Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2007 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that she came to a complete stop at a traffic light, and when she lifted her foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle sporadically accelerated. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed. The contact did not sustain injuries. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. A police report was not filled. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated on its own in traffic. The contact placed the vehicle in park, shut off, and restarted the engine. Afterwards, the contact was able to drive home safely. Also, while driving 20-40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while shifting gears and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Toyota marietta (750 cobb pkwy s, marietta, ga 30060, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that a computer update needed to be performed. The dealer stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair cost because the VIN was not included in a recall; however, the vehicle experienced the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 10V384000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
bought this vehicle with 112000 on it transmission went out 127000 with no warning
In May 21, 2009, when my husband was driving in a 45 MPH road, the car speed suddenly couldn't maintain and started to decrease although the accelerator pedal was depressed. Then found the car engine stalled and couldn't restart. Fortunately, there was no other car hit his car when this happened. But engine suddenly stall while driving, especially in a highway could be life threatening problem, which could be even worse than sudden acceleration. I have read qcsreport00203 report regarding electronic throttle control systems in Toyota consumer complaints to NHTSA. In this report it states: it is frequently possible to determine whether an electronic throttle control system is used in an engine in a specific vehicle once the make, the model, the model year, and the corresponding Toyota engine family are identified. …
To whom it May concern, it is more like a question about my concern about a common manufacturers defect. I do not have serious issue at this time but I got some alarming sign on my vehicle that I am afraid it comes back. I have noticed tons of complaint online about Toyota Corolla 2007 giving check engine light with the code p0741, you can already find it online and many of the owner seems to be frustrated about this issue. In many cases car does not have any issue but the light comes and go, specially with the s model. It includes cars with 50,000 miles and above. The number of cases seems to be significant and Toyota dealers seem to offer transmission replacement which is approximately the price of the car. I have seen a recall for 2005 and 006 Corolla for computer change with similar error code but with this high number of complaint, I could not find any recall for Corolla 2007. …
I have a 2007 Toyota Corolla with 30K miles on it. Two weeks ago my check engine light turned on and the automatic transmission began shifting roughly. After a while it would start running OK and the check engine light would go off. I took it to jiffy lube thinking that it was low on transmission fluid and it was not. This continued for two weeks and I took it to the dealership this morning. They replaced the ECM under warranty. I looked this problem up on the internet and discovered that this is widespread and very dangerous in certain instances. The web site that I visited is http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201631&page=3. I strongly urge your organization to get on top of this before someone gets killed. Toyota should have recalled these vehicles. My concern now is that how long will the new ECM last and is it safe. …
I drive a 2007 Toyota Corolla s automatic. I bought it brand new & had about 72,000 miles on it at the time of the incident. I had noticed for a few weeks that my car was shifting into reverse quite roughly, delayed & jerking. I figured I would get it checked at my next oil change. While I was stopped at an intersection waiting to turn left, my car stalled. I stepped on the pedal to accelerate but it just revved my car & wouldn't go. I tried switching into reverse with the same result. Then I restarted my car a couple times until it finally started moving again. I thought it was a fluke so I kept driving. Unfortunately, as I drove on, the car just decelerated and stalled again. At that point, I called a tow truck. My car was taken to repair shop where the diagnostic was ECM issues & transmission failure. …
Re: Toyota 2007 Corolla: when driving (in reverse) out of our driveway, on several occasions the car would suddenly jerk, emit a lot of fumes, and it would take off on its own. Putting pressure on the brakes would not stop the car- only turning off the ignition key stops the car. Last time this occurred was on November 4, 2014. After driving out of the driveway and changing gears from reverse to drive, the car again jerked, made a left turn, drove across our lawn, through the bushes and to our next door neighbor?s lawn. We are lucky that it did not slam into our house or the electric pole close to our driveway- either one would probably have killed us. The car has its own mind and does not respond to anything that the driver tries to do to stop the car from moving other than turning off the ignition key. The Toyota dealer, of course, asserts that there is nothing wrong with the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while waiting at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the engine control module was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle made a loud grinding sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the axle had fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 10 and the current mileage was 148,000.
2007 Toyota Corolla engine and transmission computer broke while I was driving on highway 128 north. I was going 60 miles per hour at 7:45 am on Monday morning when the engine totally stalled. That was very dangerous and could have killed me and others if they hit me. I was lucky to be able to go all the way to the right and stop on the break down lane to call aaa for a tow to the Toyota dealer where they run a scan and found out that the computer needs replacement. The car was still under warranty and worked fine once they replaced the computer. My complain is that this incident could have easily killed me and others.
Transmission complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Toyota Corolla, 3% of the model year's 836 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota Corolla transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Toyota Corolla, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Toyota Corolla transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.