2011 Toyota Corolla: jerking or lurching

Filed Jan 4, 2024 · Steering · NC

While driving on a straight road steering wheel suddenly jerk hard left and right several times for just a few seconds and then went normal. This caused the car to cross lane into oncoming traffic. Fortunately steering went to normal before causing head on collision. I took the car into local Toyota dealer to be checked. They could not duplicate trouble. No warning lamps lit up and no fault codes per dealership technician.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Steering · 42,000 miles · TN

Im the first owner to this 2011 toyota corolla le thought it would be nice to own seeming how I got it with 6 miles lets start when ever I get on the interstate an lets say im going 50 or better like 70 in speed the car jerks an it shakes an it steers to the right I am now at 45,000 miles I have had the car almost up to 3years now the brake caliber makes offul sounds when coming down a hill never had a car that does this now I'm paying thousands of dollars for a car that is to great or safe this car is dangerous my brakes are up to date my maintenance is up to date this car makes me unhappy now I see theirs a recall wow the dealership isn't gonna give me a new car like in my dreams I guess lol I asked toyota why do my brakes sound like that they say o thats how toyota brakes sound an they aren't gonna fix the problem.

Filed Aug 1, 2013 · Steering · 20,100 miles · MA

I purchased a toyota corolla s - 2011 from a very large and reputable massachusetts toyota dealership on 7/28/2013. I picked up the car at 8:50 pm on 8/30/2013. Much to my surprise and fear, upon gaining speed on the highway during my 50 minute trip home, I felt I had no control of the car. I noticed the steering wheel was not at all centered, facing to the right. The wheel moved about, from left to right, very loosely and on its own. The effect of my holding onto the wheel did little to control the wheels movements. This terrified me and completly stressed and fatigued me during my ride. I felt I had to constantly remain sharp and alert, waiting for the need to correct the next jerking movement from the wheel. Upon arriving home, I spent the entire evening researching this matter in detail, via the internet. I found numerous forums/discussion groups regarding complaints about this same problem. I also found a toyota (official) "technical service bulletin" (tsb) that detailed this same problem with the 2009 and 2010 corolla's. The tsb was dated 2010, however, various forums discussed the corolla 2011 having the exact same eps system (and therefore, the exact same problem). I contacted the dealership within hours and was told to bring my corolla back to the dealership's service dept. Tomorrow (8/1/2013) so that the car can be looked at and repaired. I am hoping the matter is resolved to a point where I can have any confidence driving this car. I understand your agency recently fined toyota millions of dollars for a history of failing to report and address safety concerns appropriately. I am more likely going to ask for a full refund given this information and frightening experience.

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Transmission · 12,677 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the RPM reading decreased as the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure occurred when the contact was driving between 40 and 60 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 12,677.

Filed Feb 8, 2013 · Transmission · 18,899 miles · NM

I was driving on the highway in cruise control set to 75mph, while on an incline, either approaching the hill down/up the vehicle begin to violently jerk back and forth (bumper to bumper). I took my vehicle to the dealership on wednesday 06 feb 2013, issue was not resolved and I was accused of wasting their time. Maintenance manager didn't attempt to recreate issue I experienced on an incline, but instead test drove it on a flat surface about 2 miles, the maintenance team checked the fluids and computer.. Stated on maintenance slip that my transmission fluid is discolored and would need to be flushed soon, computer had no error codes. After I was verbally berated by the maintenance manager, I explained that I would install a video camera in my vehicle to record the events I was experiencing, upon asking if I recorded the issue, would they then take action and repair my vehicle, I was laughed at and essentially told that they would find a way to make sure that toyota was not at fault. I was told by another dealership out-of-state, that fluid should not be discolored under 65k miles and that there was an obvious issue. After no further action was taken, I contacted toyota customer care and filed a complaint, upper management at my dealership then offered to do a ride along, on 12 feb 2013.

