2008 Toyota CorollaUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

314 federal complaints (379 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 131 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 47 model years of the Toyota Corolla →
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
26 city / 35 hwy
Federal complaints
314
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
138
Speed control
54
Engine & cooling
54
Brakes
26
Electrical system
22
Power train
13
Steering
12
Suspension
11
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 36 complaints01 years old: 35 complaints2 years old: 48 complaints3 years old: 16 complaints4 years old: 10 complaints5 years old: 15 complaints56 years old: 12 complaints7 years old: 17 complaints8 years old: 95 complaints9 years old: 9 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 4 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 313 of 314 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 30 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 51 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 28 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 20 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 14 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 11 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 171 of 314 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

138 complaint records1 fire report37 crash reports
"HAD A CAR ACCIDENT. MY 08 TOYOTA COROLLA FLIPPED AND SPUN. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEATBELT LATCH GOT BROKEN. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Speed control

54 complaint records31 crash reports
"WHILE APPLYING BRAKE, CAR SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD (HARD ACCELERATION). MINOR ACCIDENT ENSUED, SEVERAL POLICE OFFICERS OBSERVED ACCIDENT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

54 complaint records6 crash reports
"I OWN A 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA. I EXPERIENCED A STALL AT AN INTERSECTION RECENTLY. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR SEVERAL WEEKS (IT WAS BOUGHT USED WITH 11,000 MILES ON ODOMETER). *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
DP14003
opened Sep 2014
closed Apr 2015Vehicle Speed ControlLow-speed surging
The Agency received a petition on September 11, 2014 requesting an investigation into, low-speed surging in the 2006-2010 Toyota Corolla [vehicles] with ETCS-i, in which the brakes fail to stop the vehicle in time to prevent a crash.NHTSA conducted a...
DP11001
opened Apr 2011
closed Aug 2011Air BagsFrontal Air Bag Non-deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition requesting that it open an investigation of model year (MY) 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles for the failure of the frontal air bags to deploy during an alleged serious crash.
EA10006
opened Aug 2010
closed Sep 2010Engine And Engine CoolingEngine Stall - led to recall 10V387000
On August 26, 2010, Toyota submitted a Defect Information Report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding problems with Engine Control Modules that could result in engine stall while driving in certain model year (MY) 2005...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V741000Air BagsToyota 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...Normally free
19V627000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior...Normally free
16V127000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured May 25, 2007, to...Normally free
16V128000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to...Normally free
10V384000Engine And Engine CoolingTOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 COROLLA AND COROLLA MATRIX VEHICLES. THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) FOR THE SUBJECT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY...Normally free
10V036000EquipmentSOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
2019523
2019-10-17
Airbag37,591Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag.
2019433
2019-08-28
Airbag55,723Issue: On certain cars, the passenger-front airbag that was installed during prior recall repair must be replaced. The airbag may not unfold properly when it deploys. This could cause the airbag to tear or not inflate properly in a crash.
2016103
2016-03-02
Airbag400,124On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2010288
2010-08-26
Engine200,173On certain vehicles equipped with a 1ZZ-FE engine and a two-wheel drive transmission, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may have been improperly manufactured.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0055-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0055-24
Jun 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0103-20 Rev1
Jun 2024
EngineThis Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0035-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24
Apr 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24
Apr 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-PANT-2024-004-
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
Product
Jan 2024
Air BagsDP: The subject vehicles are equipped with a front passenger airbag. A part inside the airbag could explode, shooting sharp metal fragments at vehicle occupants. This could cause serious INJURY or DEATH. ? Added Dealer Procedures for Do No Drive Advisory ?
Recall
Jan 2024
EquipmentFAQ: Customer Frequently Asked Questions
Support Division
Jan 2024
Air BagsDP: The subject vehicles are equipped with a front passenger airbag. A part inside the airbag could explode, shooting sharp metal fragments at vehicle occupants. This could cause serious INJURY or DEATH. ? Added Dealer Procedures for Do No Drive Advisory ?
Update
Jan 2024
EquipmentFAQ: Customer Frequently Asked Questions
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-SB-0057-18
May 2023
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
ZKG_Dealer_Lette
Dec 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z2G_Dealer_Lette
Dec 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z3G_Dealer_Lette
Dec 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
T-SB-0094-21 Rev
Nov 2022
Air BagsTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
ZKG_Dealer_Lette
Nov 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z2G_Dealer_Lette
Nov 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
Z3G_Dealer_Lette
Nov 2022
StructureDL: Toyota has received reports of paint peeling on certain vehicles with the original factory-applied Blizzard Pearl or Super White paint colors.
22TE04 - Takata
Jul 2022
Air BagsCSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation.
Takata CSP Cover
Jul 2022
Air BagsCSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
TSB009421Rev1
May 2022
EquipmentTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
T-SB-0014-22
Mar 2022
Parking BrakeTSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
WheelsPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
T-SB-0094-21
Nov 2021
StructureTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0040-08 Obs
Mar 2021
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0044-16.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-TT-0628-20
Oct 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
T-TT-0468-17 Rev
Jul 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
T-SB-0063-20
Jun 2020
WheelsTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded.
T-SB-0391-08 Obs
Jun 2020
SuspensionTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0142-13_Obs
Feb 2020
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE February 12, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0010-20.
T-SB-0008-20
Jan 2020
EquipmentTSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak?
T-SB-0134-16-Rev
Jul 2019
EngineTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ?
T-TT-0468-17-Rev
Feb 2019
EquipmentTT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0057-18
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
T-SB-0187-12_Rev
Feb 2018
TiresTSB: REVISION NOTICE February 12, 2018 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2015 ? 2018 model year vehicles. January 23, 2014 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2013 ? 2014 model year vehicles.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.

Showing 60 of 131 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Corolla →