2009 Toyota Corolla: engine failure

Filed Sep 12, 2019 · Engine · 176,000 miles · UT

My car was running fine until recently, when I had a few services done at the dealership: brake fluid, transmission drain/fill, oil change, and fuel injection service (this last item I did not ask for or approve beforehand). A couple days later, my car began stalling when I was driving (while coming to a stop/ not pushing the accelerator). No cel / overheating/ low oil issues- always regular maintenance. Took it back to the dealer, they said the engine had low compression and they suspected a cracked engine block. They also checked to see to see if my ECM was updated. That was all they said after being there 5 hours. I had to leave for work, brought it back a few days later, they said they didn't have time to look at it without an appointment. A few days later, my car wouldn't start at all. Took it back in, they said they didn't know why it had low compression/ stalling/ not starting because no oil or coolant leaks or mixing, no overheating, etc. Told me the only option is to replace engine. (cost of tearing engine apart to find crack or cracked gasket not worth cost in labor because of car's age/ mileage- 2009 corolla, around 176k). How is this even possible? I suspect that something was not done correctly during a recent service, or maybe they did not update/flash my ECM correctly. Of course, they are not claiming any responsibility. Very frustrating. The dealership manager did offer me a discount on the used engine repairs, but this seems like either manufacturer error or technician error.

Filed Aug 23, 2018 · Engine · 154,589 miles · VA

One month after buying my car from another consumer, I noticed the oil was low. I filled full the first day I got it and had not put any serious mileage on it. Two weeks later I start to hear this ticking noise and realized the oil filter needed changed the prior week. Changed it. Nothing happened. This ticking occurs on start up, gets louder with the RPM, and vibrates the entire car at stops. Took my car to toyota the next month thinking it was the accelerator belt or the connection rod bearing plate. They had me pay pay 120$ to take off the valve hood only to tell me I needed a new engine and there was nothing they could do. I did a bunch of research after this and hundreds of consumers have complained about the overconsumption of oil from this year's model leading to the failure of many engines. Toyota still hasn't admitted fault for this and there has not been a recall when there should be. This is supposed to be an 'honest, reliable' company but if they expect consumers to pay 2 to 6 thousand dollars for a new engine that was their fault...I will not support them through buying their products again. Frankly it's sickening to read that after 10 years they won't be on the hook for this faulty product's design. While I understand those were tough times, we are still feeling the 2008 recession through this faulty product and a company that does not hold up to their name.

Filed May 31, 2018 · Engine · MD

My 2009 toyota corolla has had an excessive amount of oil consumption due to toyota putting in defected piston and piston rings. This defect can cause engine damage or engine failure resulting in having to replace the entire engine. These other models may also be affected: toyota camry 2007-2011 toyota camry hybrid 2007-20011 toyota corolla 2009 toyota matrix 2009 toyota rav4 toyota solara 2007, 2008 scion xb 2008 2009 scion tc 2007-2009

Filed Apr 6, 2018 · Engine · 152,000 miles · NC

My 2009 toyota corolla has over heat problem so I take it to mechanic and they found water pump issue, I replace it. Problem still continue and take it to dealer place and they diagnostic vehicle and came up with few problem which cost me $1187, after they fixed they further diagnostic and said engine needs to be replace and they also said transition could failure down the road and they estimate me another $4500 to replace engine from different car which is has 75000 miles on it.

Filed Dec 3, 2017 · Electrical · 108,000 miles · MD

I own a 2009 corolla that has 108,000 miles. I took it to the dealer for the airbag recall fix, and it also had the engine check light on. The dealer said that the obd-ii code p0354 came up in the diagnostics and the vehicle needed a new engine wire harness at a cost of $2,000 dollars. I did my own research and found this toyota technical service bulletin link that describes exactly the problem and also includes my car's VIN. Http://alflash.com.ua/refer/t-sb-0379-08.pdf apparently,toyota knew of the wiring harness problem, but they chose to conceal it and fix only if the customer complained. They expected the customer to play detective and find their latent design fault! I have owned five other cars since 1973, one for 23 years, and I never had to replace the engine wire harness!

Filed Mar 28, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 81,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. While driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the windows failed to function. In addition, the instrument panel lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2015 · Engine · 105,000 miles · CT

While driving on interstate 395 in connecticut the engine died. I was able to coast over to the side of the road and after multiple tries the car stated. I drove a little further and the engine died once again while I was driving. I was able to start the car and get it to my mechanic. The engine error code stated that 2 of the 4 starter coils failed. The mechanic replaced the 2 starter coils and the car drove fine. After the car spent the night in my garage it would not start again. I had the car towed to mechanic and he replaced the crank shaft sensor. The car again ran fine for 1 day than after the overnight in the garage the car would not start. At the recommendation of my mechanic I had the car towed to valenti toyota in westerly. Ri where I purchased the car. They kept the car for a week first stating that the computer was bad and needed to be replaced. I pointed out that toyota had a recall of computers in 2008 corolla and since my car was built in 2008 did they use the same faulty computers? They stated no and would order a new computer and have it the next day. I received a call from the dealership stating that toyota would not release the part to them and they would be dealing with the regional parts engineer. After 4 days and still no computer valenti toyota called me back and stated that all 4 starter coils needed replacing and that the car is running now. The charge for the repair was $768.52 (customer #20437 and invoice #tocs275417) this does not make a lot of sense to me as I have never heard of a company not releasing parts to its own dealership. My question is did my car have a faulty computer and is this a cover-up? Why would the car engine just stop when driving at a speed of 60 MPH? Luckily I had no one behind me and was able to coast to safety.

Filed May 7, 2014 · Engine · 89,000 miles · PA

Water pump began to loudly whir after 6 hours of continuous highway driving. 200x miles later, began to rattle. 50x miles later, seized completely. Cost to repair: $70 water pump, $60 labor.

Filed Jun 30, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 77,798 miles · PA

Car had just been started, was departing a parking garage and power steering suddenly failed, followed by engine failure. Car would not start again; battery was completely drained. Alternator had gone bad and was replaced.

Filed Apr 8, 2013 · Engine · 68,041 miles · CA

The water pump seized up while driving and shot the remains of the serpentine belt out of the bottom of the car. The change in the handling was immediate, and I am thankful I was not on the highway. The car is not high mileage and is just out of the warranty period. No injuries, it happened late at night, thankfully no one was around, the jolt did cause me to jerk the wheel a bit.

Filed Aug 13, 2010 · Engine · 16,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. While the contact was driving approximately 15 MPH making a left turn, the engine completely stalled. The engine warning indicator illuminated. The engine would not restart. The vehicle was coasted to an authorized dealer where the engine coil was replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on three different times for the identical engine failure and they were unable to locate a problem. However, during the three failure occurrences the vehicle would restart after numerous attempts. The technician stated the replacement of the starter and ignition could possibly correct the failure. The parts were unavailable at the time of the complaint. The vehicle would be repaired upon the parts arrival date. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.