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Comments
A "delay" in steering ? Interesting, first I heard it described that way.
Your theory don't hold water, as there is no hydraulics on this EPS steering.
"It fells like every day is 30mph winds or stronger and you cant keep the car straight"
Actually, I have no problem keeping my 2009 Corolla straight, your the one having the problem.
All that being said, I do wish they would make all of you with this problem whole again for your trouble, safety and inconveniance
Both my fiancée and I drove different Corollas at different times as we went through the test drive and selection process. I even drove a Corolla at a different dealership than the one we ended up buying from. She did drive the vehicle we purchased, mentioning it did not drive as “smooth” as the other two others she had tested. I did not test drive this vehicle. I did however test drive 3 Corollas in total; all vehicles I drove were pretty consistent and stable on their steering. I did not experience any of the front-end "meandering" on any of the 3 vehicles I test drove.
Our final selection on a new Corolla was a function of features and cost, choosing the vehicle based on what it had on it; what we wanted on the car and its color.
During our selection process my fiancée expressed numerous concerns about safety as the accelerator problem was some-what front and center on many news and internet sites. She is a bit of an eccentric in this regard, yelling at speeding drivers on her daily runs, driving no more than the posted speed limit on expressways, and setting her cruise control on longer side roads just to maintain posted low speeds. We were reassured of the vehicle’s safety on many occasions during the lengthy sales process as it was a big issue for her. Twice we asked our Sales Rep to step outside his office so that we could discuss safety and other issues we had e.g. price, color, features. At one point a Senior Manager with our dealership was brought in to assure her that the vehicle was safe; quell her concerns that there may be problems with the car.
What seems apparent is that not all Corollas are experiencing the “meandering” problem; driving as if one is in a high-wind environment at high speed. And I do not believe a person should have to “adjust” to this new steering phenomenon; that we need to get used to this new feel. We just had our first dealer Service Manager test drive on our vehicle and the written comment was “unable to duplicate customer complaint at this time”. This is an interesting written comment when his verbal remarks to my fiancée were, “I understand where you are coming from”, and being a first time Toyota buyer “you just need to get used to the feel of the steering on Toyotas”.
Does anyone else remember the good old days when Toyota products were a step-up from American vehicles; that you increased your driving experience by purchasing a Toyota? The Service Manager’s comment was sort of like asking your fiancée to squint while looking at her new engagement ring.
This product will be subject to recall as someone will die as a result of having to provide constant reaction and concentration in steering one of these problem Corollas. In south Texas there are many narrow two-lane highways with posted speeds of 65 and 70 mph. And because of the constant reactions and adjusting a person needs to make on this vehicle, and that at high speeds small changes within the steering mechanism are exacerbated, it is only a matter of time before a narrow shoulder or oncoming traffic claims a life. A driver will steer right to correct a left tug created by the steering mechanism, and then the mechanism will go right by itself as well. Or maybe it will be a gust of wind that blows it right at that time. Either way, the two rights will make a wrong; one by the driver adjusting to the Toyota EPS unit and one by the system or wind. Coupled with high speeds and narrow shoulders these events will create an accident. This scenario happened 3 - 4 times with my fiancée on a 200 mile drive down to south Texas on the narrow two lanes. At least three times she crossed over the solid white line along the right side of the road.
As drivers we should not have to “adjust” to Toyota steering. If the wind blows right, I can react to that. All of us as experienced drivers have driven in high winds at high speeds. You correct for these factors as they manifest themselves; experience trains you how to react. And I have read all the crappola about road crowning and tire pressure considerations. We have all been driving with these events for many, many years i.e. winds, grooved pavement, crowned roads, varying tire pressures, driving across metal bridges, etc. We are all experienced drivers under all the different stated conditions or considerations. Got that. Now add another if you happen to pick up one of these specially designed EPS Corollas. My fiancée actually had road fatigue and something similar to carpal tunnel pain after her 200 mile trip to see her mom and dad.
