Toyota Corolla 2009 Problems

After a series of safety problems that has seen more than eight million cars recalled, including the current model Prius, Toyota may have to target the Corolla’s steering.The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 83 complaints about the power steering in 2009-2010 Corolla.  The reports say the cars veer left or right at speeds over 64km/h. Six crashes that resulted in 10 injuries are being investigated. The spate of recalls and safety scares may have an impact on the auto giant’s brand image, and credit agency Moody’s is tipped to be reviewing Toyota’s rating.

The transformation of the Corolla introduced in 2007 reflected the changes taking place in the market at the time when small cars were in demand like never before.People were, and still are, downsizing to more efficient cars while still demanding they satisfy their every motoring need. It's a long time since small cars could simply rely on being cheap and cheerful with good fuel economy and be excused for lacking in features or refinement.These days they have to deliver on all fronts and the new Corolla was positioned to do just that. There were two body styles offered, a five-four hatch and a four-door sedan, with a choice of models ranging from the Ascent to the Ultima.When compared to the old model the new one was substantially longer and wider, as well as being a smidgeon higher. It was bigger all round. The mechanical package was what you would expect of the class, from the thoroughly decent 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine to the competent front-wheel drive chassis with independent suspension.If it lagged behind in any area it was probably the transmissions, for while there was a new six-speed manual, the auto option was a dated four-speed unit that was a gear short of what we needed to extract the best from the engine. If the new Toyota followed a fairly traditional, conservative path the new Corolla sported a new look that was hailed at the time.As much as it was welcomed it was still a conservative looking car, with a wide appeal across the ages, from young to old. That has always been the Corolla's strength and it remains so.It's an important factor when it comes to selling the Corolla, with such broad appeal the range of potential buyers is similarly wide.On the road the Corolla performed well, its tight chassis holding the road nicely for a secure and reassuring drive.IN THE SHOPToyota has a deserved reputation for the quality of its build, and its reliability once in service, and that is reflected in the overall level of satisfaction of its owners and the resale they achieve.That doesn't mean they don't break down or have frustrating problems, but any problems the Corolla does have tend to be specific and not endemic. Like all cars maintenance is key to a long and trouble-free run, so always check for a service record confirming that all services have been done as specified.Brake wear and tyre wear, problems with some makes, isn't a problem with the Corolla, both brakes and tyres last as one would expect.IN A CRASHSafety has traditionally been a concern for small car buyers, but the Corolla scrubs up pretty well on that front. With front, side and head airbags it is well equipped for the crunch when it comes. To get the benefit of electronic stability control you have to look for the 2009 and later models.UNDER THE PUMPToyota claimed 7.3L/100km for the manual models, and 7.7L/100km for those equipped with the auto, average numbers for the class. CarsGuide road testers reported 9.1L/100km when evaluated in 2007.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $20,990 to $30,990 Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder, 100 kw/175 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 6-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 7.2 L/100 kmBody: 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedanVariants: Ascent, Conquest, Levin SX, Levin ZR, UltimaSafety: Ascent hatch 4-star ANCAP, all other models 5 stars.VERDICTDoes everything pretty well, build quality is good, reliability admirable. Sensible choice.

Well into its fourth decade in Australia the Toyota Corolla has consistently been a big player in our new and used-car scene.

Toyota's recipe of value-for-money, build quality and reliability has seen the brand become number one in this market, and the Corolla one of its most successful models.Now in its 10th generation the Corolla is one of our firm favourites, new or used, and there's no sign we're tiring of the little car from Japan.MODEL WATCH The Corolla has got better with each new generation and the 10th generation released in 2007 continued the pattern of improvement. Like those that went before it the new Corolla was well built, solid and sensible.The cars sold in Australia came from the Japanese production line rather than one of the 15 factories producing them in other parts of the world. Two models, a traditional four-door sedan with a boot and a five-door hatchback, were offered in the new range.Both boasted clean, fresh, youthful lines that fitted well with younger buyers without troubling older traditional Corolla buyers.  As is often the case the new Corolla was larger than the car it replaced, which made it more user friendly. Younger buyers could accommodate more of their mates; older ones had no trouble transporting their families.The rear seat could take three, making it possible to accommodate five all up.  One of the reasons for the roominess was the rather upright style of the Corolla, which allowed the occupants to sit higher in a more upright position.The Corolla's engine was a 1.8-litre four with double overhead camshafts and Toyota's VVT-I variable valve timing that gave zippy performance along with good fuel economy.When at its peaks the engine pumped out 100kW at 6000 revs and 175Nm at 4400 revs, enough to give it good acceleration and overtaking performance. Toyota offered a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed auto gearboxes, with drive through the front wheels.While many carmakers were going to five-speed autos Toyota stuck with four, but it didn't seem to affect the Corolla's drivability or performance to any great degree.Changes to the front and rear suspension, coupled with a wider track improved the Corolla's stability, handling and ride comfort.The model range was made up of four sporty hatches - Ascent, Conquest, Levin SX and Levin ZR - and three practical sedans - Ascent, Conquest and Ultima.IN THE SHOPJust three years old the Corolla is still in its infancy with the earliest 10th generation cars only having 50,000 km or so under their treads.  Few complaints have come through the CarsGuide, and those that have been received have been of a one-off nature and not serious.Even though all appears to be well with the Corolla it's still important to check for a service record to make sure the required maintenance has been done.The Corolla engine has a cam timing belt, and it's important that it be changed as recommended, but that's not until 150,000 km so there's some time before that falls due. Also make the usual visual checks to the bumps and scrapes that come with everyday life on the road.IN A CRASHWith dual front airbags only the Corolla Ascent was rated at four stars out of five when tested by ANCAP, all other models rated at five out of five with additional side front airbags and head airbags.All models had an impressive array of active safety gear, including ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BAS) for optimum emergency stopping.  Electronic stability control wasn't offered on any model until 2009 when it became standard on the Levin ZR hatch and Ultima sedan.UNDER THE PUMPToyota claimed the Corolla would average 7.3 L/100 km in manual form and 7.7 L/100 km when equipped with the auto trans. Contemporary road testers generally reported figures that were a little higher, at 7.9 L/100 km for the manual and 8.5 L/100 km.LOOK FORToyota build qualityCute contemporary looksRoomy cabinGood all-round performance .Five-star safetyTHE BOTTOM LINEA well-built, practical and reliable all-rounder for all ages. 80/100