3 Common Issues With the Best-Selling Car in the World
What is the best-selling car in the world? As of 2022, it’s the Toyota Corolla. According to Statista, the Toyota Corolla topped 1.12 million in sales last year. That’s much more than the 222,216 units that Toyota sold in the U.S. alone. Either way, it’s an impressive number, and we’re not surprised that the Corolla is so popular, given its stellar fuel efficiency and exceptional build quality. That said, the Toyota Corolla is not without its issues. Check out three common issues that some owners report about the Corolla.
Higher-mileage Toyota Corollas may have a dirty mass airflow sensor
- Affected model years: 1998-2010
- Average mileage: 117,491
- Mass airflow replacement cost: $220 – $244
As owners on Repair Pal reported, a common issue on older Toyota Corolla models is with the mass airflow sensor. Many reports say that the car feels low on power, has a rough idle, and sluggish acceleration, all of which can be attributed to a dirty mass airflow sensor. Some owners said cleaning the sensor had no positive benefits, so replacing it could be a better solution.
The Corolla may hesitate or not start due to a faulty distributor
- Affected model years: 1990-1997, 2011
- Average mileage: 165,111
- Ignition coil replacement cost: $243 – $288
Older Toyota Corolla models from the early 90s have had issues with failing distributors. Some owners reported their cars not starting, engine bogging, and complete failure. The most common repair is replacing the entire distributor – a job that could cost nearly $300 – but it sounds worth it.
After 100,000 miles, some Toyota Corolla owners may hear a sound from the suspension
- Affected model years: 1990-94, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017
- Average mileage: 115,482
Some Toyota Corolla owners have complained about a clunking noise when they drive over bumps. Others have even complained about the car swaying when it’s windy. The largest culprit seems to be worn or defective struts and strut plates. The obvious fix is to replace these parts, which can wear out naturally over time.
What is the worst Toyota Corolla model year to buy?
Although the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in the world, it’s had its issues over the past couple of decades. Car Complaints, a website where car owners can log issues with their cars, shows that the 2009 model year Corolla has the most complaints out of every other model year. The most prevalent issue is “excessive oil consumption,” which sometimes necessitates a complete engine rebuild or replacement.
The average cost for repairs is $4,570. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you will experience this issue if you purchase a 2009 Corolla, but it could happen, especially if you don’t keep up with regular oil changes.
Common issues with the best-selling car in the world
While you may not be surprised that the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car in the world, you might be surprised that it has some common issues. This doesn’t mean that most Corollas aren’t reliable, they definitely are, but there is a chance to come across a bad apple at some point. As always, if you plan to purchase a used Corolla, make sure to have a pre-purchase inspection done first.
