◆

Expensive Toyota Corolla repairs by problem area

Engine (37%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (20%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (21%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (11%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (1%)

Other (3%)

Select a problem area

Show all problems

Need advice about a specific Toyota Corolla problem?

Chart based on 128 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the Toyota Corolla.

Toyota Corolla repair cost distribution

$2500+ (18%)

$1000 - $2499 (82%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 92 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

46000 mi US $125	Front speakers cut out frequently, leaving only rear speakers playing audio. Occurs across AM/FM/Bluetooth operation.
127000 mi US $1100	A/C compressor failure.
142984 mi US $480	A persistent hum was heard, increasing in intensity as speed increased. Replaced right front wheel bearing.

Return to top

US $203	Three attempts made to start car, engine turned over but would not start. Shop ran diagnostic and did not find a problem. Cleaned fuel system.
64364 mi US $125	Replaced battery
64400 mi US $149	Replaced rear window tinting due to bubbling.
72800 mi US $1311	Remove and replaced lower control arms and CV joints.
74000 mi US $190	Standard brake service on front brakes.
81000 mi US $1307	Shock and strut replacement. That the old ones were worn was noticeable in the handling.
138000 mi US $207	Replace fuel injectors and flushed fuel tank Engine warning lights, replaced radiator and coolant hoses. Brought back into a different shop to tighten hose.

Return to top

40300 mi C $160	Wheel nuts needed replacing. These nuts had lost all of their crome plating, but I thought that was just a cheap plating job. Toyota claims that wheel nuts should not be reused.
75020 mi C $1100	Water Pump replaced. Heat shields on bottom of car were attached once more.

Return to top

178000 mi

US $1600

timing belt cover replaced

58680 mi

C $1000

AC stopped working

Return to top

50000 mi

US $1200

Clutch replaced

52080 mi

C $1000

All wheel rims had rusted to the point where tires had a slow (2 week) leak in them. I notified Toyota of the problem at 62,000 km (2,000 km + 1 year past warranty) but they refused to help in any way. This will be my last Toyota!

Return to top

US $1000

Steering Wheel Problem - The car tries to veer left or right while trying to drive forward. It's as a kid turning handle bars backwards while riding a bike.

81000 mi US $390	The water pump went bad. It was replaced with a new water pump.
172000 mi US $1300	Front struts were worn out, one of them leaking. Had both front struts replaced.
173200 mi US $900	Problem: Sudden, extremely loud shrieking noise from the front of the engine. Resolution: Alternator replaced. Problem: Alternator went bad (repaired same trip). Resolution: Serpentine belt replaced.
184000 mi US $332	Check engine light went on, checked my AAA SmartTrek email notification for immediate replacement of: P0352 - Ignition Coil "B" Primary Control Circuit/Open
164300 mi US $884	Check engine light went on & my AAA SmartTrek emailed the diagnosis for 1 coil replacement. I replaced the remaining 2 coils @ same time as a preventive measure.
201000 mi US $2032	The exhaust sheared completely off (rust) at the muffler. Had to replace entire exhaust piece from catalytic converter to tailpipe.
216000 mi US $115	Replaced driver's side headlight bulb Restorative service for both headlight covers
242000 mi US $771	Replaced dipstick holder (it was rusted and broke off at the bottom of the engine while getting an oil change) Replaced driver's side headlight bulb
247400 mi US $800	1 ignition coil replaced; all spark plugs replaced; oil change; fuel injection service

81138 mi US $550	Left side CV boot split and slinging grease. Boot replaced.
84000 mi US $1500	Starter bendix going bad, making noise on startup. Replace with OEM starter Rear struts wearing out, replaced with aftermarket KYB items

Return to top

47740 mi

C $1000

The car kept shutting off on me when I would brake or slow down. They said it was the computer that needed to be replaced.

