MYRModel Year Report

2009 Toyota Corolla

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2009 Toyota Corolla
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1,459
Recalls
13

Campaigns on file for 2009

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1989: 23 complaints 1990: 27 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 65 complaints 1992 1993: 134 complaints 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 176 complaints 1996: 129 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 145 complaints 2001: 133 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2003: 720 complaints 2004: 477 complaints 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 840 complaints 2007: 836 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 1,459 complaints 2009 1,459 2010: 1,244 complaints 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 446 complaints 2013: 201 complaints 2014: 268 complaints 2015: 220 complaints 2016: 214 complaints 2016 2017: 178 complaints 2018: 134 complaints 2019: 203 complaints 2020: 308 complaints 2021: 186 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 64 complaints 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 17 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1989: 23 complaints 1989 1990: 27 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 65 complaints 1992 1993: 134 complaints 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 176 complaints 1995 1996: 129 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 145 complaints 2001: 133 complaints 2001 2002: 117 complaints 2003: 720 complaints 2004: 477 complaints 2004 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 840 complaints 2007: 836 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 1,459 complaints 2009 1,459 2010: 1,244 complaints 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 446 complaints 2013: 201 complaints 2013 2014: 268 complaints 2015: 220 complaints 2016: 214 complaints 2016 2017: 178 complaints 2018: 134 complaints 2019: 203 complaints 2019 2020: 308 complaints 2021: 186 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 64 complaints 2025: 31 complaints 2025 2026: 17 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1988 1989: 23 complaints 1990: 27 complaints 1990 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 65 complaints 1992 1993: 134 complaints 1994: 184 complaints 1994 1995: 176 complaints 1996: 129 complaints 1996 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 145 complaints 2000 2001: 133 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2002 2003: 720 complaints 2004: 477 complaints 2004 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 840 complaints 2006 2007: 836 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 1,459 complaints 2009 1,459 2010: 1,244 complaints 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 446 complaints 2012 2013: 201 complaints 2014: 268 complaints 2014 2015: 220 complaints 2016: 214 complaints 2016 2017: 178 complaints 2018: 134 complaints 2018 2019: 203 complaints 2020: 308 complaints 2020 2021: 186 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 64 complaints 2024 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 17 complaints 2026

2009: 1,459 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19813
19825
19831
19846
19853
19863
198714
198826
198923
199027
199173
199265
1993134
1994184
1995176
1996129
1997135
1998225
1999155
2000145
2001133
2002117
2003720
2004477
2005853
2006840
2007836
2008314
20091,459
20101,244
2011584
2012446
2013201
2014268
2015220
2016214
2017178
2018134
2019203
2020308
2021186
202299
202373
202464
202531
202617

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

38% · 554 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2009 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at 5 mph and exiting a parking lot when the vehicle accelerated on its own, veered to the left, and crashed into a gate.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-12

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

My daughter was hit by a red light runner at 60mph and her airbags did not deploy at all. Her head hit the door and she sustained a broken collarbone, concussion and mild brain bleed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-27

"Takata recall" On 7/3/13, left work at 2:30 from FM1960 and aldine westfield. Took the on ramp of west loutetta to get off of ramp. I inched up to the intersection and the at&trepairman thought I was going, so, he gunned it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-06

Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and exterior lighting

Steering

26% · 384 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and rack and pinion.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While making a left turn yesterday,my steering wheel started shifting so hard that made me lose control of the car, causing me to spin and hit another car also turning left.I was driving with caution, especially because it had been previously...

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-12

Vehicle speed control

14% · 198 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

8% · 119 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine

6% · 91 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

13 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2009Complaint volume 1,459 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2009-09-21Service brakes, hydraulic09V338000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Scion xd and my 2009-2010 Corolla, and Corolla Matrix vehicles equipped with 1.8L engine and originally sold in or currently registered in the states…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a newly designed intake air connector which will relocate the brake system vacuum port. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2009.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2010-02-05Vehicle speed control10V017000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Avalon, model year 2007-2010 Camry, model year 2009-2010 Corolla, Corolla Matrix, RAV4, model year 2010 Highlander, model year 2008-2010 Sequoia, and…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly. GM will notify owners for the Pontiac vibe please see 10V-018. This service will…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2010-02-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-05-04 Steering Wander or Drift
  5. R
    2010-03-30Vehicle speed control10V023000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Highlander, model year 2009-2010 Corolla, Venza and Matrix passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to…

    Remedy: Toyota will modify or replace the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles. Floor surface modifications are also being considered and will be included for any model for which it is deemed…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2010-05-27Equipment10V036000 Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims."

    Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010. Owners may contact…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2010-05-27Equipment10V035000 Gulf States Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These…

    Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2012-11-05Visibility12V491000 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…

    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. Toyota owners…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2014-09-19Defect petitionClosed 2015-04-29 Low-speed surging
  10. R
    2014-10-27Air bags14V168000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota vehicle owners, and General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Toyota sent owners an interim notification letter in May 2014 to advise owners of the recall.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2015-11-25Visibility15V689000 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,...

    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. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2016-07-14Seats16V396000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser,...

    Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2016-11-18Air bags16V340000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2017-02-01Air bags17V006000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2018-01-29Air bags18V024000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL,...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. R
    2019-11-20Air bags19V741000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 554 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 384 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 198 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V338000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 10V017000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 10V023000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 10V036000 · Equipment
  • Recall 10V035000 · Equipment
  • Recall 12V491000 · Visibility
  • Recall 14V168000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V689000 · Visibility
  • Recall 16V396000 · Seats
  • Recall 16V340000 · Air bags
  • Recall 17V006000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V024000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V741000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Toyota Corolla is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Toyota Corolla have?
13 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.