Toyota Corolla Common Problems and Solutions
Jerky acceleration
Problem:
When pulling away, the car has jerky acceleration.
Solution:
It may seem like this will be a costly and major repair, but it’s just a faulty fuel pump. You can find a replacement at our store for a very reasonable price, and they are simple to fit.
Difficulty level
Fuel Pump in Tank
High Revs and Clutch Slip
Problem:
The car revs highly when pulling away, and the clutch sometimes slips.
Solution:
This indicates a problem with the clutch, usually caused by prolonged aggressive driving. You will need to replace the entire clutch system, including the clutch plate. You can purchase the complete clutch system as a single package when ordering from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Clanging Noise
Problem:
You can hear a clanging sound coming from the front of the car while driving.
Solution:
This will be down to the bushes in the front McPherson strut and the anti-roll bar, both of which can wear out quickly. You may need to replace the entire suspension in some cases, but you might be able to resolve the issue by ordering a new McPherson strut and anti-roll bar from us.
Difficulty level
Anti Roll Bar
Steam From Front of Car
Problem:
Steam is coming from the front of the car, and the temperature warning light is on.
Solution:
The Corolla range has a common issue with the water pump, and the Verso’s is especially likely to fail. If it is not addressed, it can cause significant damage to your engine, so browse our parts list for a replacement and remove the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
Beeping from Rear (Verso)
Problem:
When driving forwards, you can hear an intermittent beeping sound.
Solution:
This is usually a problem with your reverse sensor, which tends to fail on the Verso. We always keep these in stock, so you can easily order a replacement sensor.
Difficulty level
Reversing Sensors
Oil Leak (Verso)
Problem:
The vehicle 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 may 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 match. Mismatched tyres, especially on older cars, can significantly affect driving.
Difficulty level
Tyres
Unpredictable Daytime Running Lights
Problem:
The daytime running lights, designed to improve visibility, will flicker, turn themselves on or off at random times, or sometimes fail to switch off altogether.
Solution:
There is a possibility that this is a wiring fault, so before doing anything else, check for any frayed, worn, or disconnected wiring. If everything looks intact and undamaged, then the fault is most likely the daytime running lights control module. You can find a replacement on our drop-down list of parts for the Corolla, and it is an easy fix.
Difficulty level
Jerky Acceleration
Problem:
The car jerks when you accelerate. This often occurs at lights and junctions where you have come to a complete stop.
Solution:
You have a faulty fuel pump. These are very affordable from us and simple to source. They are also very easy to fit, so this is definitely a repair job you can do yourself.
Difficulty level
Fuel Pump Electric
High Revs and Clutch Slips
Problem:
The revs are unusually high before pulling away, and the clutch slips randomly.
Solution:
This is usually caused by a previous driver who drives very poorly. The clutch plate may have become damaged, and your only option is to replace it. In some cases, you might need to replace the entire clutch system. We can deliver either the clutch plate or the entire system to you.
Difficulty level
Clunking Noise When Driving
Problem:
You can hear a clunking noise while driving, and the ride is rough.
Solution:
One of the most vulnerable parts of the Toyota Corolla is the suspension. That's what causes the clunking noise and makes your ride bumpy. The front McPherson strut and the anti-roll bar wear out very quickly, and you'll need to replace them to fix the problem. We have plenty in stock, and they are much easier to install than you might think.
Difficulty level
Steam From Engine (10 Gen Corolla)
Problem:
Steam is 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 a faulty water pump. We always keep these in stock, and they are very easy to remove and fit.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
MAF sensor problem
Problem:
If you are experiencing rough idling or poor performance, it is most likely caused by the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor.
Solution:
You can remove the MAF sensor and clean it to fix this problem. Watch the video below to see how it's done:
Difficulty level
Mass Airflow Sensor
Rust around the sunroof
Problem:
The Corolla is known to develop rust around the sunroof, especially along the edges of metal sunroofs.
Solution:
If the rust is very severe, you will need to replace the sunroof panel. Otherwise, you can remove the surface rust, treat it, and then touch it up with paint.
Difficulty level
Steering column failure
Problem:
If you hear a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel, it might be 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 resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Steering Rack
Rattling noise at high speeds
Problem:
Another issue when driving at high speeds is a rattling noise around 70mph. If you hear this noise on your vehicle, it is usually caused by a broken plastic part rattling inside the intake manifold.
Solution:
This issue is usually covered under warranty by Toyota. If you need to repair it yourself, you will have to remove the intake manifold to access the plastic components.
Difficulty level
Car vibrates at high speeds
Problem:
A known issue with the Corolla is the car vibrating when driving at about 60-70mph. This vibration is felt throughout the entire vehicle. The cause of this problem is the handbrake being over-tightened.
Solution:
To resolve this issue, you need to adjust the handbrake. Loosening it slightly will stop the vibration at high speeds.
Difficulty level
Musty Smell Inside Car
Problem:
There is a musty odour coming from inside the car.
Solution:
This was a widely reported issue for the Corolla, and many drivers were concerned about potential health risks. The problem is caused by a blocked evaporator housing drain pipe. These can be fiddly to replace 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 consuming a very large quantity of oil.
Solution:
This could cause problems with your piston rings. Toyota released many Corollas with faulty piston rings, and the issue won't be covered under warranty. The good news is that you can always find affordable piston rings on the BreakerYard spare parts list, and replacing the faulty ones is very straightforward.
Difficulty level
Faulty Cruise Control
Problem:
While cruising, the transmission downshifts. Sometimes it shifts into a lower gear by itself, causing engine braking.
Solution:
This is a serious issue that will require a complete replacement of the cruise control system. It's a challenging job, but you can source the replacement unit from us and have it delivered to you.
Difficulty level
Cruise Control Unit