The 2009 Toyota Corolla has more difficulties than any previous year, and many of them are major mechanical ones. The 2011 model receives significant upgrades, making the $1,800 price difference worthwhile.
Owners start mentioning engine issues, such as excessive oil use and noise from the engine, at about 100,000 miles. Toyota engines typically use more oil than those in other vehicles, but the 2009 Corolla has an issue with the piston rings, which exacerbates the issue. Regular oil checks are crucial since low oil levels can lead to engine breakdowns, which can cost over $4,000 to repair.
The 2009 model experiences frequent water pump breakdowns at about 60,000 miles. There is a risk of overheating when the water pump, which circulates coolant through the engine, fails. Depending on local labor costs, replacing the water pump will cost roughly $850.
Another frequent problem is paint flaws, which usually manifest after five years. When the curing process is unsuccessful or the paint is overexposed to sunshine, problems frequently arise. The only option, which will cost more than $800 per panel, is to repaint the damaged panels.
Compared to other compact automobiles from the same year, there are 13 recalls. The items being recalled are air bags, power window switches, load-carrying labels, brake vacuum ports, and seat heater wiring. The most dangerous pedal issues are those that could result in unexpected acceleration.
In This Article...
How durable is a 2009 Toyota Corolla?
How long do Toyota Corollas last? may be on your mind if you’re thinking about buying one. The Toyota Corolla has a life expectancy of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles with routine maintenance and service. You might own your new Corolla for well over a decade if you take good care of it.
Is the 2009 Toyota Corolla a good car?
The 2009 Toyota Corolla is among the best in its class thanks to a well-built interior and efficient commuting capabilities. Some reviewers, meanwhile, felt that it lacked the panache and vivacious performance of class leaders.
Which Corolla model year is the most dependable?
Every used Toyota Corolla produced between 2014 and 2019 comes highly recommended by Consumer Reports. With the exception of the 2019 Toyota Corolla models, which nonetheless achieved a high score of 4/5, all obtained reliability ratings of 5/5. The overall owner satisfaction score was 3/5.
The Corolla underwent yet another redesign in 2014, which was a significant year for the vehicle. Additionally, it achieved 32 mpg overall with the aid of the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
There are simple controls inside, and some models come with a touchscreen infotainment system. The LE and higher models come standard with automatic temperature control. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning were included as standard safety features in 2017 vehicles.
Do Toyota Corollas have issues with their engines?
Excessive oil consumption in the engine has been one of the Toyota Corolla’s most frequently encountered issues over its lifetime. Although it did occur in other years like 2014, these model years saw a higher prevalence of it: 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2009. The 2003 and 2009 models, however, were plagued by transmission issues. Particularly in 2009, cooling issues as a result of water pump failure were frequently reported. These model years had more minor difficulties than others, like body/paint and interior accent problems.
The best way to purchase a car is with the CoPilot auto purchasing app. Get a curated selection of the top vehicles available in your region, as well as alerts when a comparable car is posted nearby for less. The best way to look for used automobiles is on CoPilot.
What are the Toyota Corolla’s most typical issues?
Primary Toyota Corolla Issues
- excessive use of oil Toyota Corolla owners from 2002 and 2009 have reported concerns with their engines using too much oil.
- transmission malfunction
- Engine starts up slowly.
- Check engine light is on because of the EVAP system.
- defective airbags
- Driving Drift
- defective mass air flow sensor
What does a Toyota Corolla have high mileage?
The Toyota Corolla is regarded as one of the most dependable sedans on the Irving market. It is distinguished by its small size, excellent maneuverability, and lengthy expected lifespan. You can count on your Corolla to last at least 300,000 miles when you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance regimen!
Is 200k miles for a Toyota a lot?
Toyotas are some of the most durable vehicles on the market, according to an iSeeCars survey of the automakers that sold the most used vehicles with high mileage. According to Business Insider, 1.6% of used Toyotas sold in 2020 had more than 200,000 miles on the odometer and were still in operation.