50000 mi

US $4500

Bad engine replaced with rebuilt

34100 mi

$4000

Car shuts down completely

Return to top

66500 mi

US $5282

Engine threw a rod at 66,130 while on freeway. Vehicle had been maintained by Toyota specifications. A 2 inch X 3 inch hole was knocked out of the engine block.

Return to top

169000 mi

US $1400

Replace tie rods. Full brake job, including replacing rotors. Wheel alignment

224000 mi US $1400	Noisy brakes.... replaced pads and rotors Strut boots disintegrated and caused damage to strut. Replaced both struts.
234000 mi US $100	Loud noise from exhaust. Replaced broken tail pipe hanger with universal type. Tighten donut clamp before muffler.

Return to top

90520 mi C $500	Exhaust pipe replaced, serpentine belt replaced and car serviced.
99200 mi C $3000	Exhaust
119040 mi C $1100	New exhaust and muffler
121520 mi C $900	Replace front end wheel bearing, oil change and full service.

47120 mi ﷼500	drive belt tensioner and drive belt premauture wear failed annual inspection. unbalanced braking. replaced brake proportioning valve.
53200 mi ﷼120	Failed inspection report. Headlights faded.
62000 mi ﷼150	Cooling fan motor repkaced due to noise and poor ac performance.
63860 mi ﷼1100	AC compressor emitting noise (whine sound). Attempted to recharge & add AC oil--no change. Compressor need replacing. Not sure if this is related to previous poor AC performance complain that was not fixed by the dealer.
74400 mi ﷼200	Excessive engine vibration. Diagnosed and replaced engine front and rear mounts.
75020 mi ﷼600	steering pulls to the right. mechanic suspected worn dampers. replaced and repaired.
84940 mi ﷼300	rear wheel noise. replaced both sides rear wheel bearings.

31620 mi

$1300

Electronic Control Unit failed and car stalled while driving. Dealer changed ECU under warranty and car was available next day.

114000 mi

US $3500

Had to replace the entire transmission

65300 mi

US $3300

Transmission was producing a whining/scratching sound during vehicle movement at any speeds. Transmission was replaced

Return to top

121000 mi

US $1155

The mechanic put in a new clutch, throw-out bearing, milled and miked the flywheel, and other new small parts. This was the first time I have had clutch problems.

Return to top

108500 mi C $550	Problem with radiator.
135160 mi C $800	Clutch release bearing went out and it had to be replaced.
137640 mi C $1900	Transmission had to be replaced due to bearing wear. There was no problem with the clutch release bearing but the shop didn't know that till the car was put back together. I went with a very low mile used transmission because a new one was to much money.
309380 mi C $2000	5 speed tranny had to be replaced for the second time in 500,000 km's. It seems to be a common problem for the 5 speeds.

242100 mi

US $1400

Replaced both struts.

320000 mi

US $1127

Clutch Replacement. Factory original clutch with 320,000 miles started slipping

Return to top

62000 mi C $1306	AC Condenser leak. Replaced A/C condenser, vacuum and charged A/C, oil as required, R-134a refrigerant.
102920 mi C $139	Rattling noise coming from the engine compartment during vehicle operation caused by belt tensioner assembly. Technical Service Bulletin TSB EG021-07 (April 17 2007) documents issue of 2003-2007 model years, and would have been covered by 3 year warranty. Bought new belt tensioner assembly and replaced myself.

$1500	Rubber protection worn out, sand corroded the axle bearings. Had to replace the entire set.
$200	Had to change the ignition sparks prematurely due to bad fuel (I live in Brazil, here the government mixes 1/4 alcohol to 1L gasoline and still calls it gasoline)

45000 mi US $400	Replace leaking o-ring seals in air conditioner compressor. This was the second time they needed to be replaced.
135000 mi US $1100	ECM replaced. Toyota knew the computers were bad and issued a TSB but no recall. Because I have high mileage, mine was out of warranty. They also charged $100 for software lease to reprogram computer. I'm no longer a Toyota fan.
150000 mi US $400	CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, REPLACED 2 SENSORS, LIGHT STILL ON. MUST BRING BACK TO SHOP.
166000 mi US $105	Check engine light on. Showing lean condition. Intake obstruction was removed. Air filter replaced.

