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Very angry Corolla owner

dolla2000dolla2000 Member Posts: 9
edited April 2014 in Toyota
it's already in the shop for a power steering fluid leak. Three days into owning my brand new, 2001 Toyota Corolla (purchased 6/22/01), I noticed a creaky noise coming from the steering column. I pulled over and checked under the hood only to discover that the Power steering fluid reservoir was completely empty. I only found water under the car, not p/s fluid. Since I had the car washed minutes before, the water finding was not surprising. However, the empty reservoir was a surprise. I replaced the p/s fluid and saw no leak. It stayed this way for the next dew weeks until last night I noticed the creaking noise again. This time, I noticed the fluid virtually gushing from beneath. I checked to make sure it wasn't water. Sure enough, it was the p/s/ fluid. AAGGHH! I replaced the fluid this morning and sent my wife to the dealer. She's furious because she talked me into a Corolla (versus the Nissan Altima) based on it's legendary reliability. We've put all but nine miles (1500 total) on the car.

I basically want to know if any recent model Corolla owners have had the same problem or is my situation atypical.
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Comments

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    dolla....what's the big deal, here. Probably a loose fitting on the p/s return line. Just take it in and have it fixed. That's what warranties are for, to take care of these inevitable glitches.

    While I would be equally miffed at my new car puking fluid, I don't think I would get into a negative mind about it. Just one of those things. Give the car a chance and don't deprive yourself of enjoying it. Think of all the things your car does RIGHT every day--there are over 15,000 parts, and sounds like 14,999 were working okay.

    Of course, if this was the space shuttle I'd have a different opinion.


    Mr. Shiftright
    Host
    Sportscars, Classics and Repair & Maintenance Boards
  • kartezkartez Member Posts: 48
    I was just passing by.

    I agree with your suggestion that it is a minor glitch and can be fixed under warranty. However, I take exception to the tone of your post. I seriously wonder if you would've made a similar comment if the car was an American or European brand car or even a Japanese brand other than Honda or Toyota. Honda and Toyota thrive on this type of hypocritic attitude of consumers even though the quality and reliability of other brands are not far from them.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I mean...life isn't always perfect!

    I can't speak for the host but I can speak for myself.

    Yes, I sell Hondas but would have said the same thing no matter the make.

    For crying out loud...life is short!

    Why let a dumb little thing like this make a person "Very angry?"

    Have them tighten the stupid fitting and enjoy the car!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    kartez---I re-read my post and I just don't see any "tone" to it...I thought it was quite encouraging...."be opitmistic" it said basically....here's a poor guy all bummed out with his new car, and I felt it was an over-reaction (understandable, but still) to a very common occurrence. If new cars didn't break, manufacturers wouldn't need warranties and all the expense they entail.


    Mr. Shiftright
    Host
    Sportscars, Classics and Repair & Maintenance Boards
  • rubicon52rubicon52 Member Posts: 191
    It may be upsetting to you that your brand new Toyota had a problem, but the most likely time for a new car to develop a problem is in the first few days. I've owned 7 Toyotas including a Corolla. If anything, Corollas are even more reliable than the average Toyota. Several years from now you'll probably be saying that your Corolla is the best car you've ever owned.
  • dolla2000dolla2000 Member Posts: 9
    Mr. Shiftright, I'm usually pretty level headed about such things. However, please understand that I've owned this car for less than a month and invested more money in the new car so I can avoind this problem. Perhaps I wouldn't react this way if I wasn't so shell shocked from my last vehicle ownership experience. I appreciate the optimistic tone however.

    It turned out to be a faulty power steering pump and had to be replaced. The car now rides and sounds like a dream. I definitely won't give up on my Corolla. I hope it's smooth sailing henceforth.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    You know, you never get totally clear of problems in life...if your car is running great, then your cat is throwing up....it's always something...
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    That's why I don't have a cat. :-)
  • mrboomrboo Member Posts: 5
    Got an 88 FX, 108,000, 1 Timing Belt, 1 (reman.) Toyota Alternator, 2 mufflers, NO LEAKS !!!
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Okay, so we have one satisfied and one dissatisfied. I'll mark that down.....gee, with all the Corollas out there, this is going to take some time!
  • bretfrazbretfraz Member Posts: 2,021
    Not only do I not have a cat, I don't have a Corolla.

    I do have a 1984 Buick, if you recall.

    And I've replaced all the power steering fluid with Zaino.

    200,000 miles and drives like a dream.
  • john319john319 Member Posts: 37
    I can understand your frustration. In November 1999 I paid $52k for a Mercedes and picked it up like 1/2 hour prior to the dealership closing. It was dark so I couldn't go thru the entire car too well. Upon pulling into the garage, I noticed a dent on the hood. Was furious, couldn't wait until I get to the dealership the next morning. I got there at 9 right when they open. I was pointing out to the sales manager and almost flipped out. But before I went nuts, he offered me to replace the hood with another same color car on lot, repaint the hood, or have dent wizards fix it. I chose the last one since I didn't want any misalignments when swapping hoods. I had him put it writing that if I am not satisfy with dent wizard, they replace with a new car. They gave me a loaner and I left car there. they put in emergency call to dent wizard to come in. I came back at 5om and inspected the car. they pulled it into the showroom so that I can see since it was dark out. I couldn't believe how good it looked. Even under the hood itself you can't see any signs that they had worked on it. Then I got a letter in writing that should that section of the hood rust, paint peeling off, etc. They will remedy the problem for free as long as I own the car. So, to make the long story short, give them a chance to correct it.
  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    We live in an imperfect world. It's not whether your Toyota had a (fortunately minor) imperfection from the factory, it's how Toyota takes care of it. If they make it right, then all is well with the world.

    That was one reason that I was so happy with Acura in the mid 80's to early 90's: I realized it didn't matter if the engine fell out of the car or the transmission exploded. Acura would bend over backwards to make sure that I was happy.
    I decided that was much better than a perfect car.
    Acura still has excellent service, by the way..., but I was rather disappointed with the design compromises of their last generation of cars.
  • dolla2000dolla2000 Member Posts: 9
    Your dealer sounds great. He wants you to return when he has that AMG on his lot!

    Well, as I stated, the dealer corrected the problem. My wife said they took her first and showed her the utmost courtesy. They also thoroughly checked for other potential trouble spots and found none. I am pleased with the resolution.
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    who's being childish now, my friend?
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    How do you steer your Buick? There can't be any friction in the rack, since we all know the new fluid repeals the laws of physics...:)
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Ya know....

    I hear that if you put Zaino in the tank you get like 400-500mpg and your plugs and internal engine parts never wear out.

    Also get like a 60-70% HP Boost....

    Bill
  • blarg1blarg1 Member Posts: 59
    i think the corolla dude needs to either lighten up, reattatch the hose or what ever and worry about real problems, like what to do when the chips and salsa run out at the bar-b-que...

    or he trades it in on a cavalier, and then he has something to whine about.

    as far as zaino goes, it may make a fine salsa, havent tried it yet.
  • bushonebushone Member Posts: 39
    With that kinda problem developing so early in your ownership experienc I only see larger problem looming ahead. I bet it gets so bad you'll have to drive to the dealer, park it, dump a can of gas on it and set it ablaze!

    But then.. all the dealer would have to do is slap a few coats of Zaino on her...she'd be good as new!

    Ah....well, maybe not! ;) :<)
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Okay, I see this topic has deteriorated....anyway, the question has been addressed so I think it's time to retire it.


    Mr. Shiftright
    Host
    Sportscars, Classics and Repair & Maintenance Boards
This discussion has been closed.

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