YearToAvoid

2008 Toyota Corolla Engine Problems

NHTSA has 103 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2008 Toyota Corolla, 33% of all 314 complaints for this model year. That is #7 highest engine complaint count among 21 Corolla model years. These complaints report 34 crashes and 19 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 39,871 miles.

Engine complaints
103
33% of 314
Crashes reported
34
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
19
Median mileage
39,871 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2008 Toyota Corolla engine complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 7, 2007, latest Sep 9, 2021.

2008 Toyota Corolla engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter182007 Q42009 Q32010 Q42012 Q32014 Q22015 Q42017 Q1
103 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q4 to 2021 Q3; peak 2010 Q1 (18).

Engine recalls for the 2008 Toyota Corolla

  1. NHTSA 10V384000Aug 26, 2010Engine1,128,659 vehicles

    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 points or on varistors on the circuit board.

    Risk: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Engine complaints by Corolla model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2005185 (22%)
  2. 2006198 (24%)
  3. 2007191 (23%)
  4. 2008103 (33%)
  5. 2009320 (22%)
  6. 2010230 (18%)
  7. 201162 (11%)
  8. 201220 (4%)
  9. 201332 (16%)
  10. 201446 (17%)
  11. 201532 (15%)
  12. 201633 (15%)
  13. 201738 (21%)
  14. 201824 (18%)
  15. 201950 (25%)
  16. 2020113 (37%)
  17. 202146 (25%)
  18. 202216 (16%)
  19. 202314 (19%)
  20. 20248 (13%)
  21. 20254 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Toyota Corolla have engine problems?
NHTSA has 103 owner complaints about the engine in the 2008 Toyota Corolla, 33% of all complaints for this model year, including 34 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 39,871 miles.
Which Toyota Corolla year has the most engine complaints?
The 2009 Toyota Corolla has the most engine complaints (320), compared with 103 for the 2008.
Is there a engine recall for the 2008 Toyota Corolla?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2008 Toyota Corolla concerns the engine: 10V384000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.