Return to top

107000 mi

US $1200

Replaced clutch, wiper quit because they left a wire unpluged.

Return to top

154000 mi

US $1985

Front bearings

118200 mi US $2516	Transmission bearing failure. Replaced with a used 08 trans with 61K on it, turned flywheel, replaced clutch and TOB.
119000 mi US $599	P2238, replace B1S1 sensor. Heat shield and tank strap replaced for corrosion.
121000 mi US $246	Exhaust pipe sheared at rear flange (muffler). Installed resonator pipe kit.
121000 mi US $1101	All 4 shocks dead. Replaced 4 struts with complete service units.
127247 mi US $356	Int evap issue, P0441/0455. Replace Evap Canister assy.
129993 mi US $306	Pad shed lining, replace front pads and rotors.
130000 mi US $120	Alt frame cracked, replace Alt.

114000 mi US $300	Check engine light showed code P0171. I was told to replace oxygen sensor, which did no good, then I researched and found Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor was to blame. Replaced it, engine light off now.
194000 mi US $1175	Clutch had been slipping intermittently for about a year - mainly starting up steep grades. Recently started slipping in 2nd gear also. Took back to dealership for clutch replacement - about 24hour turnaround.
213000 mi US $246	Went to start car - it just clicked. Tested battery - it was below 12 volts. Replaced battery and starter. Luckily -was at home.
218000 mi US $125	Radiator had slow leak. Obtained Denso radiator off Amazon - very easy to remove and replace radiator. Replaced coolant at same time.

171700 mi

US $1000

Worn out manual clutch. It was replaced.

Return to top

74400 mi

C $120000

ECU replaced under warenty

86800 mi

C $1500

heatshield was replaced.

83000 mi

US $1475

Fuel pump failed on busy highway. Fuel pump replaced. Confidence in Toyota products greatly reduced.

112500 mi C $1500	Bought a 200,000k / 7 year extended warranty in 2005 at the Dealers. Errors on paperwork after the original contract lead to Warranty expiring after 120,000k. Haven't had a MAJOR REPAIR but if and when I will challenge Toyota.
124580 mi C $225	Wiper assembly linkage defective. Passenger wiper no longer functional.
191580 mi C $150	Passenger side wheel bearing
208320 mi C $240	Replace discs and pads

47000 mi US $500	canister evap system..svs valves
64000 mi US $1800	computer replaced transmission mods or valves
179000 mi US $600	Rotors and pads and 1 wheel bearing replaced
182000 mi US $256	Starter motor
198100 mi US $400	Vacuum leak

88660 mi C $400	problems with undercarriage-front underside trim and also a plate underneath
135520 mi C $1300	Alternator replaced after battery could not seem to keep a charge.

80600 mi C $340	Broken middle part muffler.
85960 mi C $200	Clock display was on/off all the time Plastic box were broken in the middle
96400 mi C $600	Engine light. Emission control system defective.
99060 mi C $200	Window blocked
105710 mi C $300	Muffler rear part was original and needed to be changed.
107260 mi C $1000	Front brakes Mid-part muffler
109740 mi C $200	Battery
120900 mi C $1500	Shock absorber front Muffler
122140 mi C $1500	Alternator shuts down

237000 mi US $1479	Replace front steel transmission lines Replace both front struts
265000 mi US $1100	pads replaced replaced leaking valve cover and oil pan gaskets
274418 mi US $400	starter replaced

198000 mi

US $1300

Problem was rattling and loose steering, wandering. Tie rods, universal joint, rack and pinion, and a blown strut. All were replaced.

