Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1989 Toyota Corolla
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
723.3%
0 crashes, 4 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
413.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
310.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Brakes
310.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
310.0%
0 crashes, 2 fires
Seats
26.7%
Seat Belts
26.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Tires
26.7%
Fuel & Propulsion
26.7%
0 crashes, 2 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.3%
Body & Structure
13.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1995peak 3Feb 2010
Recalls on the 1989 Toyota Corolla
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V396000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
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, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
10E002000
SUSPENSION
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
Risk: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Irvine, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
CONSUMER WANTS NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER READ ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IN WHICH DRIVERS COULD HIT THE WRONG PEDAL DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #566215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
CONSUMER WANTS NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER READ ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IN WHICH DRIVERS COULD HIT THE WRONG PEDAL DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #566215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tarpon Springs, FLCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
NO TIME TO BRAKE, SEATBELTS FAILED TO CONTRACT SO DRIVER & PASSENGER HIT THE DASHBOARD WITH INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #709934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Towson, MDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH HEARD RATTLING NOISE LIKE LOOSE FAN BELT IN THE FRONT OF CAR UNDERHOOD, SOMETHING DROPPED OFF THE CAR, THEN SMOKE OCCURRED, FLAMES CAME OUT, PART OF THE ENGINE BLOCK MISSING AND THERE IS A BIG HOLE IN THE ENGINE. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #832918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF, AFTER RUNNING FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES, THE CAR WENT INTO POST- IGNITION, AND ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND WAS TOTALLED. NOT SURE OF THE EXACT CAUSE OF FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #816590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT FIRE WHEN STRUCK FROM REAR.
NHTSA complaint #512521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chico, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN 1991, DRIVING ON HWY 5 IN CAL, SUDDEN MY CAR TACKED OUT, ACCELERATING BEYOND ANYTHING I'VE EXPERIENCE. THIS CAR IS BEFORE THE CURRENT RECALL. I BRING THIS UP, BECAUSE, AT THE TIME, I KNEW IT WAS NOT THE PEDAL. IT SEEMED TO ME AT THE TIME THAT IT WAS IN THE WIRING OR COMPUTER. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, IT COMPLETELY TACKED OUT, RISKING THAT IT WOULD THROW A ROD. THEN I TURNED THE KEY, AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AS I DRIFTED OFF THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE DON'T LET TOYOTA GET AWAY WITH SAYING THIS IS JUST PEDALS, IT WAS NOT FOR ME.
NHTSA complaint #10304661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
CONSUMER WANTS NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER READ ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IN WHICH DRIVERS COULD HIT THE WRONG PEDAL DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #566215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
CONSUMER WANTS NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER READ ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IN WHICH DRIVERS COULD HIT THE WRONG PEDAL DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #566215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oceanside, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE BRAKES ARE GRINDING CAUSING EXTEND STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED
NHTSA complaint #10018141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
ON 7-9-02, 65 MPH, THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE (I HAVE THE ORIGINAL TIRE AND SEPERATED TREAD) TIRE MAINTAINED PRESSURE WITHOUT THE TREAD. THE SEPARATING TREAD DENTED THE DRIVERS FENDER, DOOR, AND BROKE OFF A PLASTIC SUPPORT TO THE FRONT BUMPER. THE CARE HAD BEEN INSPECTED 4 DAYS PRIOR AND THE TIRES PASSED. (16 Y/O SON WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME) 3 OTHER WITNESS WERE IN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #764165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Myrtle Point, OR
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
THERE WASN'T A WARNING OF LOW FLUID IN THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT AND IT BROKE AND LOCKED UP THE FRONT TIRES MAKING THE VEHICLE COME TO A DEAD STOP. THIS IS NOT A PART THAT IS CHECKED FOR SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #758420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel Island, CA
SEATS
VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED DRIVER'S SEAT TO DISCONNECT FROM SEAT TRACKS/ANCHORS. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK
NHTSA complaint #894662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coatesville, PA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TREAD SEPARATION WAS FOUND BY MECHANIC WHEN ROTATING TIRES. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 1B EV GD TIRESIZE: P175/70R13)
NHTSA complaint #733994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherokee Village, AR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 35 MPH ENROUTE TO THE FREEWAY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SIEZED LOCKING UP THE FRONT END, BRINGING THE CAR TO A SCREECHING HAULT. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO REACT AND AVOID A COLLISION. DEALER CONFIRMED A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED AS I PLAN TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION MYSELF WITH A USED OR REBUILT COMPONENT. I DON'T EXPECT ANY REIBURSEMENT, BUT THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE REPORTED AS IT DID CREATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #712236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tarpon Springs, FLCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
NO TIME TO BRAKE, SEATBELTS FAILED TO CONTRACT SO DRIVER & PASSENGER HIT THE DASHBOARD WITH INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #709934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonville, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TOYOTA WAS BEING DRIVEN THROUGH A PARKING LOT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #707383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Towson, MDFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH HEARD RATTLING NOISE LIKE LOOSE FAN BELT IN THE FRONT OF CAR UNDERHOOD, SOMETHING DROPPED OFF THE CAR, THEN SMOKE OCCURRED, FLAMES CAME OUT, PART OF THE ENGINE BLOCK MISSING AND THERE IS A BIG HOLE IN THE ENGINE. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #832918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF, AFTER RUNNING FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES, THE CAR WENT INTO POST- IGNITION, AND ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND WAS TOTALLED. NOT SURE OF THE EXACT CAUSE OF FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #816590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carolstrea, 00
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
AUTOMACTIC TRANSMISSION, CAN REMOVE THE KEY IN ANY GEAR. REMOVED THE KEY IN REVERSE AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, IMPACT 6:00 POSITION, HIT A PARKED VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #811921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chelsea, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
BRAKE DRUM FELL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #514692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chelsea, MI
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
AXLE SHAFT FELL OFF.
NHTSA complaint #514692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY CAUGHT FIRE WHEN STRUCK FROM REAR.
NHTSA complaint #512521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
SEATS
DRIVER'S SEAT SLID FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION UPON IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #512521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXFire1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
CENTER SUPPORT FOR DRIVER'S DOOR BENT IN ACCIDENT, PREVENTING DOOR FROM OPENING.
NHTSA complaint #512521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
MUFFLER REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #602004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TAIL PIPE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #602004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOISE.
NHTSA complaint #510238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkley Heig, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #983773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkley Heig, NJFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #983773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Rochelle, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRE SHORTED BECAUSE GEARSHIFT WAS RUBBING IT.
NHTSA complaint #980796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.