I have encountered what I believe to be a major manufacturing error. My vehicle's 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 engine's 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.
2005 Toyota Corolla engine complaints
Page 5 of 5: complaints 101 to 120 of 120, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle air conditioner stopped working. Toyota dealer diagnosed problem as A/C condenser must have been hit by a rock. Cost to replace is $770.00. The vehicle has no protective covers to prevent this from happening. Toyota has now placed protective covers on later model vehicles to prevent this problem from happening in the future.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota corolla. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact sporadically heard a loud squealing noise coming from the engine. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the accessory drive belt/ belt tensioner assembly failed. The contact would be responsible for the $500 repair costs. The technician also stated that the manufacturer issued tsb number 02107 (engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys) pertaining to this failure. The manufacturer stated that because the vehicle exceeded 36,000 miles, they would not assume any liability. The failure and current mileages were 42,000. Updated 10/14/08. *lj updated 10/16/08.
This complaint is based on two instances of my corollas condenser breaking down because of rocks hitting it while driving. Last year my wife asked me to look at the AC of our corolla as the AC was not blowing cold air. She took it to the totoya dealer in duncanville, tx and they told us that the condenser was not covered and we had to pay $600 to fix. We chose to buy the condenser elsewhere and to install it myself. Now a about a year later, we ran out of cold air again. I did not think it was the condenser. What is the likelihood that a replaced new condenser goes bad. We went to auto zone to get a recharge kit and sealer. After applying them there still was no cold air and their is a visible leak on the front region where the first condenser also suffered damage. Searching for replacements on the internet I came across several people that had the same problem and no solution from toyota other than to pay to replace the condenser. Toyota even admits this in technical service bulletin ac002-06 "lower grille mesh protection cover." in the intro it reads some customers may experience damage to the A/C condenser if the vehicle is used regularly. I do not believe I should have to pay for something they should have fixed so I don't have to replace my condenser every year or maybe more frequently. They should pay to repair my damage and to install the cover to protect it from now on. Our is corolla 2005.
A/c condenser failure. Design failure. Had to replace unit twice before I made my own shield.. No help from dealer. You would think that if they had a defective design and fixed it on the next years model that they would take care of any prior complaints.. Just shows that service and customer retention is not part of their creed. My recommendation to my friends has this story with it now that I know that others are in the same situation. Good luck. Hello nissan and honda.
Radiator failure (83k) followed almost immediately after by air conditioning condenser failure. Crack in radiator -- looked like a defective part to a steel expert who saw the radiator.
Sorry it is not a serious problem. The tensioner assembly (16620-22013) was replaced because I noticed a chirping noise in the motor area. The belt v-ribbed (90080-91139-83 was replaced because of wear caused by tensioner failure.
When car is warm it takes 15-20 seconds of engine cranking until it starts / fires off. Cold starts are fine.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota corolla. While driving 70 MPH up a slight hill, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle continued to lose power; however, the contact was able to drive to the emergency lane. She attempted to re-start the vehicle and it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop. After the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle stalled and shut off while driving from the repair facility. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to her home. According to a tsb that the repair shop found, the vehicle exhibits a no start condition. The current and failure mileages were 85,000. Updated 02-25-08 *bf another dealer replaced the computer at no charge. Updated
I own a 05 corolla xrs. I have had a problem with metal tearing issues. First one was the muffler bracket tore off and so my muffler was just hanging there. I had that welded at a muffler shop and it has fixed the problem for now. Second is my trunk latch, this is the part that is bolted to the body of the car that the trunk latches onto. This piece has completely tore out of the body, it has been rewelded a few times but it can't be welded anymore. I keep it tied closed and can't use my trunk. Now today 9-26-2007 is the last draw, the muffler bracket has completely broke in half and not were it was welded. I feel this is a very cheaply made car and will never buy a toyota again. I am extremely disappointed and the dealer tells me it I out of warranty and they don't want nothing to do with it, I keep getting told to see a body shop. I don't have $1,000.00 to replace the rear panel of my car every time the trunk latch decides to tear out of the body because the metal is to thin.