56000 mi US $127	mechanic noticed coolant hoses swelling and coolant not flowing properly. replaced upper and lower hoses.
64400 mi US $1200	brake calipers went bad causing unsafe driving condition. brake calipers,pads,rotors replaced. front struts went bad. they were leaking down strut. unsafe to drive in this condition. brought car to shop due to vibration and pulsing at 60mph.shop checked brakes and front end. found bad front struts and brake calipers.had to replace calipers,rotors and pads. pads were 6 months old. shop covered pads. had to pay for rotors,calipers. brake calipers went bad causing unsafe driving condition. brake calipers,pads,rotors replaced.
66300 mi US $110	Motor mounts going bad. but not broken yet so mechanic could not replace. front and rear mounts.
71000 mi US $1000	took car to Pep boys who said I needed alternator and replaced 2 times and could not fix. lost 419.00 because they could not put good alternator in car. towed car to Toyota dealer who fixed car for 700.00 under extended warranty.
79000 mi US $1000	rear strut leaking replaced strut. replaced serpentine tensioner.
55400 mi US $1150	Fix horn Engine and tranny mounts no good.
86000 mi US $1600	transmission pan gasket leaking. timing chain tensioner exhaust from engine to cat converter starter went bad
87000 mi US $300	belt tensr
86800 mi US $1500	cooling system - replaced water pump,thermostat,both hoses. yr 2013 and hoses in 2015' suspension - control arms bushing went bad with inner and outer tie rods. yr 2013.

120000 mi

US $1300

Tubing carrying transmission fluid had a leak, caused a part below it to rust and need replacement as well. Catalytic converter rusted away causing loud noise when driving.

103700 mi

US $500

replaced shocks and struts New starter

Return to top

236000 mi US $3380	Bearings in manual transmission failed, causing loud clacking noise when accelerating. Had a rebuilt transmission installed.
303000 mi US $120	Rusted exhaust pipe broke, required welding

111600 mi

C $1500

Worn clutch

108500 mi

C $1500

Manual transmission failed, both inner bearings were making a hum noise when driving at highway speeds, clutch was worn out, and reverse gear was missing a tooth,

Return to top

155000 mi

US $2200

Engine threw a rod through the block.

129000 mi US $720	Water pump worn out (rattling) and leaking radiator (small leak at metal to plastic joint).
147000 mi US $1500	CV boots replaced due to tears.

193780 mi C $600	Rust hole on rocker in front of passenger rear wheel. Same door was rusting at the bottom. Cleaned up rust, patched, sealed and repainted.
174800 mi C $130	Accessory belt tensioner wore out
181040 mi C $1100	Both front wheel bearings worn out. Misfire on cylinders 1 & 2. Scan performed, nothing found. Possible intake gasket leak suggested.
184780 mi C $150	Fuel system flushed to try to clear up misfire. Check engine light still on.

Return to top

180000 mi

US $3000

Car was driven to store and then wouldn't go into reverse. It was towed to a shop. It was the original clutch so that was repaired. After repair it still wouldn't go into reverse and was not running correctly. It was diagnosed with transmission trouble. A used transmissions was ordered and should be delivered next week. It will be installed and hopefully the problem will be over. I called Toyota and reported the problem in case they ever decide there is a problem.Manual transmissions seldom go bad.

205000 mi

US $800

Brakes

104923 mi C $191	Front left wheel bearing replacement
110896 mi C $1209	Transmission bearing replacement Clutch replacement
122955 mi C $214	clip door handle replacement (rust leaking) oil pressure switch replacement (oil leaking) 55 points inspection
123524 mi C $646	front shock replacement alignment
138920 mi C $149	Front right wheel bearing replacement. Front right wheel bearing replacement

55800 mi

C $1100

oil leak. in midst of re-repair. replaced oil sending unit, oil pan seal, serpentine belt, swapped out wheels for winters.

