Toyota Corolla Common Problems and Solutions
Jerky acceleration
Problem:
When pulling away, the car has jerky acceleration.
Solution:
It might seem like this is going to be a big and expensive fix, but it’s only a malfunctioning fuel pump. You’ll find a replacement in our store at a very low cost, and they are easy to install.
Difficulty level
Fuel Pump in Tank
High Revs and Clutch Slip
Problem:
The car is experiencing high revs when you pull away, and the clutch occasionally slips.
Solution:
This is a sign that there is a problem with the clutch, usually caused by some aggressive driving over a long period of time. You’re going to need to replace the entire clutch system, including the clutch plate. You can order the entire clutch system in one package when you buy from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Clanging Noise
Problem:
You can hear a clanging sound from the front of the car while driving.
Solution:
This will be down to the bushes in the front McPherson bar and the anti-roll bar, both of which can wear down quickly. You will have to repair the whole suspension in some cases, but you may be able to get away with ordering a replacement McPherson bar and a new anti-roll bar from us.
Difficulty level
Anti Roll Bar
Steam From Front of Car
Problem:
There is steam coming from the front of the car, and the temperature light is lit.
Solution:
The Corolla range has a well-known problem with the water pump, and the Verso’s is particularly prone to fail. If left untreated, it will cause a lot of damage to your engine, so browse our parts list for a replacement and get rid of the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
Beeping from Rear (Verso)
Problem:
When driving forward, you can hear an intermittent beeping sound.
Solution:
This will usually be a problem with your reverse sensor, which is prone to failure on the Verso. We always have these in stock, so you can easily order a replacement sensor.
Difficulty level
Reversing Sensors
Oil Leak (Verso)
Problem:
The car is leaking oil.
Solution:
On the Verso, an oil leak is usually caused by worn fuel seals. Order replacements from our store and fit them very easily.
Difficulty level
Car Pulling To The Side
Problem:
The car is pulling to the side while driving.
Solution:
In some cases, this will be caused by misaligned suspension, but there is something to try before you order a new suspension system from us. Check the tyres, and try replacing them so that they are matching. Mismatched tyres, especially on older cars, can dramatically affect driving.
Difficulty level
Tyres
Unpredictable Daytime Running Lights
Problem:
The daytime running lights, which are for improved visibility, will flicker, turn themselves on or off at random times, or sometimes fail to turn off at all.
Solution:
There's a chance that this is a wiring fault, so before you do anything else, have a look for any frayed, worn, or disconnected wiring. If nothing looks out of place or damaged, then the fault is most likely going to be the daytime running lights control module. You'll be able to find a replacement on our drop-down list of parts for the Corolla, and this is an easy fix.
Difficulty level
Jerky Acceleration
Problem:
The car jerks when you accelerate. This often happens at lights and junctions where you have come to a full stop.
Solution:
You have a faulty fuel pump. These are very low-cost from us and easy to source. They are also very easy to install, so this is definitely a repair job that you can do yourself.
Difficulty level
Fuel Pump Electric
High Revs and Clutch Slips
Problem:
The revs are excessively high before pulling away, and the clutch slips at random times.
Solution:
This is always caused by a previous driver who drives very badly. The clutch plate will have become damaged, and your only option is going to be to replace it. In some cases, you may have to replace the entire clutch system. We can deliver either the clutch plate or the whole system to you.
Difficulty level
Clunking Noise When Driving
Problem:
You can hear a clunking noise while driving, and the ride is bumpy.
Solution:
One of the most vulnerable parts of the Toyota Corolla is the suspension. That's what's going to be causing that clunking noise and why your ride is bumpy. The front McPherson strut and the anti-roll bar degrade and wear out very quickly, and you'll need to replace them to resolve the issue. We have plenty in stock, and they are a lot easier to install than you might think.
Difficulty level
Steam From Engine (10 Gen Corolla)
Problem:
There is steam coming from the front of the car, and the temperature light is on.
Solution:
If you're driving a 10th generation Corolla, then the problem is likely to be a faulty water pump. We always have these in stock, and they are very easy to take out and install.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
MAF sensor problem
Problem:
If you are experiencing rough idling or poor performance, then it is most likely caused by the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor.
Solution:
You can remove the MAF sensor and give it a clean to resolve this issue. You can watch the video below to see how this is done:
Difficulty level
Mass Airflow Sensor
Rust around the sunroof
Problem:
It is known for the Corolla to have rust around the sunroof. This is a particular problem around the edges of metal sunroofs.
Solution:
If the rust is really bad you will need to replace the sunroof panel. Otherwise you will be able to rub the surface rust off, treat it and then touch it up with paint.
Difficulty level
Steering column failure
Problem:
If you are hearing a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel, it sounds like a problem with the steering rack. Does the issue in the video below sound anything like your problem?
Solution:
You will need to replace the steering rack to sort the issue.
Difficulty level
Steering Rack
Rattling noise at high speeds
Problem:
Another issue when driving at high speeds is for a rattling noise at about 70mph. If you are hearing this noise on your vehicle, it is usually caused by a broken plastic part rattling around in the intake manifold.
Solution:
This problem is commonly fixed under warranty by Toyota. If you have to repair it yourself, you will need to remove the intake manifold to remove the plastic parts.
Difficulty level
Car vibrates at high speeds
Problem:
A known issue on the Corolla is for the car to vibrate when driving at about 60-70mph. This vibration will be felt throughout the whole car. This issue is caused by the handbrake being over tightened.
Solution:
To fix this issue you need to make an adjustment to the handbrake. You will need to loosen it a bit, which will stop the vibration at high speeds.
Difficulty level
Musty Smell Inside Car
Problem:
There is a musty smell coming from inside the car.
Solution:
This was a widely reported issue for the Corolla, and many drivers were worried about the potential health risks. The problem is caused by a blocked evaporator housing drain pipe. These can be fiddly to replace simply because they can be hard to access. However, it is doable, and you'll find the pipe is very low-cost on our parts list.
Difficulty level
Excessive Oil Use
Problem:
You are using a very large amount of oil.
Solution:
This will be a problem with your piston rings. Toyota rolled out a lot of Corollas with defective piston rings, and the fault is not going to be covered under warranty. The good news is that you will always be able to find inexpensive piston rings on the BreakerYard spare parts list, and replacing the defective ones is incredibly easy.
Difficulty level
Faulty Cruise Control
Problem:
While cruising, the transmission downshifts. Sometimes it goes into a lower gear by itself and causes engine braking.
Solution:
This is a serious issue that will require a complete replacement of the cruise control system. A challenging job, but you can find the replacement unit from us and have it delivered to you.
Difficulty level
Cruise Control Unit
