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 2010 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The car that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replace Ac don't blow any cool air To be driving with a minor child it put he's health in a bad risky situation
After I turned around the corner of etna st /derby st. In berkeley, the steering suddenly malfunctioned and the car veered to the roadside and hit a parked car. I tried to brake immediately. The impact was slight, but my car could not be moved any more. I called the police and the roadside assistance of my insurance company. The person from the roadside assistance told me that the steering mechanism broke and the front axle fell out. On the day following the incident, I reported it to Toyota cooperation and am currently waiting for their response.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Corolla. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into the garage. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed, but the body damage was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
I have a recalled 2010 Toyota Corolla that had the sudden acceleration problem. I had a minor accident on March 3rd 2010 that involved my other vehichle, as I was putting my Corolla into reverse & it jumped hard backwards like it was propelled I had barely tapped the gas, the drivers side rear bumper hit my other car there was no damage to that one but my Corolla substainted a minor but big enough dent to the lower back bumper, I called the police made a report and now I am waiting on someone from Toyota to get back to my husband and I to get this Corolla inspected, it can't be repaired in the back until that is done! My husband has on many occasions himself felt the car surge when stepping on the pedal its happened to him backing up, going forward and driving down main roads! My car is brand new the value of it and what we pay makes me sick to even know these things are happening! …
1. Weather stripping will not stay on driver door 2. Cd player of radio system was throwing out the 6 cd's as driving- replaced stereo. 3. Under 70,000 miles- cv joint went out - replaced. Prior to replacement loud clunking sounds and steering difficult- other owners same issues I am reading. Needs recalled 4. Appx 77.000 miles no warning alternator went out and was extremely hot and smelly-replaced. 5. Appx 78,000 miles between 25-35 MPH transmission keeps slipping. I was driving down a street and once on interstate it hit the other gear hard/clunked- Toyota dealer called Toyota and they said replace transmission. Currently in the shop. Called Toyota and filed a case- they respectively understand my concern, however, they did not seem concerned of the safety hazard of this issue and probability of this issue causing a death. …
Vehicle is impacted by Takata pass bag faulty, no resolution informed by Toyota advised Toyota to refund money in regards to paying $21K, also vehicle has clatter under passenger side cv axle, have been in several times for solution or resolution to this issue more than 3 times to date there stating no problem is there, if car I jacked up I hear clear noise between cv axle and transmission, this was brought to toyotas attn. Once at Toyota of irving twice at Toyota of dallas and was shown to me at ntb tire to have axle or transmission irregular noise clatter when put in drive while on lift up 5 ft with one tech in car and another under vehicle with me pointing out clearly there is noise on passenger side. …
1. Gave my 2010 Toyota Corolla for recall fix - a0a safety call 2. Drove the car home around 4:30 pm after the fix and parked in my home drive way 3. Around 4:31 pm reversing from my drive was and almost ran on the road, the car started reverse acceleration , took a turn and hit the small tree and stopped as the tree stem stuck under the car. 4. Reported the same incidence to Toyota and the dealer and towed the vehic le to Toyota service station where it was serviced. ...updated 02/11/15 updated 6/11/2015
2010 Toyota Corolla the transmission will surge when trying to pass on the highway. When driving and trying to pass another vehicle there is a minor delay when the transmission shifts causing a jolt and fast acceleration. Also at low speeds coming up to a light and then it turns green but not fully stopped maybe 15 miles an hour the transmission will also surge. This seems like an ongoing problem and Toyota wants to do nothing about it this is ridiculous a car with 62,000 miles has this problem this needs to be recalled asap.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Toyota Corolla. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the gear shifter failed to operate without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission exploded and metal fragments were present inside. As a result, the technician stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
2010 Toyota Corolla, 4 months old under 5000 miles. The vehicle was brought to a car wash to evaluate a scratch found after going through the wash. The vehicle was parked outside the carwash running with the drivers door open for 1 to 2 minutes and when the door was closed to look at the scratch on the door the car shifted into gear and accelerated moving approx 10 feet and crashing into a bollerster. No one was in the car and this was witnessed by the owner and car wash manager.
Transmission complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Toyota Corolla, 4% of the model year's 1,244 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Toyota Corolla transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 Toyota Corolla, though it has 17 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 2010 Toyota Corolla transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 49% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.