VehicleVerdict

1989 Toyota Corolla problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1989 Toyota Corolla sits mid-pack among Corolla years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 150, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (7), transmission (4), and electrical system (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Corolla years?

Corolla NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted1,770 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 2 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 33 complaints1989: 30 complaints1990: 31 complaints1991: 96 complaints1992: 115 complaints1993: 154 complaints1994: 199 complaints1995: 226 complaints1996: 151 complaints1997: 149 complaints1998: 278 complaints1999: 188 complaints2000: 176 complaints2001: 163 complaints2002: 141 complaints2003: 860 complaints2004: 560 complaints2005: 972 complaints2006: 971 complaints2007: 983 complaints2008: 378 complaints2009: 1,770 complaints2010: 1,573 complaints2011: 690 complaints2012: 496 complaints2013: 269 complaints2014: 381 complaints2015: 308 complaints2016: 309 complaints2017: 275 complaints2018: 196 complaints2019: 289 complaints2020: 391 complaints2021: 249 complaints2022: 128 complaints2023: 116 complaints2024: 94 complaints2025: 40 complaints2026: 18 complaints
Corolla NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Corolla years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Toyota Corolla problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine723%
Transmission413%
Brakes310%
Speed Control310%
Electrical System310%
Seats27%
Fuel System27%
Seat Belts27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Body & Structure13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 1989 Toyota Corolla have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V396000SeatsJune 2, 2016 · 7,749 units

Defect

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Consequence

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

10E002000SuspensionFebruary 11, 2010 · 12,657 units

Defect

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Consequence

THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH HEARD RATTLING NOISE LIKE LOOSE FAN BELT IN THE FRONT OF CAR UNDERHOOD, SOMETHING DROPPED OFF THE CAR, THEN SMOKE OCCURRED, FLAMES CAME OUT, PART OF THE ENGINE BLOCK MISSING AND THERE IS A BIG HOLE IN THE ENGINE. DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 27, 1998 · fire

“I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 35 MPH ENROUTE TO THE FREEWAY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SIEZED LOCKING UP THE FRONT END, BRINGING THE CAR TO A SCREECHING HAULT. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WAS ABLE TO REACT AND AVOID A COLLISION. DEALER CONFIRMED A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 24, 1998

“CONSUMER WANTS NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER READ ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IN WHICH DRIVERS COULD HIT THE WRONG PEDAL DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING. *NM ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 25, 2002 · crash

“CONSUMER WANTS NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER READ ABOUT A PROBLEM WITH THE ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IN WHICH DRIVERS COULD HIT THE WRONG PEDAL DURING EMERGENCY BRAKING. *NM ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 25, 2002 · crash

“AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF, AFTER RUNNING FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES, THE CAR WENT INTO POST- IGNITION, AND ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND WAS TOTALLED. NOT SURE OF THE EXACT CAUSE OF FIRE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 16, 1997 · fire

1989 Toyota Corolla — common questions

Is the 1989 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Corolla year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1989 Corolla problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), transmission (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 1989 Toyota Corolla have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Toyota Corolla. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Corolla years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Corolla years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2007, 2005, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2004, 2012, 2020, 2014, 2008, 2016, 2015, 2019, 1998, 2017, 2013, 2021, 1995, 2018. The cleanest record among Corolla years belongs to 1978.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.