2009 Toyota Corolla: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 7, 2024 · Electrical · ME

I purchased my car in March 2023. From the first week, it wouldn't start sometimes. Id wait 5 minutes, then it would start fine. I thought it was when it got wet, at first. I also had a certain part replaced air flow compressor, possibly was called?, thinking this would fix it. It did not. In fact, the problem seemed to be happening more and more but, always, if I waited 5 to 10 minutes, sometimes messed around under the hood, it would start. This was not very comforting however, when it would stall at a light and not start right back up. I took it to AutoZone and was run on the diagnostics machine. Was told it needed new spark plugs and ignition coil packs. Which I got and replaced. Still happening. I took back to AutoZone, had it run again on diagnostic. This time it said battery. So I had a new battery put in. Still happening. All along, might I add, my fuses will blow randomly, my headlights And taillights will blow for no reason. One taillightooks like it melted through the plastic before it decided to blow. I e replaced some fuses, only to have blown again. I also have replaced the light bulb in taillight, only to have blown twice more. This is very dangerous, especially at a traffic light or, late at night if I need to go somewhere or leave somewhere And it won't start. I've been stuck in the middle of the road, on the wring sidevif the riad, in the midfle if a snowstorm, with it not starting for me. Also, it was gett5really cold without heat and, I was nearly hit several times as i was also at the bottom of a steep hill when my car decided to stop sliding backwards and stall on me and would not restart. That was the most fearful I have been with this issue and with good reason! I now see several others having similar issues with their same exact car. Why isn't Toyota addressing this?

Filed May 27, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 10 miles · CA

The high beams on the headlights come on without the control being touched. This began when I first bought the car & still does. At first it would happen at any time of the day but now it happens only when it is dark or getting dark. This could impair the vision of the driver of an oncoming vehicle. It is most dangerous on narrow streets. There are other electrical problems that occur from time to time such as the cruise control, power mirrors, air conditioner, driving & dash lights not working. Also the dome light has remained on causing the battery to run down .these latter problems do not seem to pose the threat that the headlights do but they seem to be connected & they are a distraction that could cause problems. I have taken my car to the dealer many times but they never corrected the problem.

Filed Nov 19, 2012 · Lights · 106,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. The contact stated that when adding a new bulb to the headlights for the low beams, the bulbs would only last for two months before failing. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer or mechanic. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Jun 20, 2011 · Lights, Steering · 35,902 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the steering wheel cover panel detached and left the air bag exposed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that a bolt was loose and caused the panel to detach. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned that the air bag would unexpectedly deploy without being involved in a crash. The failure mileage was 35,902 and the current mileage was 36,233. Updated 07/25/11*lj the consumer also stated water was getting inside of the head lights causing them to become discolored. Updated 12/19/11

Filed Apr 11, 2011 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 toyota corolla. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the vehicle began to lose power abnormally. The instrument panel gauges would fluctuate oddly and the power steering, power brakes and headlights all became inoperable. The dealer made two attempts to duplicate the failure and advised the contact to have the battery replaced and that the symptoms would be normal if the battery was the culprit of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who advised the contact to have the alternator replaced. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The current mileage was 52,000 and the failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2011 · Electrical, Steering · 9,364 miles · WA · crash · 1 injury

The vehicle would have an intermittent delay upon start up and intermittent power steering "lock up" when making sharp turns. During the power steering failure the vehicle would also lose radio and A/C as if the vehicle was powering down. I took the car to my dealership where I had purchased the vehicle less than a month before these issues. My first incident happened in a parking lot in front of another vehicle luckily, the other driver was paying attention and did not hit me. Another incident happened on an exit off ramp which was a very sharp circular portion of road, the power steering completely went out and I had to "muscle" through the turn, suddenly the power steering was working again which almost caused me to lose control of the vehicle due to me going from using all my might to turn back to the vehicle working properly. My service dealership recalibrated steering torque sensor and found tsb 0182-09 for hard start condition, reprogrammed engine computer and added fuel tank additive per bulletin instructions. I drove the vehicle a few days until once again my car had the exact same issue. Took my vehicle back to my dealership for service again. Service order states; inspect steering operation found eps will cut out and cause radio, headlights to cut out. Scan check record and flag events. Test and recharge battery pass. Open tech line case review data. Zero point and monitor again per tech assist failed after 3 turn. S/o power column assy. Replaced power steering column assembly and also found loose pwr supply wire nut causing voltage drop to system. Tightened nut and test drove. Vehicle total loss in single driver/vehicle accident. My 17 yr old son lost control and hit a tree. He suffered traumatic brain injury and cannot tell me the cause of the accident. I was disappointed to see the results of the federal safety agency power steering investigation. I know for certain my steering complaint was not due to bad driving, how could bad driving possibly cause power steering to lock up and your car to "power do

Filed Aug 12, 2008 · Lights · FL

We have a serious nighttime driving visibility condition. The auto manufacturers are now making headlights with plastic lens which tend to darken in a relatively short time thereby inhibiting nighttime driving vision especially for older people who need more light than a younger driver. It in my opinion should not be tolerated. The manufacturers should be compelled to go back to glass lenses for safety reasons.