147900 mi US $1900	Manual transmission completely seized. Bearings failed.
160800 mi US $500	Replaced front struts and stabilizer links.
165500 mi US $250	Replaced worn rear struts

147800 mi US $1100	Four shocks, tie rod ends, replace torsion bar ends
153600 mi US $934	Replaced the original clutch assembly; started to slip after 14 years.

104000 mi

US $1080

Replaced water pump.

60140 mi C $310	water pump replaced Part #6003610 was replaced [variable solenoid] but i dont have the exact name and what it does. It has to do with valve timing I believe.
69360 mi C $1008	replace front stab.bar [link kit and bushing] ,replace 2 front shocks, also includes oil change and cabin air filter replacement
83700 mi C $200	Replaced some kind of electronic or electrical part [resistance?]for car heater. Had no heat in car. Replaced oil pressure "sensor."
97580 mi C $167	Exhaust system repair
100440 mi C $422	Right rear wheel bearing replaced
102920 mi C $2000	Rebuilt the manual transmission and replaced the clutch
109120 mi C $800	Rear brakes and discs full replacement
135780 mi C $300	Replace flexible part of exhaust system

Return to top

118000 mi US $371	The engine would not turn over when the ignition was turned. The problem was related to the switch/cable in the gearshift assembly. The car was not registering that the trans. was in park. The transmission shift cable had to be replaced.
124500 mi US $352	Replaced cracked read brake drums and flushed brake fluid.
126500 mi US $1780	Removed and replaced shock and strut assemblies in front and back.

111000 mi US $100	The headlight bulb connector (sometimes called a "pigtail" became freyed/burned. It was causing the bulb to flicker and wear prematurely. I had it replaced.
121000 mi US $500	Starter, Spark Plugs
128000 mi US $450	Front Struts
129000 mi US $175	Valve Cover Gasket was leaking and creating a bad smell in the cabin when the heat was on.
135000 mi US $1200	Replaced catalytic converter, intermediate pipe and muffler.

55598 mi US $4942	Engine, and engine computer replaced.
32000 mi US $2900	Broken rod in engine. The car broke a rod when I was driving home from work. noticed the problem five minutes after leaving.
60300 mi US $2400	problems with the car starting and stopping with foot off gas pedal. The car died in the middle of the intersection.
131200 mi US $3700	Multiple things went out at once with this car in between the summer and now. ignition coils, headers, manifold all needed to be replaced in one month.

74000 mi US $1100	Airbag light has been coming on. I took it in for them to look at it. They said there was a bad seat belt assembly and that the airbag sensor needed to be replaced. The total came to $1100, but too much to be replaced.
116000 mi US $300	fuel pump and module need to be replaced
118000 mi US $600	Wheel bearing assembly replaced on rear, both sides.
123000 mi US $325	Noisy when stopping. Caused from ruptured wheel cylinder on right rear. Both cylinders and shoes replaced.
181200 mi US $400	starter quit

60760 mi

$4000

RPM rising wn I crank engine on N & P,but whenI put it on D RPM reduce from 2000 to 800,I didn't rectify so far..plz recommend from where I. Start

65000 mi US $5000	Dealership stated my transmission was failing and needed to be replaced.
175000 mi US $280	Intake manifold gasket was bad. Replaced.
183000 mi US $150	Calipers needed replacing. Air conditioning not blowing cold air.
197000 mi US $300	The hood would rattle at idle, mechanic replaced some rubber mounts/dampers and solved the problem. I took it in for a CEL scan and left it overnight. When I went back the next day the mechanic said that the car's computer doesn't remember codes and that something is wrong with the ECU.

97960 mi C $250	Bearings on front driver side replaced.
99820 mi C $215	Left front brake caliper replaced and system bled.
103540 mi C $250	Right front wheel bearing replaced
110360 mi C $180	catalytic converter replaced
121700 mi C $230	Front bank oxygen sensors replaced
127100 mi C $2500	front struts

127500 mi

US $1100

Replaced all 4 struts as a couple of them were leaking fluid.

