2009 Toyota Corolla: multiple warning lights

Filed Aug 18, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 79,000 miles · IL

H first time the car malfunction I was coming back from returning the rental truck, I was pulling out on the highway and at that time the steering wheel locked up, the battery indicator light come on, ABS brake light come on, and rest of the idiot lights on the panel come on. It was very hard to steer the car, will all my effort with two hands I can steer the wheel and control the car. The engine was running really rough and sounded like it was going to quit. This lasted for approximately 20 seconds it seemed like, and then the car started running right now and I was able to steer again and all the lights on the panel went out. I was very concerned about this thinking my car was failing and I knew that there is probably something the matter with it but when it started running right, I figured I just can't fix something that's not broke and really take no notice of it. How my daughter got a driver's license on august the 4th and then on august the 6 you wanted to use the car. So I let her use it. The car malfunction again on this day and and it took out the alternator when it did. So I change the alternator in the car and let my wife use the car for two days because she travels a short distance to work to see if it's ok. After two days of my wife driving and then I resume driving it to work. Didn't appear to be the car was working fine until august 13th, and that's when my daughter erica drove the car again and while backing out of the driveway the car malfunction, she couldn't steer the car the brakes won't work and naturally grown in reverse the emergency brake is not that effective in she ran off the road and damage the car.

Filed Mar 19, 2015 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · CA

At 89,000 miles, the battery light came on early in the day but I continued to drive it after stopping at toyota who confirmed it was a "battery light." later in the day, while traveling close to home at about 25mph, all the lights came on in the dashboard and the car started to seize up: steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and I could barely get the car over to the curb (it happened within minutes). The car completely shut down. It turned out to be an alternator gone bad. Frightening experience but I am glad it happened at 25 MPH and not on the freeway earlier in the day, or it could have caused an accident. In the future, I will get all warning lights checked out promptly and not assume that a battery symbol means only the battery is dying. Perhaps toyota needs an "alternator light" as well, as this is a serious situation.

Filed Dec 11, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 6,000 miles · MD

I have two related concerns about the 2009 corolla s with traction and stability control. It is my belief that there is an unresolved software issue with the ABS / stability system. I noticed the first issue at only 6000 miles, right after my second service at the toyota dealer. They performed the brake manifold recall related to the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v338000 during that service. The front brakes began to shake violently during braking from 65 MPH. It felt like the rotors were severely warped when this occurred. This does not occur every time. The toyota dealer examined the vehicle and they stated they could not find any issues and would not test the vehicle above 55 MPH. Each time I took the vehicle in for a scheduled service, the problem would suddenly get worse again. They like to tighten the rear brakes each time. I asked them to leave the rear brakes alone and did not see the normal aggravation of the front disk pulsation issue. I do still see severe vibration periodically. This symptom appears to occur most when the ambient external temperature is lower than 2 degrees below freezing and all the lights are fully lit. Due to the sporadic nature of the vibration, my concern is that the ABS system is unable to keep up or there is a voltage fluctuation with all the lights on that triggers the system to pulse the brakes intentionally. I have found others are seeing the same type of issue and noticed that you have a similar request odi id number: 10359202 from someone that has the same year and model with many identical VIN number digits. I currently have the original parts on the vehicle, if you need to inspect them. My secondary concern occurred when I tested the emergency (hand) brake on a long straight road. The stability control system threw the vehicle from side to side violently which could easily cause complete loss of control. This appears to be a software issue due to an 'unforeseen' but plausible condition.

Filed Mar 18, 2010 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed that all of the warning lights appeared on the instrument panel and remained illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who repaired the vehicle so that the warning lights were no longer illuminated; however, within a week the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not inspected when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 10,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2010 · Engine · 2,000 miles · IL

When driving on I-355, many dashboard lights went up and car temperature is very high too. It is a brand new toyota corolla (<2000 miles). Had to tow it to the dealer and was told that a rodent chewed up AC and coolant tubes. Never heard of it. What a lousy design or parts that attract rodents.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Engine · 74 miles · LA

Bought brand new (3miles) corolla le on friday, jan 2, 2009. On jan 5, while making a turn into a parking lot, the car completely "froze": no steering, no acceleration, no braking possible. All dashboard lights came on. I came to a stop (luckily, the parking lot was semi-empty); turned off the ignition, restarted the car. All dashboard lights were off- but the "check engine" stayed on. Called the dealer who recommended bringing the car to service for a check. Drove there (7 miles)- the "check engine" light remained on the whole time. The mechanic said that "the engine light doesn't come on". Was given the car back (after road test by the mechanic and, presumably, a computerized check) and told that "there is nothing wrong with the car". Feel completely unsafe driving the vehicle now.