Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that shortly after closing the driver side window while driving 40 MPH, she noticed smoke. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the wire that controlled the window switch shorted, causing the passenger window motor to burn. As a result, both needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 85,000.
About three weeks ago my windshield wipers stopped working when it was raining. I had to pull over until the rain stopped. My mechanic did a diagnostic and thought there was a bad connection with the transmission but the windshield wipers still won't work. I then was told it could be the windshield wiper motor.
This is a follow up to a previous complaint. I felt compelled to do so after reading other issues people were having with there Toyota corollas (s). I purchased this car June 1st 2009. Three weeks after purchase I noticed something was wrong with the paint. I took it to the dealers, the service dept manager looked at it and said it was due to the environment, the sales guy told me it was due to tree sap and the third time I took it the sales manager said it was from bird crap ( it's garaged most of the time). Weeks later I was hit by a concrete truck, at first thought it was the trucks fault but not real sure now because of the difficult steering with this car. At the time of the accident there was no air bag deployment. I had the car repaired by a private shop, they couldn't understand why the airbag did not deploy. While my car was there they looked at the paint. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V340000 (air bags) and 15V689000 (visibility). The parts were not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repairs. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The contact was unable to determine when the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Parts distribution disconnect. ...updated 05/18/17 updated 7/3/18
Tl contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that she cannot open a rear window and have the front window closed because the vehicle would vibrate drastically. She took her vehicle back to the dealer, but they could not repair it because it was an aerodynamic issue. Currently, the contact must keep her windows closed while driving until Toyota can remedy the issue. The failure mileage was 1,700. Updated 08/19/09 the consumer stated if the driver's window is up, and someone in the back seat opens a window, the entire vehicle shakes. Updated 08/20/09.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that due to the dynamics of the vehicle it is difficult to see out of the rear window whenever she drives in reverse. Due to the visibility defect she would need someone on the outside of the vehicle in order to safely drive in reverse. She noticed the defect immediately after she purchased the vehicle. She didn't notify Toyota since they offered her no assistance with a prior request. The current and failure mileages were approximately 8,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving various speeds in inclement weather, the windshield wipers failed to operate when activated. The contact's visibility became limited and the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the contact manually cleared the window with the wipers. The wipers then functioned normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V340000 (air bags) and 15V689000 (visibility) and stated that the parts needed for the repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure. Part distribution disconnect and VIN tool confirms part not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the front passenger's side power window failed. The window remained closed and could not be opened. The other windows in the vehicle would operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the failure was within the power window master switch. The dealer applied a special grease, however the failure recurred and was not resolved. The failure mileage was 45,230. The current mileage was 53,678.
Tl contact owns a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The driver stated that with all of the existing recalls he would like to give his vehicle back to the dealer. The contact also stated that the vehicle has malfunctioned since he purchased it. The rubber was separating from the window and he had problems with the tires when the vehicle had over 20,000 miles. The contact was uncomfortable whenever he drove the vehicle and he no longer wants the hassle. The failure mileage was 33,678.
Related recalls
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Tundra, Sequoia, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Yaris, Scion xB, Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will inspect the switch and apply a special grease that inhibits heat build up or replace any switch damaged by the defect, free of charge.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2009 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2009 Toyota Corolla, 2% of the model year's 1,459 complaints. The component named most often is rear window wiper/washer (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Toyota Corolla window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-689 (power window devices and controls, Oct 22, 2015); NHTSA recall 12V-491 (power window devices and controls, Oct 10, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Toyota Corolla window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 9,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.