Check a VIN

Toyota Corolla slipping problems

29 of the 11,673 owner complaints about the Toyota Corolla describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2009 model year.

owner complaints
29
worst model year
2009
typical mileage
35,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    1
  • 2024
    2
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    2
  • 2016
    3
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2011
    2
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    7
  • 2008
    1
  • 2006
    1
  • 2003
    2
  • 1998
    1
  • 1995
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · CA

SYSTEM THAT FAILED: Powertrain / Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and differential/transaxle assembly. The component is currently intact and available for inspection at the diagnosing dealership. SAFETY RISK DESCRIPTION: While traveling on the highway, the vehicle suffered a physical jolt followed by a loud, sustained mechanical whirring noise. The powertrain immediately dropped into an un-commanded "limp mode" that capped the maximum speed to below 40 MPH. Upon attempting to accelerate out of active highway traffic toward an exit ramp, the CVT slipped severely, causing the engine speed to fluctuate violently and rhythmically between 1,000 and 3,000 RPM while failing to transmit power to the wheels. This sudden, unexpected loss of propulsion on a highway created an immediate and severe collision hazard to the operator and surrounding motorists. DEALER CONFIRMATION & INSPECTION: The vehicle and its components have been officially inspected and diagnosed by an authorized manufacturer dealership. The dealership’s shop foreman personally verified a total mechanical failure of the transaxle and differential assembly, noting that the component is physically stuck in a lower gear. No insurance or police inspections were conducted, as the safety event did not result in an accident. WARNINGS & PRIOR SYMPTOMS: There were absolutely no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or pre-failure symptoms prior to this specific incident. Onboard diagnostics failed to provide any prior warning to the operator. Furthermore, a subsequent computer diagnostic sweep by the dealership confirmed that zero electronic Diagnostic Trouble Codes were triggered or stored, confirming a sudden, purely physical mechanical breakdown. This vehicle represents a repeat structural failure of a manufacturer-supplied safety remedy. The current Toyota dealer-installed replacement from a previous JSD campaign remedy suffered the exact highway mechanical breakdown after only 43,000 miles of operation.

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 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 18, 2024 · Transmission · TX

Transmission slip, hard shifting, early or late shift. Automatic transmission

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Transmission · NV

Transmission slips from 20-40 mph randomly.

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Transmission · AZ

Transmission is in sport mode stopped at red light loud snapping sound and car lunged forward. Revs up with the transmission slipping with out forward movement acceleration after switching to drive mode it runs normally. Drove home didn't want to push my luck out on the road 38,683 miles on the vehicle

Filed Mar 1, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · CA

corolla 2018, has 90k miles, reently, (3rd time already). driving o freeway car reduced speed, and wont go over 40mph, although rpm goes high all the way to 4,000. had to stop aside waitied 3 hours to see whats wrong, after engine was cold, dorove it home slowly on side streets, happened again wont go over 40mph, transmission became slippery and noisy, after couple of weeks, third time happened agintransmission noisy became very scary, called toyota and they wont do anything bout it saying not under warranty, no recalls no voluntary repairs is associated with this vin although all other model years were included. car is useless now. no money for transmission repairs. really bad. for a car considered mot reliable car in the world.

Filed Oct 5, 2022 · Transmission · IL

My Transmission On My 2011 Toyota Corolla Has Been Experiencing So Troubles .when being put into gear to drive it acts as if it's in Neutral and put on reverse the same thing . At first it was driving fine and Then a week later when you put it on driver I notice my rpms when getting ramped up but my it was slowly going up to 20 miles pre hour and you can fill it slipping. Now my car is undriveable

Filed Jul 2, 2021 · Transmission · WA

Transmission stuttering at steady speed more pronounced on inclines. Violent skipping or slipping on acceleration

Filed Sep 25, 2020 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

Transmission is clunking and it seems like an extremely rough downshifting mostly at freeway speeds and it actually sounds and feels as though you've hit something on the road even though road was clear. I called the dealer and was told if it could not be duplicated that they wouldn't be able to figure out the problem. When I last brought it to dealer for oil change they put on the vehicle report that the transmission fluid was black and when I asked what should be done the service adviser didn't text back. The transmission seems to be slipping more often and I estimate the clunking and strange noise has happened 10-15 times at least. It is nerve wracking when it occurs because it is scary to feel that when you are driving on the freeway.

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 slipping

Which Toyota Corolla years have transmission slipping problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2009 (7 complaints), 2016 (3 complaints) and 2003 (2 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Toyota Corolla?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history