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 2009 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We were driving on a highway while we heard some noise came from the front of our car. We thought we hit some metal, so we slowed down and changed to the slow lane, then the car started slowing down by itself, and the steering wheel couldn't move freely. We pulled over, opened the front, and saw some smoke and some liquid fell down. We spent $300 for towing our car to the Toyota dealership where we bought our car from. And we were told that it is the water pump pulley failed that cause the drive belt broke and engine overheated...I was informed that the repair will cause about $4000 for a second-hand engine!! Our 2009 Toyota Corolla was bought new in November, 2008 and only has 68000 miles on it. We just did the oil change at the dealership 5 days after this happen! …
Tl contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact noticed a grinding noise most of the time when she depressed the brake pedal. She took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that they could not find anything wrong with it. The failure continued to occur and the dealer turned the rotors to remedy the problem; however, she continued hearing the grinding noise. In September 2009, she took the vehicle to the dealer who replaced the brake pads and rotors. She no longer noticed the noise; yet, the brake pedal extended to the floor with a sudden pulling and grabbing motion. The dealer told her that the ABS activated which caused that feeling. She also stated that the vehicle would suddenly accelerate on an intermittent basis. In December 2009, the driver crashed into a brick wall when the vehicle suddenly accelerated. There were no injuries. …
TSB 0087-09 March 13, 2009 came out shortly after production of the 2009 model and due to the many complaints it appears they quickly included it in the powertrain warranty (6 mo/60K miles) rather than do a recall. This is a problem that is detected on a cold start, so many users will ignore it, thinking it's just a squeaky belt, and used car buyers will get taken because you can't detect it if the seller has started the car and it doesn't occur until the next day after you've purchased the car. Toyota slid under the radar on this one. It's a pricey repair that I've been told by a few mechanics that only the dealer should handle. I strongly encourage you to pursue a recall. This is not a part that should have problems. In fact, the dealer said they should go 250K without major problems. It's not just the '09 Corolla. …
The car automatic transmissions shift very hard. The mechanic replaced pressure solenoid valve. I was informed that electronic control module is bad. The symptoms are similar to a volunteer safety recall a0j for 2007-2008 Corolla models equipped with 1zz-fe electronic control module. The ECM for certain 2005 through 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla matrix models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive May have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack May develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board. In most cases, if a crack occurs at certain points or on certain varistors, the engine warning lamp could be illuminated*, harsh shifting could result, or theengine May not start. …
My son was driving with my daughter in the passenger seat of our 2009 Toyota Corolla. Started the car; with foot on the brake, changed from p to r, released the hand brake; at that point, the car took off down the driveway, crossed the road and hit the tree on the neighbor's yard and stopped; damage to rear fender and trunk. My daughter noticed that my son had his foot on the brake but the car wouldn't stop till it hit the tree. I had the car taken to Toyota dealer to be tested and fixed. Toyota ran some tests and informed me that they do not think this was caused by any defect in the car. But they will not provide me with a copy of the report nor can they explain how their test could deny what was witnessed by the person in the car.
The transmission grinds as it shifts into 3rd gear with the clutch disengaged as a result of a defective synchro ring. After a quick search online, this appears to be a common problem with the particular transmission on my '09 Corolla s. The problem was first described in a 2010 Toyota technical service bulletin (t-sb-0282-10), but Toyota did not extend the warranty despite the fact that the synchro ring in my particular vehicle was apparently doomed to fail at some point unless the lock ball spring strength was increased to reduce stress on the 3rd gear synchro. For anyone who didn't show symptoms before their warranty expired (like me), they were just a ticking time bomb.
During a routine inspection at the Toyota dealership on 3-29-16, a cracked cv joint boot leaking grease was discovered (59K miles) this is the 2nd occurrence for me, the 1st on my 2010 Corolla just a few months prior. Loss of grease will eventually result in failure of the cv joint & disconnecting from the hub assembly resulting in loss of propulsion and pose a potential safety hazard. It would seem that such a critical component should not fail so early in the vehicle's lifespan.
A year after the warranty year period ended and less than 60,000 miles, the water pump and serpentine belt both failed. Under the hood, hot coolant was sprayed all over. The coolant level leaked dangerously low, and engine temperature rose without any check engine light on. The incident happened with no sound from the engine upon starting and driving.
When the car was put into drive from neutral after coming out of a car wash the car started to accelerate out of control, the car hit several curbs went across a lawn and hit a concrete wall where the air bags deployed. The minute that the went into gear the engine started to race as though the accelerator was stuck down.
I was driving on ca hwy 101 at 7:30 pm when I smelled, then saw smoke and flames coming from the driver-side door. Luckily, I had a gallon of drinking water within reach. I poured it on the fire while swerving to the margin so as to avoid collision. I extinguished the fire and disconnected the windows-switch panel. Apparently, a short-circuit in the window switches ignited the sound-insulation material that should have been fire-proof to begin with. The fire melted most of the driver-side plastic door cover and partially fried the switches and associated wiring. I found the article 'burning Toyota camry/rav4 window switches prompt NHTSA investigation' and many others that explained everything I needed to know about the cause of the fire. The next day I went to my Toyota dealer who inspected the car. …
Transmission complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Toyota Corolla, 3% of the model year's 1,459 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Corolla transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Toyota Corolla, though it has 13 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 2009 Toyota Corolla transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 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.