The 2011 Toyota Corolla is a good car with a blemished reputation, much in part to the Takata airbag fiasco. Most major issues have been addressed by recalls, except for a known problem concerning possible unintended acceleration.
Key Points
- The 2011 Toyota Corolla has nine recalls, two investigations, and 570 registered complaints with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The most serious issues with the 2011 Corolla relate to the infamous Takata rupturing airbag recall that affected over 50-million vehicles worldwide and resulted in several fatalities deaths.
- Unintended acceleration has been reported by drivers, though, the problem has not yet been addressed by the NHTSA. Faulty electrical seat heater wiring and power window switches are also commonly mentioned.
- Despite a number of alarming recalls, Toyota has provided fixes for most, making the 2011 Corolla a reliable pick overall so long as all recall repairs have been made.
Potentially Fatal Airbag Issues are a Real Concern in the 2011 Corolla, Recalls Affect Millions of Units
Five of the nine recalls on the 2011 Toyota Corolla relate to the airbags. There are also two still-open investigations concerning the airbag system, the latest beginning in September 2021. Some of these issues are a direct result of a larger recall made by airbag manufacturer Takata.
According to the NHTSA, Takata produced two types of airbags from 2000 to 2017, using two different types of propellant. Any airbags made with propellant #2004 can degrade after prolonged exposure to heat and moisture, which can cause the airbag to rupture during deployment and send shrapnel towards occupants. So far there have been 19 deaths and over 400 injuries from the Takata airbag recall, and that’s just in the U.S.
Another investigation was opened in April 2019 regarding a faulty Airbag Control Unit (ACU). In the event of an accident, the crash sensors in the bumpers tell the ACU to deploy the airbags and lock the seat belts. If there is a malfunction with the ACU it can not relay the message for the safety equipment to deploy, rendering the features useless. This problem has been linked to two frontal crash events, one being fatal, due to the non-deployment of the airbag. As a result, Toyota was forced to recall almost 3,000,000 vehicles, not just the Corolla.
2011 Toyota Corolla’s Faulty Seat Wiring and Short-circuiting Power Window Switches May Catch Fire
Toyota issued a recall for several models, including the 2011 Corollas, pertaining to the power window switch. In the announcement, Toyota stated the electrical equipment in the power window switch may short circuit, increasing the likelihood of a fire. This was due to the inconsistent application of grease lubricant on the electrical components.
To remedy this issue, Toyota notified owners of affected vehicles to take their cars into the dealership. Dealers inspected the switch and replaced it if abnormalities were found. A few unlucky Toyota owners did experience fires due to faulty electrical systems before the fix was issued though.
The power window switch isn’t the only electrical issue that the 2011 Corolla faces either. Recalls have also been issued for the seat heater wiring, which can potentially catch fire with or without a passenger present. Toyota didn’t announce a fix for the seat heaters though, and instead issued a recall and stated they would disconnect the seat heater and refund owners the purchase price of the add-on feature.
2011 Toyota Corolla Struggles with Unintended Acceleration, a Known Issue Affecting Several Models
Unfortunately, the 2011 Toyota Corolla is plagued with the same unintended acceleration issues that many Toyota models from the 2010s face. While there are no recalls on the 2011 Corolla for unintended acceleration, there are a number of consumer complaints about it. Drivers have reported to the NHTSA that their Corolla would spontaneously accelerate, and in some cases, would lead to an accident and/or injury.
This concern has been reported in Corollas with as little as 15,000 miles. However, it’s also been seen in vehicles with higher mileage (80,000+) more frequently. So, if you’re thinking about buying a used 2011 Corolla, or a used Toyota period, this is definitely something to keep in mind.
People Love Their Reliable 2011 Corollas, Despite Problems and Recalls
Despite some of the problems with the 2011 Toyota Corolla, it is still considered to be a reliable vehicle. Of the 660 reviews on Vehicle History, consumers rate the 2011 Corolla well at 4.3 out of five stars. Many of the troubles the car has faced in the past are due to obstacles facing Toyota as a whole during the 2000s. The company has done everything it can to ensure the concerns were addressed.
At the end of the day, the 2011 Toyota Corolla is a dependable vehicle that got hung up in a few big recalls. Once those are taken care of, it is a great car.
Photos: Toyota