The Drive also conducted a survey to identify the most dependable, long-lasting vehicles in each sector (SUV, truck, etc.). And more Toyota models were mentioned than those from other brands. In reality, the Lexus ES, a sedan with a lot of Avalon’s design similarities, received “Most Reliable Car in the World.
With the Tundra and Tacoma placing in the top five, Toyota leads the list of pickup trucks. The Highlander, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser are three of Toyota’s top five selling SUV models.
The answer to that question is dependent on a number of variables, including how frequently you drive, how you drive, where you drive, and possibly a little bit of luck. However, according to a Carfax analysis, the average Toyota lasts about 210,705 miles before it needs to be replaced “When it inevitably malfunctions, it is worthless and not worth fixing, according to Forbes.
The 2009 Toyota Corolla won’t ever be confused with a sports sedan, and to get more exciting performance from the XRS, you have to sacrifice significant fuel economy numbers.
The Toyota Corolla has two engine options and a variety of transmissions for 2009 that provide passable driving performance and good fuel economy.
The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine from Toyota powers all models of the 2009 Toyota Corolla, with the exception of the XRS. According to Car and Driver, this engine “has 132 horsepower, up from 126” on the Corolla from the previous year. This powertrain, according to Edmunds, “delivers respectable acceleration in typical traffic settings.” All four of the Corolla Toyota’s entry-level models are available with either one of the two gearboxes listed by Motor Trend as either a “four-speed automatic” or a “five-speed manual.”
According to Edmunds, regardless of the transmission, the 1.8-liter engine in the 2009 Toyota Corolla is expected to achieve “27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway” in terms of fuel economy. The efficiency of the 2.4-liter engine declines, registering EPA figures of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The Toyota Corolla’s driving impressions varied based on the sort of driving engaged. With its “comfortable, controlled ride,” the Toyota Corolla “excels as a commuting car,” according to Edmunds. The XRS is unlikely to “excite enthusiast drivers,” according to ConsumerGuide, while “other versions suffer profuse noseplow in fast corners and react sluggishly to rapid rotations of the wheel.” More aggressive driving produces dismal results. Although handling is “not up to some of the best of the competition,” Kelley Blue Book praises the Toyota Corolla’s brakes for being “strong and fade-free.”
Is there a timing belt or chain on the 2009 Toyota Corolla?
The Corolla is renowned for its dependable, fuel-efficient 1.8L engine, straightforward, spacious cabin, and comfortable ride. Overall, it’s a reliable little “workhorse” that is comfy. Compact cars with front-wheel drive include the Corolla (20092013).
Despite the Toyota Matrix being a remarkably comparable hatchback, it’s only offered as a 4-door sedan in the United States and Canada.
The 2009 Corolla was available in the base, S, well-liked LE, expensive XLE, and sporty XRS grades in the United States. For 2011, the XLE and XRS were dropped, and for 2012, the L trim replaced the entry-level model. Although the Corolla has generally been dependable, there are several issues that used car purchasers should be aware of.
The price of a new water pump ranges from $250 to $550. It seems sense to replace the driving belt while changing a water pump. Pinkish coolant drips around the water pump and a whining or buzzing noise originating from the water pump region are signs of a failed water pump. When looking at the engine from the front of the car, the water pump is on the left side. For further details, see these videos.
Several owners have noticed oil leakage from the timing chain cover. Check out these YouTube videos that describe the fix.
The car may not start if the starter motor fails. The starter will typically generate a single click but fail to turn the engine over even with a fully charged battery. A starting motor replacement will set you back $250$420. See additional information on the starter motor.
The 2ZR engine makes a transient banging or rattling noise when it is cold, according to the 2009 Corolla / Matrix service advisory T-SB-0087-09, and this is due to a broken camshaft timing gear assembly (VVT gear). To solve the issue, the gear must be changed. The notice estimates that the repair work will take 1.5 hours. Online retailers charge little over $200 for the component (gear assembly). The repair could cost between $380 and $590 if it is not covered by a warranty.
