2009 Toyota Corolla: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 20, 2017 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · CA

Tsb 0087-09 march 13, 2009 came out shortly after production of the 2009 model and due to the many complaints it appears they quickly included it in the powertrain warranty (6 mo/60k miles) rather than do a recall. This is a problem that is detected on a cold start, so many users will ignore it, thinking it's just a squeaky belt, and used car buyers will get taken because you can't detect it if the seller has started the car and it doesn't occur until the next day after you've purchased the car. Toyota slid under the radar on this one. It's a pricey repair that I've been told by a few mechanics that only the dealer should handle. I strongly encourage you to pursue a recall. This is not a part that should have problems. In fact, the dealer said they should go 250k without major problems. It's not just the '09 corolla. It is widespread, and if you google this, the web is filled with complaints for several toyota models. Please let the consumer know you're being vigilant and investigate this overlooked issue.

Filed Jan 8, 2016 · Engine · 70,000 miles · NY

Started engine, then while idling a loud squealing noise appearing to sound from the power steering, upon close observation notice coolant fluid all over the serpentine belts and the alternator. The battery would die and water residual all over the place all indication points to a busted water pump from the mechanics. The car only got 70,000 miles. Have 5 months left on car loan and no money for repairs and don't know if engine still works.

Filed Dec 9, 2015 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Apr 10, 2015 · Engine · 120,000 miles · KY

Car was purchased new and has been maintained. Took car to dealership to identify sporadic odd "grinding" noise upon cold start. Was first told it was the serpentine belt. Replaced and next day noise was still there upon cold start. Returned and dealer then stated it was the bendix in the starter. Replaced starter. A month later the noise happened again and squealing from serpentine belt was still occurring. Third trip to dealership and I'm now told that, like many other 2009 toyota corolla owners, that it's the gear in the camshaft. The serpentine belt squeal is from my water pump leaking. Now replacing water pump and camshaft gear. $2000 in repairs that, from reading, toyota is aware of! Ridiculous! There should be a recall. If the dealerships state that their technicians are "certified" then they should know of this problem and not have to fix things that aren't broken at my expense!

Filed Feb 5, 2015 · Engine · 19,000 miles · TX

I purchased the car used 12/3/11 with 12,716 miles. Within 6 months I would hear a grinding/screeching noise when starting the car. This would happen intermittently on cold starts. I had to leave the vehicle with the dealership for over a week for them to finally acknowledge the issue. On 7/13/12 they replaced the timing gear assembly and the camshaft gear. To date, the car has only 52,700 miles and the noise appears to have come back. I have checked the battery, alternator and starter and they are fine. I had originally purchased an extended warranty with 6 year/100,000 miles and was told that january 1, 2015 that expired. So, I have a defective car with camshaft issue that returns? I am frustrated because there are many stories of people having this re-occurring issue every 30,000 miles (http://www.carcomplaints.com/toyota/corolla/2009/engine/engine.shtml). I know there is a toyota service bulletin on the camshaft, but feel it should have been a recall. Neither the customer service or warranty carrier are willing to work with me and this is dangerous because one can become stranded or blow a rod driving down the street.

Filed Mar 26, 2014 · Engine · 83,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the motor exhibited a loud grinding noise without warning. The contact continued to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was not taken for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Brakes · 34,650 miles · NJ

First incident occurred on same day the vehicle was purchased. This writer noticed that when coming to a stop the brake would occasionally make a grinding sound, but not the same sound as worn brakes or rotors; the sound was as if it struggled to stop slightly. Every day from the date of purchase if there was even a slight bit of precipitation, when this writer would press down the brake, the brake would go on and off very quickly as if the ABS was kicking in unnecessarily. This occurred at all speeds, ranging from 5 MPH and up. For instance, on one occasion, while writer was driving carefully in the snow at 8 - 10 MPH with only an inch on the ground, writer was behind another vehicle by approximately 3 car lengths and coming to a stop sign. Writer began braking and the brakes went on and off quickly and grinded a bit. Due to this, the vehicle slid all three car lengths and was within an inch of hitting the vehicle in front. This writer learned about the recalls today, and is contacting dealership tomorrow to see if they will take care of the issue.

Filed Jul 16, 2013 · Engine · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. The contact that when the vehicle was cold and first started, there was a grinding noise heard from the engine. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the cam shaft timing gear assembly, but the failure recurred in less than 25,000 miles. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 98,200.

Filed Sep 11, 2012 · Steering · 40,000 miles · MA

A week ago after picking my son, I noticed that when I turned the steering wheel of my 2009 toyota corolla to a certain point, my whole steering wheel was moving and making a grinding noise. I brought it to copeland toyota the dealership where I purchased my new car back in 2008. Mon. 9/10 I called to obtain the status of my vehicle. I was told a bolt came out of the steering column and they were "trying" to get the bolt back in. Normal wear and tear would say a bolt falls out a new bolt goes in, not "trying" to get back in. I was also told that the worst that would happen is that they would need to replace the steering column. I filed a claim with toyota as I am no longer under warranty ( 1 yr and 4,000 ml over). Later monday, toyota stated that the bracket of the steering column is the issue and the whole unit would need to be replaced. When I asked the service dept, I was dealing with; if this fell under "normal wear and tear" he told me it did not. Tuesday 9/11, I heard back the toyota corporate office that they would not be paying for this and that I would be responsible for the bill, that is just over $2000.00. I spoke with [xxx] at the dealership who is the service manager & he himself mentioned that this is a "unique case." regardless if it covered under warranty or not, this is a safety issue, one that is not from normal wear and tear and I certainly did not create. I was told that I haven't had my car serviced there for a year, everyone knows that dealerships costs for preventive maintenance is extremely pricey and I didn't go there for oil changes and tire rotations, I did bring it in for this specific issue. When have you ever heard of any car company dropping your steering column to check bolts during a routine maintenance check? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 25, 2011 · Wheels · 55,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. While driving approximately 40 MPH the contact heard a grinding noise in the wheels. The vehicle also began to move from one side to the other on its own. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated an alignment had been performed twice but the failure continued. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Jun 23, 2010 · Driver assistance, Steering · 26,000 miles · 00

Vehicle 2009 toyota corolla twitching and grinding in the electric steering have had vehicle back to dealers several times they say they cannot find anything to fix don't I feel very unsafe in it only 26000 klix help' would you please forward this info. To highway safety traffic administration.

Filed Apr 19, 2010 · Brakes · 18,500 miles · FL

I experienced a failure of the brakes in my 2009 toyota corolla s. I was pulling out of the parking lot at work today and approaching a busy road to turn right onto. Approaching the turn at about 5 MPH, I pushed the brake pedal lightly to gradually slow down to a stop to avoid entering the road into oncoming traffic. However, when the brake pedal was pushed, I heard a grinding noise and the car did not decelerate at all. It may have been the ABS activating, despite the low speed and light pressure on the brake pedal. I tried applying more pressure to the brake, but there was still no deceleration. Only when I released the brakes completely (which is very hard to do when you're about to drive into oncoming traffic) and reapplied pressure to the brake pedal did the brakes engage and the vehicle stop. This is the first time I have had an issue with the brakes in nearly 20,000 miles of driving this vehicle.