1996 Toyota Corolla Engine Problems
9 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (9)
When you downshifted from 3rd to 2nd gear while turning, you heard a loud clanking noise and smelled fumes and smoke inside the car. You noticed an oil leak, and the dealer determined that the 3rd piston rod had broken and punctured a hole in the engine block. The engine will likely need to be rebuilt or replaced.
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Your engine stopped running due to sludge buildup inside the engine. When you took it to a Toyota dealer for repair, they disassembled the engine and found that fixing the damage would cost over $6,000. The warranty didn't cover damage caused by engine sludge. The repair would involve cleaning out the sludge and rebuilding or replacing engine components.
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Your engine has had persistent oil leakage and smoking issues that required two engine block replacements within a year of purchase, despite dealer reassurances and warranty coverage. The dealer attributed the problems to installation errors, but the issues recurred even after repairs. Your car is now smoking and needs major engine work, but the warranty has expired and the dealer won't repair it, leaving you with an undrivable vehicle and an outstanding loan.
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After a timing belt replacement at a non-dealer mechanic around 100,000 miles, your cruise control stopped working entirely. You also noticed that when decelerating—whether braking or coasting—the engine would suddenly rev up and the gas pedal would move on its own from its resting position. The mechanic may have accidentally disconnected or damaged cruise control components or throttle cables during the timing belt work.
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THE VEHICLE UPON REACHING 70+ MPH, EMITS A LOUD ENGINE NOISE, AND THIS NOISE GETS LOUDER AS I DRIVER FASTER. I HAVE TO TURN UP THE RADIO OR TALK LOUDER BECAUSE OF THE NOISE. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS GOING TO EXPLODE. EACH TIME I HEAR THIS NOISE, IT UPSETS ME. THIS NOISE IS NOT NORMAL AND I AM TIRED OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT STATE.
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE.
ENGINE VIBRATION HAS CAUSED EXCESSIVE WEAR ON ENGINE COMPONENTS.
ENGINE NOISE.
A CONTACTED ROD BLEW OFF THE VEHICLE, CAUSNG OIL TO SPILL ON THE ENIGNE COMPARMENT, RESULTING IN VEHICLE CATCHING ON FIRE.