She called our Sales rep on her way down to south Texas and asked if there were any reported steering issues on the Corolla. He said that he had not heard of any. She spoke to a service technician as well at that time. Same reply; hadn't’ heard of any issues regarding Corolla steering. I called in too that afternoon and got the same answer. I guess we should have expected these comments based on our numerous safety concerns during the sales process; my fiancée’s hyper sensitivity to safety. She then went online at her mother’s home and got on the internet. There it was. Federal government notice of an investigation; Toyota notice of an investigation on Corolla steering issues. I asked a Customer Advisor at our dealership the next day if he knew anything about a Corolla steering issue. He told me he did not. These are all interesting statements from our dealership staff being that we have the document issued February 22, 2010, from Wayne Hutchinson and Bob Waltz to all Toyota Dealerships marked ******URGENT****** in regards to the NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation on 2009 – 2010 Corollas and Matrix Electric Power Steering (EPS). This notice was sent out about week before we purchased our Corolla. I guess the dealerships don’t let the employees read these “URGENT” memos from Corporate Toyota probably get in the way of sales quotas if you have to disclose them to the buyers. I guess if you have never seen the memo you can answer truthfully “I haven’t heard of any troubles with the Corolla steering”. Hhmm.
Over the past 24 or so hours I have been researching this problem, looking at as much information as I can, talking with as many folks that will listen or comment, and it is a bit unsettling as I go over our purchasing experience. And I have been informing each and every Toyota employee I speak to that there is a potential problem with the steering at high speeds, and that they are on notice that the Federal government and Toyota are both looking at this issue. I told our Sales Rep, I told the two or three operator/phone staff of the steering issue, I told two Customer Advisors, I told the national Toyota lady, Nicole, that there is a problem and that the Federal government and Toyota are looking into it. I told everyone that they have an obligation to disclose this issue when working with prospective buyers. And not once during our purchase experience did I hear “you will have to get used to the sensitive steering mechanism on our Corollas”, or that I will have to get used to the “feel” of a Toyota product.
Some of the EPS Corollas, and I guess other Toyota vehicles, have a problem with a “meandering” vehicle at high speeds due to its steering mechanism. I know for a fact that not all similar vehicles have this problem. I test drove three with no observation of this issue. And I hear the testimonials on this forum of others that have no problems with their vehicles as well. But those of us that have these difficult Corollas are absolutely driving autos that are risky at high speeds. This “focused” driving need on the EPS Corolla is fatiguing and unnatural. But it is absolutely the answer to all our complaints about cell phone use, texting, makeup application, coffee drinking, etc. as both hands always have to be at 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock, with eyes straight ahead 100% of the time while driving. And you also do not get to look at the blue bonnets along the narrow two lanes of south Texas; or change your radio station. At least not at high speeds. And I hear all the folks that are driving their Corolla that do not have a problem. I hear those that still extol the Toyota quality. To each of you I offer your 17 year old daughter, or 69 year old parent, or mid 40, slightly eccentric fiancée the opportunity to test drive my vehicle at 65 mph along a Texas two-lane or crowded freeway. To those of you offering solutions or information your on common experiences, thanks.
Z
I need to get a comparison test made between those vehicles that have the problem as those that do not. Working through right now on how to get that done..
I read on an Australia web item that they do not have the same Corolla problem over there as the steering mechanism used on their vehicles is not the same unit used in the USA.
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/49858/american-toyota-corolla-steering-issue-no- t-a-concern-for-australia
"Does anyone else remember the good old days when Toyota products were a step-up from American vehicles; that you increased your driving experience by purchasing a Toyota?"
I have, and still do believe Toyota cars are one of the safest, most reliable, economical and best built cars sold today. Toyota will recover from this off year and will be an even better car in the future.
As for the amount of vehicles experiencing the issue I think your number maybe skewed. You only test drove that doesnt count as a gauge for how many cars do have the EPS issue and I would add that you would need to have your fiance take that rip again with each and I bet you a dollar that you would edit your claim... :confuse:
This might not even be related to the EPS. What you're describing could be caused by the mechanical failure of a steering component. I can't believe you would continue to drive a car in that condition. I would have had it towed to the dealer immediately.
Probably because he's anticipating your chiming in to virtually each and every post someone makes about how lousy the steering is on their car. I think by now most regulars know that you feel the sun rises and sets on your Corolla. It's great to be proud of your car, but I'm intrigued why you feel it's necessary to counter with a comment each time someone posts a negative comment about a Corolla. Certainly you have every right to post and show your knowledge about the car (and many benefit by it!), but I guess some people may get tired of what appears to you being in the bag for Toyota.
I've owned many model Toyota's, two Lexus, an Infiniti, Nissan and never before have I experienced the lousy steering as I have on my 2010 Corolla. Yes, I reported it to the NHTSA and I would encourage others experiencing the same anomaly to do the same. It's a relatively straightforward, simple, and quick process and you go on the record...to ignore filing due to complacency is doing yourself and others a disservice. No guarantee they'll do anything, but you can look yourself in the mirror and at least say you did something! Many times, the squeaky wheel DOES get the oil!
