2005 Toyota Corolla: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Sep 28, 2019 · Driver assistance · 175,000 miles · UT

I have a manual transmission and at random times while I am driving and in motion, I'll push in the clutch to brake or coast, the rpms go down until the engine shuts off, and the steering wheel goes hard. The headlights and dash lights still work, in fact all the dashboard lights, like the check engine and maintenance required lights, actually come on (just like when you're key ignition is in the "on" position but you haven't started the engine yet). The car starts right back up when I turn the ignition or pop the clutch while in gear. This has been happening about once every week ever since I bought the car over 4 years ago. Within the past couple of months at random times when trying to start my car my car (stationary), the engine will turn over but won't start on first try. On second try I will turn the ignition and pump the gas pedal and after a few seconds it will start up and run perfectly fine. I've read about the recall of the ECM for my make, model, and year, but when I search my VIN it comes back with no current recalls. Within the first year of owning the vehicle (purchased from private party in august of 2015), I learned of the airbag recall and took in and got it fixed, but a couple of months ago, about 2.5 years after taking it in for the recall, my SRS light came on as well. The check engine light is not illuminated and everything else is functioning properly, but I am a little worried about safety especially now that the SRS light has come on. On multiple occasions I have been surprised by the engine shut off while trying to make a turn, which very easily could have caused an accident, and now if I do get in an accident and the airbag system fails, then I could be injured even more severely or die. I'm a college student on a very tight budget, otherwise I would've just seen a mechanic by now. I thought I'd try filing a complaint first.

Filed Feb 20, 2019 · Lights · 147,000 miles · OR · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota corolla. While driving at night, the low beam headlights failed to illuminate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to capital toyota (located at 783 auto group ave ne, salem, or 97301, (503) 399-1011) where it was diagnosed that the low beam headlight cables were burnt and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

Filed May 10, 2016 · Engine, Lights · MA

In late 2004, I financed a brand new 2005 toyota corolla while residing in south florida. In summer 2008, I relocated to massachusetts. It was in winter 2008 that the engine warning lamp illuminated. I immediately took the vehicle to a toyota dealership. I wasn't really given a real explanation of why the warning lamp was illuminated. I was quickly told it could be fixed. So I paid approx. $800.00 to supposedly have it fixed. Literally, two weeks later the engine warning lamp came back on. I took it back to the same toyota dealership and they told me they don't know what's wrong and would have to run more diagnostic test that would cost additional money. At the time, I did not have additional money since I had just dished out nearly $800.00. I have taken the vehicle to independent auto shops in which they have not been able to diagnose the problem. In the state of massachusetts, yearly inspections of an operating vehicle is required. For the past years, I have had to have the light manually turned off hoping that it would not come on in time for the car to be inspected. The car has failed on several occasions because the engine warning lamp illuminated. In addition to the engine warning lamp being illuminated, I have also and still experience harsh shifting. The harsh shifting started approx. In late 2009/2010. I also started noticing decreased lighting visibility in 2011. At night, I have to drive with my high beams to see properly. Out of frustration, I gave up on trying to find the cause for these issues. I just dealt with it. I don't frequently use the vehicle now because I live in an area that is accessible to public transportation that allows me to get to work. Most recently, I was informed by a fellow corolla owner that in 2009-2010 toyota recalled for engine and engine cooling and headlamps. I never received notifications of such recalls!

Filed May 20, 2015 · CA · crash

I was traveling 70 MPH on the freeway while a car came to a complete stop in front of me. I slammed on my breaks and got the car to slow down to approximately 55 MPH before hitting his car in the back. My head hit the steering wheel from the impact of the crash. The radiator is busted, the bumper came off, my frame was bent, my headlights are off, my car dented so far back the front doors wouldn't open, and my airbags didn't deploy.

