2017 Toyota Corolla acceleration problems

Filed May 14, 2023 · Acceleration · WI

Recently purchased a used 2017 Toyota Corolla. During the test drive I did not attempt to use the cruise control as it was only driven on city or small highways. Travel with the car at those locations has been good. Yesterday while on a freeway, I used the cruise control. It started out okay, but when I got to a downhill or uphill location, the car engine got very loud. The rpm’s revved to an extremely high level and the car accelerated and kept accelerating beyond the cruise set speed. I became very scared and didn’t know what was happening. Luckily I had quick thinking to hit the brakes immediately. I actually pulled over and stopped due to the issue and my nerves. The engine looked okay so once calmed, I began traveling again. I wanted to use the cruise on the freeway, so attempted a second time later. The same exact thing happened in the uphill / downhill scenario. I realized there is something wrong and it is not a good issue at all! This morning I began researching things related to the car. Prior to my purchase, I had checked for any outstanding recalls (which there were none) and problems people may have had with this car. There were no general concerning things I saw. This morning I began searches specific to cruise control issues and found discussions and even videos pertaining to cruise problems. People mention an array of scenarios and possible reasons such as the brake pedal sensor not working. Then I came across this site where other people described the same exact problem and safety concern of mine. I agree with all of them that it is definitely scary and thank goodness the brake works otherwise it would be a MAJOR safety concern!! I am now concerned and wondering why after many people have problems with this, there is not a fix or something being done?

Filed May 27, 2022 · Acceleration · 55,000 miles · MN · crash

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier while turning into a parking space. The contact was not able to depress the brake pedal in time to stop the vehicle. No air bags were deployed. No injury was sustained and no medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2021 · Acceleration · SC

Vehicle went out of control in regards of speed when traveling downhill with cruise control on. Vehicle began heavily decelerating and accelerating along with high engine rpm. This is extremely dangerous and I am unable to use cruise control because of it.

Filed Jul 10, 2021 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MN

I had to drive around 600 miles to and from family funeral. As others have reported the cruise control on a down hill slope goes out of control. As I reached the top of a hill and started down the cruise control would accelerate to 4000 RPM ( it is really loud) the speed would start increasing and go 15-20 MPH over what the cruise control speed was set at. I had to turn off the cruise control to regain control over the speed. I was afraid that something might happen if I did not. Where it seemed my car should down shift it was not. Something is wrong with the programming of the cruise control. This should not happen on a decline. Also, at one point when I was in the left lane and a car passed me on the right, my car slowed down really quickly. If someone had been behind me it could have caused a serious accident. This is my fourth toyota and I have never had these problems before.

Filed Sep 27, 2020 · Acceleration · 1,000 miles · TX

When going down hill, the cruise control races the engine into high RPM (4000+ RPM) rather than slowing the engine and controlling the car speed. It has done this since it was new.

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Acceleration · 72,310 miles · TX

When cruise control engaged, if it hits a level or down hill it appears to down shift, but continue to speed up. It should just reduce the fuel to slow down. This appears to be a program problem. This happens at all speeds. It was bought used from a toyota dealer. I have not asked the service department yet.

Filed May 21, 2019 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 50,000 miles · VA

While driving down a downgrade with the cruise control engaged and set to 65mph, the CVT transmission downshifts, the rpms increased and the vehicle accelerated to well over the speed limit. It felt like I was losing control. I had to activate the brakes to disengage the cruise control in order to reduce my speed to below the posted speed limit. I tried it again on another downgrade and the same situation was duplicated. The car will also engage rpms when you are downgrading or upgrading in cruise control I did not take the car into a dealer since the issue has been reported to dealerships with a solution to this problem.

Filed Feb 17, 2019 · Acceleration · 48,235 miles · KY

When going downhill on cruise control my corolla's RPM's go up to 5000 and instead of keeping stable speeds it increases the speeds. I feel like I can't control my vehicle when this happens. This is a huge safety issue. I'm not sure if something needs to be re-programmed but I've seen so many complaints on this issue. I wouldn't be surprised if a wreck has happened because of this. Toyota needs to be forced to fix this issue before someone seriously gets hurt or dies.

Filed Dec 29, 2018 · Acceleration · MO

Disappointed with toyota on this, last one I will purchase if they are unable to provide a fix! While in motion on every occasion the cruise control is engaged and the vehicle is on a decline the cruise control does not maintain the set speed. This is the first time of 4 other corolla's I have owned that responded like this. Depending on the severity of the decline the speed will increase from 5 to 15 MPH and the engine revs to 4,000 rpms in an attempt to maintain speed. Adam's toyota dealership has stated that this is a normal occurrence for all 2017 corolla's CVT's and I maintain it's not and cruise is useless therefore I should be reimbursed. The cruise control in all other vehicles (prior corolla's and other makes) I have owned has maintained a consistent speed no matter the road being traveled. Since I have owned this vehicle this issue has occurred every time I have engaged the cruise control. Others online have complaints on this issue as well. Toyota please provide fix

Filed Dec 22, 2018 · Acceleration · 1,079 miles · PR

The CVT transmission make a sound unknow the dealer say me that is all normal in the car for me is not normal other cars contain CVT transmission and this sound not make in others CVT transmission is more making sound in climb and when on air conditioner