Filed Dec 23, 2011 · Transmission · 4,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota corolla. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk back and forth while decelerating. The failure recurred constantly and was more noticeable when driving between 40-50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 4,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2011 · Acceleration, Engine · 50 miles · FL

I picked up this new lease car march 8, 2011 & noticed this issue at the end of march with about 50 miles on the odometer; car now has 1000 miles on the odometer.. I noticed that always around 40 MPH the engine almost stops as if I were driving standard shift (which I am not) & someone downshifted into another gear, or if the speed control was on (never use it) & it came out of the set speed.. The first time it happened I kind of ignored it but then when it happened again. I stopped at the dealer gettel toyota where I picked up this lease car & the person in the service department told me "not to worry about it that the vehicle was getting used to my driving habits & that if something were wrong engine/dash lights would go on" (pp).. So I went my way keeping his words in mind.. This problem still exists with 1000 miles on the odometer & while I was concerned about it I didn't raise any red flags until now I see I am not the only toyota corolla owner having this issue which leads me to think its another "toyota design flaw".. I learned that term "design flaw" from toyota when I had my 2007 corolla & filed many lemon law complaints on it & toyota would repeat those words in their responses since toyota doesn't participate in lemon law negotiations they told me.. I have been leasing cars since 2002 & this is my second toyota lease which I wasn't going to do again since I had so many problems with my 2007 corolla but I liked the design of the newer model & couldn't beat the deal toyota kept giving me to take another car from them.. Now that I am reading about other owners having this same issue of the speed deceleration I am concerned that there may be a "design flaw" with the transmission or engine mechanics.. Although this doesn't happen all of the time it does consistently happen at 40 MPH & is quite noticeable since the car almost jerks forward when it occurs. The consumer was informed toyota is aware of the issue. Updated 10/18/11

Filed Jul 24, 2011 · Transmission · 100 miles · NY

I purchased the car 4/22/11, two weeks later it began jerking and bucking. I thought it was me so at first I did not say anything. After some time it became a regular occurrence. Then on 2 occasions it accelerated on it's own. Even when I applied the brakes it was not slowing down. Finally it did but I was scared I was not going to be able to stop. I took the car to the dealer and, of course, it did not do it. They checked it and told me all was normal. Two days later the jerking and bucking returned and it drove itself again just the other day. The jerking and bucking occurs between 40 and50 MPH. However, the other day it occurred at 35 and 55. When this happens the tach. Dips and dives and the mpg gauge drops to 99.9 . No warning lights come on. This car scares me !!!!!!!!! I have found other people complaining of the same problem and doing all the same things I am doing including this report but to no avail. Toyota is doing nothing about this problem. I called them to report this on tuesday 7/19/11 they gave me a case # and told me a manager would call me by friday. I received no call.

Filed May 18, 2011 · Steering · 120 miles · CA

At about 55mph-60mph, the car becomes difficult to steer. The car becomes very unstable and will not hold the road well. The car jerks quickly back and forth across the lane, feeling almost as if one were driving in high winds; however, this steering issue will occur at every high speed and even without wind present. The steering is too sensitive and will easily move into any other lane despite holding the wheel still. This car feels like the steering has a mind of its own, which is especially frightening while driving past other cars on freeways due to diminished driver control. At lower speeds, steering is fine, but becomes dangerous at higher speeds. Very scary to drive.

Filed May 12, 2011 · Acceleration · 55 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 toyota corolla. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH and as he removed his foot from the accelerator pedal in anticipation that the vehicle would decelerate, the vehicle continued to maintain speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they explained to the contact that the failure was a normal occurrence for the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when driving downhill with the cruise control activated, the vehicle would decelerate abnormally, causing a slight jerk. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 800 and current mileage was approximately 5,600. The consumer stated he noticed when he removed his foot from the accelerator, the tach increased to 300 RPM and then to 400 RPM. Updated 07/29/11

Filed Apr 4, 2011 · Steering · 260 miles · TX

2011 toyota corolla. Steering very hard to keep on the road. Wanders and jerks wheel very hard and turns by itself in the wind.. Loss of control.. Unable to keep the car in the same lane as it steers wherever it wants to go. Conditions worsened by wind and passing tractor trailers.. Has something to do with the electric power steering. It over steers when you only want it to turn a little bit.. Very scary at highway speeds.