2008 vs 2009 Toyota Corolla
Each year's own entries sit side by side, then what both share. Warnings of different generations are listed apart even under the same name, because what to check can differ.
Watch out for
Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.
2008
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Engine computer, 2005–2008
What to check: Ask whether recall 10V384000 was done. A stall, hard start or rough running can point to the engine computer.
Toyota recalled 2005–2008 front-drive Corollas with the 1ZZ-FE because cracks could form on the engine computer's circuit board, and the engine could run poorly or shut off.
NHTSA
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Intake manifold gasket All years One source so far
What to check: Look for a check-engine light, and listen for a hiss of a vacuum leak at the intake.
Two owners in the same BobIsTheOilGuy thread, an unofficial source, report a leaking intake manifold gasket.
Owners' reports (unofficial)
2009
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Burning oil All years
What to check: Check the oil level, ask how much it uses between changes, and watch for blue smoke.
Toyota's ZE7 program extended cover for oil burning on certain 2009–2011 Corollas with the 2AZ engine, about 7,700 cars built from early January 2008 to mid-November 2011, to ten years or 150,000 miles from first use, so it has ended. On CarComplaints.com's page for the 2009, an unofficial source, 23 owners report burning oil at about 100,750 miles on average, nine ending with a new engine, and comments name both engines.
Toyota, owners' reports (unofficial)
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Water pump All years
What to check: Look for coolant leaking at the water pump and on the alternator below it, and ask whether the pump has been replaced.
CarComplaints.com, an unofficial source, lists water pump failure among the 2009's worst problems, at about 62,000 miles on average. In a CarGurus thread, also unofficial, two owners report the pump failing on their 2009s, one leaking onto the alternator.
Owners' reports (unofficial)
Rare catches
2008
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Rare
TRD supercharger Package
A TRD kit, not a factory option A published reference
2009
Nothing that 2008 lacks.
Recalls
2008
- 10V384000 2005–2008
The engine computer may have been made with flaws, and cracks can form on its circuit board. The engine may run poorly, fail to start or shut off. NHTSA
- 16V128000 2008
Moisture can get into the passenger front airbag inflator, which may then rupture when the airbag deploys. NHTSA
- 16V127000 2008
The passenger front airbag inflator may build up too much pressure and rupture when the airbag deploys. Replacement airbags fitted in service are covered too. NHTSA
- 19V627000 2003–2008
In high heat the passenger front airbag may not unfold as designed, and may not inflate properly. NHTSA
2009
- 09V338000 2009–2010
In extreme cold, condensation from crankcase ventilation can freeze and block the brake vacuum port, so the car takes longer to stop. NHTSA
- 10V017000 2009–2010
The accelerator pedal can become slow to return, or stick, when its friction lever wears smooth and condensation forms. NHTSA
- 10V023000 2009–2010
An unsecured or wrong driver's floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal wide open. NHTSA
- 12V491000 2009
The power window master switch may have been poorly lubricated and can overheat and melt. NHTSA
- 14V168000 2009–2010
A flat cable in the steering column can be damaged as the wheel turns, cutting the connection to the driver's airbag. NHTSA
- 15V689000 2009–2011
Grease may have been applied unevenly inside the power window master switch, which can then short, overheat and melt. NHTSA
- 16V340000 2009–2011
The passenger front airbag inflator may rupture after long exposure to heat and humidity, throwing metal fragments. NHTSA
- 17V006000 2009–2012
The passenger front airbag inflator may rupture after long exposure to heat and humidity, throwing metal fragments. NHTSA
- 18V024000 2009–2013
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode after long exposure to heat and humidity, throwing metal fragments. NHTSA
Both years
- 19V741000 2003–2013
Inflators fitted under an earlier recall were of the same design, and can still explode after long exposure to heat and humidity. NHTSA
What changed between
After 2008, up to and including 2009.
What it came with
2008
2009
Both years
Colors
2008
- Silver Streak Mica 1E7, 2005–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Phantom Gray Pearl 1E3, 2005–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Impulse Red Pearl 3P1, 2003–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Speedway Blue 8P1, 2007–2008 An owners' registry (unofficial)
- Indigo Ink Pearl 8P4, 2003–2008 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
2009
- Classic Silver Metallic 1F7, 2009–2013 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Magnetic Gray Metallic 1G3, 2009–2013 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Barcelona Red Metallic 3R3, 2009–2013 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Capri Sea Metallic 779, 2009–2010 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Blue Streak Metallic 8T7, 2009–2010 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
Both years
- Super White 040, 2009–2013 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Black Sand Pearl 209, 2009–2013 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
- Desert Sand Mica 4Q2, 2009–2010 Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
2008
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Sought after: High-mileage durability All years One source so far
In a BobIsTheOilGuy thread on high-mileage 2003–2008 Corollas, an unofficial source, five of seven owners praise their cars' durability, including one at 174,000 miles and a 2003 that reached about 290,000. Owners' reports (unofficial)
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Sought after: 2007–2008 One source so far
SlashGear picks 2007 and 2008 among the best used Corolla years, for top IIHS marks in nearly every category and fewer recalls and complaints. SlashGear
2009
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Avoid: 2009–2010 Less sought after
SlashGear says to avoid 2009 and 2010 for oil burning and cooling system faults. CarComplaints.com, an unofficial source, counts more complaints for the 2009 than for any other Corolla year. SlashGear, owners' reports (unofficial)