Z
To reiterate - if someone is having problems with their steering, they should report it. If they haven't, continue to be in love with their car!
Z
Answer) Why do you think that we haven't gone to the dealership? I have gone to my dealer and an authorized Toyota service center and I will quote you the response on the report or evaluation they handed me.
"Toyota is aware of the EPS issues that Mrs. Porter has brought her car in today for. We do not have a repair at this time and await response from Toyota as to how they will proceed to repair the EPS. At this time we have asked Mrs. Porter to await further news from Toyota and a possible recall of either her car or a repair to be made to her car."
your comment) From your description and late development of the problem it doesn't sound like it's related to the much talked about EPS problem.
Reply) The issue is Electronic and not a minor fix to the steering. The problems had you gone to the NTSA site is not repairable at this time and that's quoting Toyota dealers. There are well over 250 complaints concerning the EPS and steering and that's factual. Toyota has acknowledged this and is currently working on "the fix."
You know not all new Toyota problems are going to be related to these much publicized recall issues.
The issue concerning EPS hasn't been in main stream media, so i for one resent your implication. The issue is that we drivers are in fact experiencing dangerous steering issues and if you haven't experienced it then I'm happy for you but don't try to disqualify something you obviously do not know anything about!
Comment)And NOOOOOOO, unless you have tons of cash, people don't just get rid of their new cars because the headlights malfunctioned. Have these issues taken care of and enjoy your new car.
Reply) You're right, some people cannot afford to just get rid of car, unless the car takes you off road and you fear getting in it with your children then I would say drive at your own risk. I for one use my Toyota everyday HOWEVER I do not use it to get on the highway anymore because once you hit a speed of over 45-55 and up, your car will and again I quote Toyota dealer your car's EPS has a sensor that for ease of the driver will follow ruts, grooves, and unlevel pavement making the car feel like it is moving with the wind moving left and then to the right and it will meander!
As for where you spoke about headlights --- YES! you do take your car for a fix if your headlights don't work and if they cant get them to work you find out if it's an electrical problem, because if it is then you will have a true lemon of a car with major issues later on!!!!
Hope this helps!!!
PS anyone with car defects should report it to NHTSA because they are supposed to protect the roads we all drive on from faulty cars!! any faulty cars!!
Regarding headlights, again you misread my post. I said you don't get rid of a car because of burned out headlights. I didn't say you don't get them fixed. I wouldn't make such an asinine comment?
Although I may be going off the subject here, I myself experienced for the very first time the unintended acceleration of my 2009 toyota corolla s. Basically, I was driving with a speed of between 35-40 mph. All of a sudden, my RPM revved up to #3 and it stayed there for about less than a minute. Keep in mind that I didn't have my foot on the pedal within this time frame and the RPM remained on 3. I took my foot off when I noticed the increase in RPM. I thought that was scary. I contacted the dealership and they said that they will need to take a look at my car for an hour and have the techs ask me questions...so once again, I will have to go to the shop for this. I am really really beginning to think that there is something wrong with the Toyota's pedal and how it's an electrical problem.
Not disclosing findings to you to protect themselves from any kind of legal issues that might pop-up down the road. Not hiding anything, just keeping it to themselves, (see first answer). If they thought that there is something wrong with your car, then yes you should have been made aware of that.
I am really really beginning to think that there is something wrong with the Toyota's pedal
There supposedly IS somethng wrong with the Corolla's pedal, didn't you get the recall notice for the shim insert?
With them keeping it to themselves, that is hiding things from me, as a consumer.
I really appreciate it and you are not alone in your Corolla issue. Keep that in mind as well because I am sure at times you feel alone. I've filed w/ NHTSA and also told them/Toyota if you want access to mine to see what is happening they are welcome to it.
I'll venture your inspection was part of the NHTSA prelim-investigation. I assume we should have something within 3 to 6 months from start of investigation (just a guess).
To those not having the steering issue - good for you. Drive your car and consider yourself lucky IMO.
Remember this forum thread IS about EPS steering issues that people are experiencing. I really appreciate the forum owners for hosting this subject and thread
On a side note, I just took my Corolla in for my pedal shim insert this past Saturday. The tech. is actually a rarely seen friend of mine. So I ask him about the EPS problems. He didn't even know what I was talking about. He then asked the service manager about it and the service manager told us both that they didn't have a single complaint about any Corollas EPS problems. So again, I don't doubt that you are having a problem, but I think it's just "bad luck".
Maybe you should read this article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100411/ap_on_bi_ge/us_toyota_legal_tactics