TOYOTA COROLLA · model year

2008 TOYOTA COROLLA

378 NHTSA complaints, 95 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2008TOYOTACOROLLA carries 378 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 95 crashes, 1 fire, 63 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2008 COROLLA is air bags with 130 filings, followed by vehicle speed control (53) and engine and engine cooling (25). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2008 COROLLA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

378
Complaints
95
Crashes
1
Fires
63
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

378 filings

Crashes Reported

95 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS130
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL53
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING25
ENGINE21
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
STEERING12
POWER TRAIN9
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL8
SUSPENSION7
SERVICE BRAKES7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
SEAT BELTS5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5

Recalls (6)

19V62700028/08/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota 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 recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperatur

10V38400026/08/2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TOYOTA 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 MANUFACTURED. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A CRACK MAY DEVELOP AT CERTAIN SOLDER

19V74100017/10/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota 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 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX4

16V12700003/03/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota 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 December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to

10V03600003/02/2010

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

16V12800002/03/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota 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 December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to

Recent Complaints

20241110AIR BAGS

The airbag indicator red light has turned on without any collision or accident.

20241015CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while the driver was idling in an intersection and making a left turn, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle causing it to turn 180 degrees during the impact. The air bags did not deploy. The bumper detached during the crash. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the driver sustained a fractured wrist and whiplash that required medical attention via the hospital. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

Mileage: 135,000

20240315AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Corolla. The contacted stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

20230920FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The plastic fuel tank has a heat shield below it that keeps the fuel tank from getting too hot, and from debris hitting it. There is a strap that goes around the fuel tank. The heat shield has this plastic piece that holds on to the strap. On my car, this plastic piece snapped off and the heat shield was rattling loose against the exhaust pipe and exposing the fuel tank. I took my car to a Toyota dealer (Glen Mills, PA) and was told the only way to fix that plastic piece is to replace the whole heat shield and fuel tank strap. Even though this was due to their defective piece. I was told it would be $950 for this repair. I was forced to deny the repair due to the obscene price tag and took it to a dealer for a temporary fix until Toyota can be reasonable with their price. Upon further research, this plastic piece is known to break off on this type of car frequently. After watching many videos and going through many forums of people having the same issue, it seems Toyota is known f

20230913CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH a second vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. During the crash, the front driver's side air bag deployed and the contact sustained multiple fractured ribs and a left ankle injury which required medical treatment. The contact indicated that upon the vehicle's impact, the air bag did not immediately deploy and was delayed contributing to the rib injuries sustained. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 168,841.

Mileage: 168,841

20230614STRUCTURE:BODY

I am the original owner of my car since the end of 2007. For some strange reason, my car just suddenly started to show large signs of rust on the roof. This is apparently a very common issue with the similar timeframe of model years. This is a manufacturing defect from the beginning as Toyota did not properly paint the car properly.

20220904UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The ODO meter of my Corolla 2008 model has not been functioning since around November 2021 when it stopped at 299,999 mile. Recently in August 2022, I asked a Toyota dealership, named Fox Toyota located in Rochester Hills, MI, to fix the issue, but they told me they couldn't do it and I needed to look for other repair shop. Then I contacted Toyota Brand Engagement Center and requested them to fix because it appeared to be a Toyota manufacturing or design issue. They also refused their responsibility to do the repair. I attach the photos of ODO meter and vehicle. Please have Toyota take corrective actions on this issue. Thank you for your support in advance.

20210909ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Engine light stays on

20210909ENGINE

Engine light stays on

20210728AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact declined the diagnostic fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

Mileage: 215,000

20210505AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF POSSIBILITY OF 600.00 FEE

20201120CrashAIR BAGS

SEATBELT DIDN'T TIGHTEN UP INITIALLY DURING A WRECK CAUSING MORE EXTENSIVE INJURY. THEN TIGHTENED UP SNATCHING PASSENGER INTO SEAT FROM MIDAIR CAUSING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE. VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND WAS HIT BY A CAR WHO RAN A LEFT TURN ARROW ON A CITY STREET. WRECK WAS UNDER 50MPH BUT PASSENGER HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE DUE TO SEATBELT MALFUNCTION. .

20201120CrashSEAT BELTS

SEATBELT DIDN'T TIGHTEN UP INITIALLY DURING A WRECK CAUSING MORE EXTENSIVE INJURY. THEN TIGHTENED UP SNATCHING PASSENGER INTO SEAT FROM MIDAIR CAUSING ADDITIONAL DAMAGE. VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND WAS HIT BY A CAR WHO RAN A LEFT TURN ARROW ON A CITY STREET. WRECK WAS UNDER 50MPH BUT PASSENGER HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE DUE TO SEATBELT MALFUNCTION. .