Return to top

205000 mi

US $1800

AT replaced catalytic converter failed, replaced Muffler replaced

Return to top

133300 mi C $500	Belt tensioner replaced,Blower making noise-replaced
161200 mi C $2000	Car had noise, dealer said is steering pump-replaced-turns out is AC compressor-replaced
199640 mi C $500	Fuel&Air induction system service. Sway Bar bushings replaced
199640 mi C $300	engine light on-dealer said is CAT converter, turns out to be O2 sensor-replaced myself
227540 mi C $1700	Oil leak from Timing Chain Cover Gasket, Replaced Timing Chain, Front Brake Cilinders

Return to top

93000 mi

C $1500

the engine started using oil at 110000 for no reason, and alot of ti tranny let go at 140000km for again no reason, the clutch was still in good shape, but the tranny made alot of noise until it just totally stop working

Return to top

65720 mi C $1500	Replacement of worn regular shocks and struts with heavy duty, lifetime-warrantied ones, partly due to regular commuting at very cold temperatures (down to -40C) on ice rutted roads with heavy passenger loads.
139500 mi C $1150	Emission system cannister caused "Check Engine" light to come on, and needed to be replaced. $550 part and ~$300 labour (they threw in the annual wheel change)
157480 mi C $120	Investigation of vapour system, no apparent problem but engine light remains on

238300 mi US $800	Horn Stopped working exhaust leak
249000 mi US $368	Radiator leak. Replaced radiator and fan belt.
250000 mi US $450	Brake caliper bolt sheared off
263000 mi US $1400	replace clutch/master cylinder
267000 mi US $484	New ignition coil, plugs and wires
283000 mi US $257	needed new alternator

175460 mi

C $1387

BOTH FRONT SHOCKS AND WHEEL BEARINGS

106000 mi US $700	Front struts were very worn out, needed to be replaced
144300 mi US $400	Shoes leaked, master brake cylinder lost pressure, squishy brakes. Replaced shoes, rotors were machined, full brake fluid replacement.
160000 mi US $1200	Replace worn shoes

96000 mi

US $2000

Connecting rod bearing seized. Engine completely replaced. Complete engine replacement

154660 mi

C $1100

Leaking exhaust near front manifold

Return to top

146000 mi US $200	AC fan motor quit working
134000 mi US $1700	new shocks and struts

Return to top

167400 mi

C $1000

catalytic converter

83000 mi

US $1000

Replace brake fluids and clean system. Low battery charge Drivers exterior door handle snapped off Lower control arm bushings starting to crack

Return to top

71000 mi US $1700	Oil light occasional flicker but no observed loss of oil pressure by test gauge or oil level by dip stick Engine failure on highway Replaced engine
163000 mi US $200	Engine CEL oncrankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor

Return to top

198700 mi US $1100	brake line blew out, brake light previously was on
202000 mi US $400	Starter replaced

Return to top

45880 mi C $550	Replaced battery and exhaust pipe
73160 mi C $1000	Needed Exhaust Pipe replaced.

Return to top

145000 mi US $1150	Transmission slipping in 4th and 5th gears. Could not properly accelerate in 4th or 5th gear. Sometimes difficult to shift. Cracked exhaust manifold and damaged section of exhaust pipe.
169000 mi US $150	Clutch master cylinder leaking, replaced

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.

See TrueDelta's information for all Toyota models.

Expensive Toyota Corolla repairs by problem area

Toyota Corolla repair cost distribution

2014 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2011 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2010 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2010 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2009 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2009 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2008 Toyota Corolla

2008 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2008 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2007 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2006 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2006 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2006 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2005 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2005 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2005 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2004 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2004 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2003 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2003 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2002 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2002 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2001 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2001 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2001 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2000 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

2000 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan

1999 Toyota Corolla

1998 Toyota Corolla 4-door

1995 Toyota Corolla 4-door

Toyota Corolla Expensive Problems