We bought a 2005 toyota corolla in july of 2004. We have been extremely happy with the way the car runs mechanically never having any issues. Our vehicle is currently at 40,310 and we are experiencing a failure with the charcoal canister. In order to pass emissions for the state of nc we have to replace this particular part. Since our car is no longer covered under our basic 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty we are having to replace this part on our own. This is very discouraging since our vehicle is only 4,000 miles over our basic warranty coverage. This problem has occurred with many other toyota corolla vehicles around the same mileage. We feel this needs to be looked into because it seems odd that the charcoal canister fails around this mile marker in numerous vehicles. This is a component of the car the contributes to keeping our air clean. Toyota is failing to provide a car that will do so.
Sometimes my car will not start the first or second time that I turn the key. Engine sounds like it is trying to turn over but does not start. I haven't ever had an incident where the car doesn't start at all - sometimes it just takes a few tries.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle shakes when started. The dealership performed the service bulletin, the federal safety agency 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.
Rock entered front grill area and punctured AC unit releasing all of the freon into the air. Repair cost $700 even though vehicle still under warranty. Feel like more protection should be in that area.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently stalled. The vehicle restarted after 5 minutes following every stalling incident. Additionally, the engine sometimes required several attempts before starting after the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period of time. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for inspection. The dealer replaced the fuel pump, although that did not remedy the problem.
Driving southbound on 405 freeway just north of springdale exit in heavy traffic at about 45 MPH in slow lane (lane furthest away from center divider). Car suddenly starts to slow down and noticed that check-engine light has come on and tachometer reads 0 (zero) RPM. Switch on emergency blinkers and transition to emergency lane to the right. Come to complete stop, glance at tachometer and now it is reading about 900 RPM (normal idle). Try to accelerate to resume trip but car is extremely sluggish. Brake and come to complete stop again. Place transmission in park, stop engine, and re-start engine. Place transmission in drive, now accelerates normally and merge with traffic. Check-engine light still on. Mileage around 26045 miles. Time about 4:. Started trip about 1 hour 15 minutes beforehand. Traveled about 35 miles. Fuel tank about 2/3 (two-thirds) full with 87 octane gasoline. Last purchase from union 76. Have followed all recommended manufacturers maintenance according to owner's manual. No non-manufacturer installed accessories added. External ambient temperature about 60-65 degrees f. Have made appointment with south coast toyota (regular service dealer used) to bring car in first thing 2/2/2006 for inspection, etc.
The consumer stated the vehicle smelled of sulfur, that was sickening to the consumer. The dealer stated that the sulfur content was common in these vehicles, however, the state law differs.
Rpm's increase when my foot is on the brake and the force of the RPM increase decompresses the brake pedal and my foot slips of the brake pedal. I have not experienced an accident due to this but it worries me that it may. This happens on a daily basis. I heard this may be normal but now reading that other people experienced this, I plan to get it checked. Aside from this, there is dash board rattling, seal issue with windows because they whistle and also paint flakes off from a small ding.
Purchased 2005 toyota corolla in august 2004. The car has had a consistent smell of rotten eggs (sulfur), almost daily with it worse when the car idles & after car shutoff. Dealer said try premium gas, which I did and no effect. Dealer said toyota had no knowledge or suggestions about problem, although I am aware of a 5/28/04 service bulletin for 2003-2004 corolla's for the exact problem. Dealer also said it could not be the catalytic converter because the dashboard light wasn't on, yet toyota just settled a 2 million law suit for the dash lights not coming on and emission defects were not being picked up with regular code testing. Dealer mentioned a number of other persons brought their car in lately for same thing but suggested it was related to our current cold weather. When I mentioned the problem with my car has persisted since late august, a week after I bought the car, the dealer suggested the smell was from bad gas & the wind probably blew it into the car. My understanding is that this smell has been a very significant problem with corolla's (& some other cars) and a number of 2005 owners on various discussion boards have also reported it. Sometimes, the smell is so strong that I have to put the window down & I wonder what the constant exposure to sulfus will do to my allergies and asthma and why I should continue to pollute the air with sulfur everyday while toyota 's dealers treat me as if I am some neurotic patron.
While driving at any speed the vehicle would momentarily lose power/ hesitate, and then accelerate again. The vehicle has been to the dealer on five separate occasions. The dealer could duplicate the problem, but was unable to locate the cause of the problem. *jb.
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