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2008 Toyota Corolla: common problems and reliability
· 10th generationOne of the weaker Corolla years.
345 owner complaints, most about air bags. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Corolla?The 2008 Toyota Corolla has 345 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag oil consumption due to gummed oil control rings from long oil change intervals.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Corolla years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Corolla?
Across the 29 Corolla model years we track, complaint volume runs from 73 (2023) to 1,533 (2009). With 345 complaints, the 2008 Corolla sits above the model's median of 214.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Corolla
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 19V741000Toyota 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 GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 19V627000Toyota 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 temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 16V127000Toyota 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 December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 16V128000Toyota 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 December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008 that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The affected vehicles have a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Show 2 more recalls
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 10V384000TOYOTA 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 POINTS OR ON VARISTORS ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 10V036000SOUTHEAST 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.
What owners report on the 10th generation Corolla
Owners view this generation as a highly reliable, no-frills commuter appliance that can easily exceed 250,000 miles with basic maintenance.
- RecurrentVVTi gear rattle on cold start (2009-2013 1.8L engine)
- RecurrentFront timing cover oil leak (2009-2013 1.8L engine)
- RecurrentWater pump failure, sometimes repeatedly (2009 model)
- RecurrentOil consumption due to gummed oil control rings from long oil change intervals
- RecurrentRust from road salt exposure, particularly in northern states
Owner insights for the 10th generation Corolla. Read the full 10th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Corolla listings typically run $11,794–$18,999.
Other Corolla model years
Compare every Corolla year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Corolla against its rivals
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