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Toyota Corolla hesitation problems

61 of the 11,674 owner complaints about the Toyota Corolla describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2010 model year.

owner complaints
61
worst model year
2010
typical mileage
42,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    3
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    4
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    5
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    5
  • 2010
    9
  • 2009
    7
  • 2007
    3
  • 2006
    3
  • 2005
    4
  • 2004
    4
  • 2003
    1
  • 2001
    1
  • 1999
    1
  • 1994
    2

Often reported together

Check engine light 14Stalling 10Jerking 6Loss of power 5Transmission failure 4CVT failure 3Sudden acceleration 2Slipping 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P2757 2P2820 1P1604 1P075B 1P0741 1P0430 1B2799 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Fuel system · IL

I currently am experiencing the early stages of the failure of the SECOND fuel pump that this car has. I experienced the same symptoms/problem (hesitation and stalling) a year or two ago with the stock fuel pump. I had the Toyota dealer that I purchased the car from in January of 2022 replace the fuel pump. I thought it was just a one-off situation. Now that the second pump is failing, I did some searching and saw that there was a recall for 2013-2020 Toyota Corollas for the very same problem. I think this fuel pump failure problem is likely repeating for the 2022 Corollas too.

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Transmission · 76,099 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the tachometer was raised to high levels while exiting the highway. While at a stoplight, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. An OBD2 scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle, and DTC: P0741, P075B, P1604, P2757, P2820(X4) were retrieved, which were related to the torque converter. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced, and the contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 76,099.

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Transmission · MD

The 2024 Toyota Corolla needs to be added to the list of vehicles currently being investigated for transmission/engine issues. The vehicle in question is currently exhibiting transmission anomalies consistent with those observed in several other vehicles under review, specifically: slipping, jerking, surging forward, hesitation to accelerate from a complete stop, loss of power, droning sound at low speed, odd knocking noise/vibration during idle, unresponsive gear changes, shuddering upon vehicle shutdown, and decreased fuel efficiency. The owner has incurred expenses exceeding $2,000 for rental vehicles and diagnostic services in an effort to resolve these persistent issues. However, as of January 21, 2026, Toyota has not acknowledged the existence of a problem, asserting that these conditions are within normal operating parameters and that the vehicle is performing as intended. A local mechanic has advised the owner that Toyota will not diagnose the issue, but they are likely to offer a post-warranty adjustment should the transmission ultimately fail. It has become increasingly apparent that Toyota is not conducting a thorough investigation into these matters and expects the customer to bear the expense beyond the scope of the standard warranty. Beyond the immediate safety concerns for the owner, there is a significant risk of collision should the vehicle experience a loss of control or erratic behavior. Thank you for your time and assistance in investigating this matter.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · FL · crash

"I am reporting a fatal crash involving a 2024 Toyota Corolla (VIN [XXX] I do not know the exact mechanical cause, but the following symptoms occurred: 1) The driver reported dashboard lights (red and blue) flickering on and off, windows and locks going on or off. 2) There was hesitation in acceleration after taking off, 3) The vehicle failed to stop and went airborne causing a FATAL accident. Insurance Co. failed to investigate porperly and sold the car To Co-part without waiting for Probate forms to be complete for this vehicle and the Estate. We have discovered this car was an Avis fleet vehicle sold as 'new' at Beaver Toyota. I am requesting a federal investigation to determine if a mechanical or electronic defect caused this loss of control." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Transmission · CA

My 2016 Toyota Corolla suddenly showed a Check Engine light, and the dealer diagnosed a CVT transmission failure with code P2757. This code is linked directly to Toyota’s own TSB T-SB-0150-16 for torque converter clutch/valve-body failure. The dealer confirmed the issue and quoted me $11K to fix it. This is frightening because a failing transmission can slip, hesitate, or lose power at any moment, which puts me and others at risk. There were no early warning signs, just the sudden light. I brought it in immediately, and the problem was fully reproduced and documented by Toyota. My car is available for inspection whenever needed. Toyota corporate reviewed my case but offered very little help since my vehicle is just outside the 7-year timeframe for CA. I bought the extended warranty when the car was brand new. I have done every single service at Toyota, always on time, and my car has never been in an accident. I’ve taken care of it exactly the way Toyota told me to. This is not normal wear. This is a documented defect that puts drivers at risk and places an enormous financial burden on owners who did everything right. I’m filing this complaint because people deserve protection, accountability, and fairness, especially when a safety-related failure happens in a well-maintained vehicle. I’m only [XXX] , and I expected to own many more Toyotas throughout my life. My whole family drives Toyotas. I grew up believing this brand meant safety, reliability, and loyalty in both directions. I honestly wanted to be a Toyota driver for life. But facing an $11K repair for a known issue that Toyota already acknowledged in a TSB—without meaningful support—has broken my trust in a way I never expected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Transmission · OH

rattle in transmission. Car hesitates to accelerate randomly leading to unpredictable acceleration sometimes. Transmission is failing.

Filed Sep 1, 2024 · Driver assistance, Transmission · MS

Brand new car with 300 miles jerks and jolts leaving from a stop and hesitates going up hill. Feels like car has no power behind it. Forward collision also breaks randomly. Currently at dealership.

Filed Feb 6, 2024 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while driving. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Nov 30, 2023 · MA

CVT TRANSMISSION is hesitating after first gear, going over 40mph and going up hills. I was told by Toyota that it would cost $8,200 to fix/REPLACE. The car has 125,000 miles on it. THAT Shouldn't happen. Since the Corolla Hatchbacks were recalled that year, why weren't ALL of the corollas recalled. Reading on-line, I see I am not alone. This is wrong. And I still have about $2K owed on it.

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Engine · AL

Intermittently and without warning for the past few months the vehicle will at times fail to accelerate properly when pulling out in heavy traffic. The RPMs go past 5000 RPMs and the vehicle barely moves. When I let off the gas and reapply gas the vehicle will go. Vehicle also jerks and hesitates at speeds between 0 -. 30 mph. Disengaging the vehicles traction control helps to alleviate issue. Vehicle and issue will be presented to my Toyota dealer.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: torque converterReported December 19, 2018 · 3,424 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). The pump impeller blades within the torque converter may detach, especially when driven under high load, potentially causing a vehicle stall.
Risk
A vehicle stall, especially when driving a high rate of speed, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota has notified owners, and dealers will replace the CVT and torque converter, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J17/J07.

Recall number 18V901000 · Recall details

Power train: axle assemblyReported March 11, 2002 · 8,483 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On passenger vehicles with vehicle identification numbers (VIN) starting with 1nx only and built from january 8 through february 13, 2002, it is possible for the bolts that join the rear brake and hub assembly to the rear axle carrier to be loose due to insufficient tightening during the assembly process.
Risk
If the vehicle is operated in this condition, one or more of the four bolts could come loose, causing an abnormal noise from the rear axle area. In the event that all four bolts loosen completely, separation of the rear brake and hub assembly from the rear axle carrier could occur, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will properly tighten the bolts. Owner notification began march 21, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 02V074001 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota Corolla hesitation

Which Toyota Corolla years have hesitation when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2010 (9 complaints), 2009 (7 complaints) and 2011 (5 complaints).

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