolla le is the first vehicle I have owned that has cruise control. When I am driving at highway speeds and engage the cruise control, it holds a steady speed. When the vehicle encounters an incline, such as a bridge or a hill, it will downshift and continue to accelerate well beyond the speed set. Every instance that this has happened I have been able to simply disengage the cruise control within 5 to 10 MPH above the set speed, but it seems as though the vehicle would continue to accelerate as long as it was on the incline. Thinking this is how cruise control worked, not having used it before, I never took it to a dealer and simply turn it off when encountering an incline.. In light of the recent toyota acceleration issues, I thought this information would be useful to the federal safety agency.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Acceleration · 25,000 miles · MI

I was on my way to work. I came to a traffic light which was red. There were two cars stopped at the light. When I hit the brake to stop, the accelerator started roaring and the brake would not grab. I pushed it as hard as I could and finally it grabbed just before I would have hit the car in front of me. When I got to work, I was backing into a parking place and the same thing happened. It has not happened since. I was wearing large boots at the time and just assumed my foot hit both the accelerator and the brake at the same time but now that the recall has happened, I wonder if it wasn't my over sized boots.

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Acceleration · 14,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact stated as she was turning on to a side street at about 5mph the vehicle accelerated for three blocks and ran into a house. The vehicle revved up and would not stop as contact was depressing on the brakes because the accelerator pedal was stuck. The contact was injured and had to be taken to the hospital. She may not walk again. There is a police report available if needed. The vehicle was totalled and also the house that was hit had to be demolished because it was so badly damaged. The toyota manufacturer was not notified about this incident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance prior to the failure. The VIN number was unknown. The failure mileage was 14,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · MI · crash

2004 toyota corolla--driving on right most lane at speed about 25 miles because snowing had started . Date 02-12-2008 on I 96 east near inkster , exit. Suddenly car turned into left lane and accelerated to very high speed. Crossed 3 left lanes and crashed on to concrete barrier between east and west lanes. Due to start of snowing ,all traffic was moving very slow. So all cars in other lanes stopped. My corolla did not hit any other vehicle. Police gave ticket for speeding. (-police dept-livonia, mi-police. Car was total wreck with front damage and chasis bending outward on right side. Car was taken to troy collision , troy , mi. Citizen insurance declared " total ". Though I was not injured , it is close to worst crash and I had to buy new car spending $10,000 extra. I had no answer for sudden acceleration and vehicle turning and crashing. Now I know this was exactly what is reported now-sudden acceleration and car going out of control -a defect in the car.

Filed Feb 13, 2010 · Acceleration · 40,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact stated the vehicle accelerated three times while driving various speeds. The vehicle accelerated as she drove into the driveway and nearly crashed into the garage until she applied extreme pressure to the brake pedal. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer since she was advised that the diagnostic fee was $90. The failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 3/24/10 *cn updated 05/17/10.

Filed Feb 8, 2010 · Acceleration · OH

I was driving my 2004 toyota corolla last march 13, 2009 at noon in a crowded parking lot in mason , ohio, a suburb of cincinnati. I was stopping at a stop sign and after that, I pushed on my gas pedal when the car took off , going from a dead stop to 60 MPH , crossing the lot so fast that I was lucky I did not kill anyone that day. I could not control the car at all. It was as if I was on a dragstrip trying to race! I was surrounded by minivans and there was a burger king restaurant on the one side of me with a busy kohl's next to my car. I was terrified because I could not stop the car! The brakes did not work for me ,at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had to stop the car as I had only a few minutes to stop or I would have jumped over a 4 foot grassy partition before I went into a 4 lane intersection full of traffic!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would have caused a nice accident and killed someone or many!!!!!!!!!!! I threw the car into "park and turned off the ignition right then" the car did a 180 degree turn landing near the grassy partition!!!!!!!!! I was fine but so scared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I had no idea what to do to stop but it worked. I went to king's toyota after that which was across the street. They checked the car and said it was a buildup of gases in the car!!!!!!! Such a lie!!!!!!! Why did they not know what was it was?? They have had complaints since 1999?????????? My question is why is my car not part of the recall since I have had a sudden acceleration problem?? King's will look at my car next week but they will make me pay for repairs when it's their fault and it's not on the list. Please have them expand the recall so that people like me can trust their cars again. *cn

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