Many owners recounted spending $400680 to replace an alternator that had failed. Replacement parts are less expensive.
It’s also not unusual to hear rattling heat shields and exhaust leaks. A loose heat shield could be the source of an underbody metal rattle that becomes more audible at specific engine speeds. Repairs don’t cost a lot of money.
The engine may misfire if one of the ignition coils fails. Replaceing the ignition coil is simple. If the spark plugs are outdated, it is advisable to replace them completely while changing an ignition coil. Online, an OEM ignition coil costs between $86 and $139. Replacement parts are less expensive.
When traveling at highway speeds, a damaged wheel bearing might produce a buzzing noise that is more audible. A new wheel bearing might cost anywhere between $260 and $370.
Higher mileage can cause front struts to leak. With an alignment, replacing both front struts can be up to $780.
For some models with the 2AZ engine, Toyota launched the Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 to address excessive oil consumption. You must take the car to a Toyota dealer to find out if it qualifies. The oil consumption test will be the first thing they do. There is information on this forum. Numerous concerns have been made about the 2AZ 2.4L engine’s stripped head bolts. The cost of the fix is high.
Engines: The 2ZR-base FE’s engine is a 1.8L 4-cylinder DOHC with 132 horsepower. It is an established basic and dependable motor. It can survive well over 200K miles with proper upkeep. The Camry and RAV4 share a 2.4L 4-cylinder 2AZ-FE engine that produces 158 horsepower with the Corolla XRS.
Timing belt vs. chain: There is no timing belt; the 1.8L and 2.4L engines both have a timing chain. If the timing chain is functioning properly, there is no need to replace it.
The 1.8L Corolla auto gets 26/34 mpg (9.0/6.9 L/100 km) according to the EPA, which translates to 380 miles (612 km) of highway driving on a 13.2-gallon (50.0L) tank.
EPA Fuel Economy for a Toyota Corolla:
Yearly variations: For 2011, the Toyota Corolla underwent a mild makeover with new head- and taillights, redesigned bumpers, and a new trunk lid.
A few feature improvements were made to the Corolla for 2012, including a new standard audio system with a USB connector, Bluetooth, and steering audio controls for the LE trim in North America.
Power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry were added to the Corolla L in the US.
Mechanically, although previous Corolla models have rear drum brakes that are renowned to survive a long time, the XRS has disc brakes on all four wheels. It uses electricity to power the steering.
Antilock brakes are a must. Early models of vehicle stability control come with an option; starting in 2010, all U.S. cars come standard. 2011 brought standard Vehicle Stability Control to the Corolla in Canada.
The Corolla is simple to drive and has a smooth ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing road imperfections and bumps, making for a smooth and quiet ride. The 1.8L engine offers ample power for both lengthy road trips and regular commuting. When driving on the interstate, the electrical steering is a little hazy around the center position but is light and feels fine in the city.
How far can a Toyota Corolla travel on a single tank of gas?
Of course, the model year affects how far your Toyota Corolla will go on a single tank of gas. The more recent the Corolla, the better chance you will have of making it before it sputters to a stop on empty due to newer models using less petrol. How much time exactly? With the majority of the most recent Corolla models, it is predicted that you can travel 45 kilometers before running out of fuel.
Having said that, we do not advise taking a chance. Pay great attention to your surroundings and the fuel gauge. Plan a fuel stop for your commute if you are close to running out of gas.
The recommended course of action is to replenish as soon as your fuel gauge reaches the EMPTY mark and/or the low fuel warning light activates. There might be a little wiggle room, perhaps, but it is not worth jeopardizing your safety or the condition of your vehicle. Because the fuel pump draws from the very bottom of the tank, where sediment may have deposited because the tank is so low, driving on empty can harm your car because it could lead to a costly problem.