20200604WHEELS

MULTIPLE TIMES MY CAR HAS SLID ON THE PAVEMENT UPON AN ABRUPT STOP. DEER IN MY TRAVEL ROUTES ARE ABUNDANT. BUT ON JUNE 2, 2020 I HEARD A NOISE AS I WAS DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. I PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE CAR. THE TIRE HAVING OVER HALF IT'S TREAD THREW A BELT OR HAD A HUGE BULGE IN THE TIRE. IT WENT FROM A NOISE TO A LOAD GRUMBLING SOUND AND A LOT OF VIBRATION VERY QUICKLY. THE SLIDING WAS ONGOING AND I ASSUMED BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SMALL AND LIGHT BUT NEVER HAD THIS SLIDING EFFECT FROM MULTIPLE OTHER SMALL CARES I'VE OWNED. THEN THE TIRE BULGE. I RESEARCHED THE TIRE AND IT APPEARS COOPER TIRE HAS MAJOR ISSUES WITH THEIR TIRES BUT THIS TIRE SIZE I DID NOT SEE AS A RECALL. (MST P185/65R15 MC STRATEGY BW 88T(N)) IF I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE I COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OR FLIPPED THE CAR AT A FAST SPEED. SPEED LIMIT WAS 45MPH WHERE THE TIRE SEPARATION HAPPENED. I'M NOW SCARED TO DEATH TO EVEN THINK OF USING A COOPER TIRE. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT AS A NOVICE DRIVER T

Mileage: 46,183

20200604UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MULTIPLE TIMES MY CAR HAS SLID ON THE PAVEMENT UPON AN ABRUPT STOP. DEER IN MY TRAVEL ROUTES ARE ABUNDANT. BUT ON JUNE 2, 2020 I HEARD A NOISE AS I WAS DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. I PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE CAR. THE TIRE HAVING OVER HALF IT'S TREAD THREW A BELT OR HAD A HUGE BULGE IN THE TIRE. IT WENT FROM A NOISE TO A LOAD GRUMBLING SOUND AND A LOT OF VIBRATION VERY QUICKLY. THE SLIDING WAS ONGOING AND I ASSUMED BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SMALL AND LIGHT BUT NEVER HAD THIS SLIDING EFFECT FROM MULTIPLE OTHER SMALL CARES I'VE OWNED. THEN THE TIRE BULGE. I RESEARCHED THE TIRE AND IT APPEARS COOPER TIRE HAS MAJOR ISSUES WITH THEIR TIRES BUT THIS TIRE SIZE I DID NOT SEE AS A RECALL. (MST P185/65R15 MC STRATEGY BW 88T(N)) IF I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE I COULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OR FLIPPED THE CAR AT A FAST SPEED. SPEED LIMIT WAS 45MPH WHERE THE TIRE SEPARATION HAPPENED. I'M NOW SCARED TO DEATH TO EVEN THINK OF USING A COOPER TIRE. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT AS A NOVICE DRIVER T

Mileage: 46,183

20200206AIR BAGS

2008 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE FOR PARTS AND LABOR ON A RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *JS

20191116AIR BAGS

THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND THE RECALL HAS BEEN UNRESOLVED THUS FAR.

20190819CrashFatalTIRES

PURCHASE A SET OF PIRELLI P4 TIRES DOT XL 886A 3017 195/65R15 SIX MONTHS AGO AND KEPT GOING BACK TO FIX THE TIRE. IT KEPT LOOSING AIR AND GOING FLAT. SO AFTER THE SIX MONTHS PAST I HAD A BLOW OUT OF THE SAME TIRE THAT WAS GOING FLAT. AND IT ALMOST KILL ME.

Mileage: 168,000

20190819CrashFatalWHEELS

PURCHASE A SET OF PIRELLI P4 TIRES DOT XL 886A 3017 195/65R15 SIX MONTHS AGO AND KEPT GOING BACK TO FIX THE TIRE. IT KEPT LOOSING AIR AND GOING FLAT. SO AFTER THE SIX MONTHS PAST I HAD A BLOW OUT OF THE SAME TIRE THAT WAS GOING FLAT. AND IT ALMOST KILL ME.

Mileage: 168,000

20190810AIR BAGS

AIR BAG WAS REPLACED AND LIGHT WON'T GO OFF, CAUSING INSPECTION FAILURE

Compare 2008TOYOTACOROLLA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA have?
The 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA has 378 NHTSA complaints, 95 crashes, 1 fires, 63 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA?
Yes, the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA?
The most-complained component for the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA is AIR BAGS with 130 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
Is the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.