Filed May 20, 2015 · CA · crash

I was traveling 70 MPH on the freeway while a car came to a complete stop in front of me. I slammed on my breaks and got the car to slow down to approximately 55 MPH before hitting his car in the back. My head hit the steering wheel from the impact of the crash. The radiator is busted, the bumper came off, my frame was bent, my headlights are off, my car dented so far back the front doors wouldn't open, and my airbags didn't deploy.

Filed Feb 1, 2015 · Lights · MN

The headlights seem noticeably dim at night while driving. I thought it could be my eyes, but then a rider with me noticed it as well and mentioned it to me, so I know it is not my eyes. I prefer not to drive at night because of it. I had my garage mechanic look at it about a year ago to see if the lights needed adjustment, as both headlights seemed off from each other when I am parked in my garage. I can't remember if he tried to make an adjustment or not.

Filed May 1, 2012 · Airbags · FL · crash · 2 injuries

I was driving 30 MPH when the vehicle in front of me, going 30 MPH as well, suddenly switches onto the left lane without using their turning signals in effort to avoid the parked car in front of them, leaving me little time to brake before crashing into the car. I drive a toyota corolla 2005 and the hood was completely bent forward along with the front sides making it hard to open the front doors, cracked head lights, bumper slightly detached, and a broken radiator. The air bags did not launch at all even though the impact required it. I was driving with a passenger who hurt their knee and I'm dealing with neck and back problems.

Filed Aug 11, 2011 · Lights · 50,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the headlight lenses were clouded and no longer provided enough lighting at night. The contact cleaned the lenses with a headlight cleaning kit, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 85,000. Updated 09/27/11

Filed Aug 10, 2010 · Lights, Visibility · CA

The plastic headlight lenses are clouded and yellowed and, as a result, obscures the brightness and effectiveness of the headlights. This is a safety hazard for driving at night as the headlight is dimmed to oncoming cars as wells as it lessens visibility for the driver. It should not be the responsibility of the vehicle owner to have the headlight lenses replaced when the cloudiness could be due to possible defective materials as this has not happened to any other car that I've owned and any that belong to other family members and friends. The lenses have gradually clouded starting about 2 years ago.

Filed Sep 21, 2009 · Tires · 110,500 miles · TX

I have a 2005 toyota corolla and it has toyo brand tires on it. The tires have 7/32" tread depth which is 70% of the new 10/32" tire tread depth. While driving from south austin to san antonio (70 miles) the tread and belts separated from the carcass of the tire with bare metal wires showing where there once was tread. The tire still had air in it but the tread was peeled off and the tread pieces began to strike against the undercarriage of the fender destroying the inner fender liner, damaging the vehicle fender, breaking out the headlamp and fog light from behind and ripping out the hood release cable. The vehicle was traveling at the speed limit and the tires where properly inflated at the time of the defect. I called the manufacturer and they offered to take 25% off of a new set of tires. I took it to the tire dealer that they recommended and the man said the tires were 4 years old and should be replaced, these are the same age as the car and the car doesn't need to be replaced. I have photos and estimates for the repairs.

Filed Jun 3, 2009 · Lights · AZ

2005 toyota corolla. Consumer states that the headlights covers on his 2005 toyota corolla are starting to discolor. *nj the consumer stated as time passed the amount of headlight strength on the road ahead decreased.

Filed May 26, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · 34,271 miles · AZ

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the plastic headlight coverings were discolored, which caused poor visibility while driving at night. The manufacturer stated that the dealer could clean the headlights, which would make them thinner. The contact did not believe that would be effective. The failure mileage was 34,271. Updated 06/09/09 *bf the consumer stated the plastic headlight lens that covers the headlight was starting to discolor. The problem has progressed to the point that he has a difficult time seeing the road at night. Updated 06/10/09.*jb the consumer is concerned about the engine recall. The consumer was informed his vehicle was a part of the recall. He is concerned the engine may shut down before the recall is performed, due to limited parts. Also, the power steering hose, battery, and water pump was replaced. Updated evoq 09/22/10.