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 2019 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. The contact stated that while approaching a stop light, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the clutch pedal; however, while attempting to release the clutch pedal, the clutch pedal lowered to the floorboard independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact coasted to the side of the road, maneuvered the gear shifter into second gear, and drove the vehicle to the residence without the proper use of the clutch. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware. The failure mileage was 80,000. 04/15/2025: The contact wanted add to the complaint the vehicle had been taken two independent mechanics and the vehicle was diagnosed with slave cylinder failure. The vehicle had been repaired.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch was depressed; however, the clutch system failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the clutch was stuck to the floorboard. The contact stated that due to the failure, there was an excessive amount of clutch fluid leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a torque converter message was displayed. Additionally, while driving the vehicle independently accelerated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,992.
All 2019-2022 Toyota Corolla 6 Speed Manual Transmission cars are affected. The slave cylinder is a defective part that fails prematurely anywhere between the 20,000-70,000 mile range. The slave cylinder on this car is made out of plastic and is located inside of the transmission, when the slave cylinder fails, it leaks brake fluid all over causing the car to lock into gear and not be able to shift which is a major safety risk when there is no signs of failure. My car locked up in the middle of a busy highway and had to be pushed off the side of the road. Not only is this a safety risk, but since the part is located inside of the transmission, which is not normal, it leaks brake fluid all over the clutch and flywheel, which will all need replacement. The dealership quotes between 4-5 thousand dollars to repair, and is not covered under warranty. …
DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY ISSUE: The Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) on my 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback 6-speed manual failed during normal driving at around 60mph, creating an immediate and uncontrolled safety hazard. The clutch pedal depressed fully to the floor while I was shifting from 5th gear to 6th gear and the vehicle became unable to be shifted out of gear, leaving me unable to properly control vehicle speed or movement. The only way to release the transmission was to physically reach down and lift the clutch pedal up with my foot while attempting to drive. CRITICAL SAFETY CONCERN - SHARED BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR: On this vehicle, the brake fluid reservoir and clutch hydraulic system share a single reservoir. When the CSC fails and leaks fluid, brake fluid is consumed directly from the same reservoir that supplies the braking system. …
The clutch slave cylinder in my 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback failed, causing brake fluid to leak out. The leaking fluid contaminated the clutch assembly, resulting in both the slave cylinder and clutch needing replacement. The failed components should be available for inspection from the repair facility upon request. The failure led to a loss of proper clutch operation, which made it difficult to shift gears and control the vehicle. This created a risk of stalling in traffic or being unable to accelerate when needed, increasing the potential for a collision, especially in busy or high-speed driving conditions. Yes, the issue was diagnosed and confirmed by the dealership. They identified the failed slave cylinder and verified that brake fluid leakage caused contamination of the clutch, requiring replacement of both components. …
Component that failed was the CSC Concentric Slave Cylinder. I went to press the clutch and it stuck to the floor. I checked for leaks in the cabin beneath the clutch and it was dry. I then proceeded to check the reservoir and saw that it needed fluid. I managed to get it to a nearby convenience center to purchase and fill the reservoir when that did not work I called a tow truck to move it to an auto repair shop. This put others at risk, should the clutch have remained in neutral I would have, and or all the break fluid would have leaked and i would have been without brakes since the clutch and break share a reservoir. This issue could have caused serious life threatening injuries not only to myself but others had there been an accident. Thankfully this took place at 4 am before other drives were out and about for the morning commute. …
As I was driving my check engine light turned and also another message saying "Drive-Start control malfunction". A few second after another light came one showing "Engine coolant Temp high. On 11/24/24 I experienced this mechanical failure as I was driving. I was driving behind another car, where my car suddenly lost power and randomly accelerated almost causing me to crash behind the car in front of me. Thankfully I had time to press on the brakes to prevent me from crashing. I also did some research to see if other drivers also experienced this fault and seems that a lot of people with these Toyota Corolla and RAV4 models. I also found that an active lawsuit is ongoing against Toyota regarding this same issue. This definitely should be something that needs to be recalled as it puts our lives at risks to either crash or even catch on fire due to overheating. …
I have been losing power on my 2019 Toyota corolla hatchback since I purchased this new vehicle I have taken it to the dealer many times and they have been unable to fix it, lately in the past 6 months I have been getting a sign that only stays on for a few seconds when I lose power and I have been unable to read it so I purchased a dash camera and I mounted it in front of the vehicle screen and today I was able to capture and it said Accelerator and Brake Pedals Pressed Simultaneously. This is incorrect I only drive with one foot; I know my vehicle is now out of warranty but I have had this same problem since I purchased the vehicle. Please help I have written to toyota many times for the same problem this time I have proof of what it is doing and I am 100 percent sure I am not driving with 2 feet, this is a safety incident since the vehicle looses power
No warning lamps, and no accident yet; however, I believe if I continue driving it without repair, it is a safety risk. The sound I can hear coming from CVT torque converter, impeller blades is getting louder the more I drive them vehicle. This was confirmed by a transmission service center (see photo) who identified a toyota recall J17/J07 (NHTSA recall campaign 18V901000), which lists the 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback with the same CVT as my vehicle. When I contacted Toyota (see screenshot), I was told I would be responsible for the repair because there's no recall associated with my vehicle VIN pertaining to CVT torque converter.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
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.
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.
Transmission complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2019 Toyota Corolla, 27% of the model year's 205 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Toyota Corolla transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-901 (torque converter, Dec 19, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2019 Toyota Corolla transmission 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, 0 fires 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.