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2016 Corolla CVT Transmission Failure. Advice Please? ??

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32K views 71 replies 17 participants last post by  Dave###  
#1 ·
Very frustrated. My 2016 Corolla I just got/financed last year (used) had the transmission go out and the dealer says it's $8,000 to fix. Took to another shop and they said $7,500.

I entered my vin at toyota.com/recall and received the message, "There are no open Safety Recalls or Service Campaigns for this vehicle."

From my Google/Youtube search it looks like there might be others with CVT transmission problems, but I really haven't seen others who have had their tranny malfunction like mine has. I just can't understand how a Toyota can crap out like that. The reason I bought the car is because Toyota's are known to last well beyond 200,000 miles.

I feel so f'ed with the auto loan and a car that doesn't work. It has 80,000 miles and the warranty was over at 75,000 miles.

==> Any advice on what to do about a Toyota that craps out this early? Anybody else have problems with their Corolla CVT transmission? Any resolutions?

I was curious if there were even enough people out there that had their cvt transmissions give them problems to start a class action lawsuit? I don't know...seriously in shock that the transmission went out and I feel screwed.

Anyhow, thanks in advance for any tips.
 
#4 ·
I was curious if there were even enough people out there that had their cvt transmissions give them problems to start a class action lawsuit?
What’s the exact diagnostic to justify replacement with no repair option? Replacements aren’t that common in the first place on forums and you’d have to gather specific and common info for a class action. Not an easy task. $8K is way over the top anyway. A used unit can be find for less than $1K (plus time). Is it a high mileage car? Because it’s still within the 5 years warranty plus the 1 year CPO (if it wasn’t certified pre owned, it might say something about the condition the previous owner left the car…).
 
#9 ·
The dealer is always going to be the most expensive option for repairs.

There are places to find a cvt unit. There's LKQ aka keystone automotive, full service junkyards, car-part.com, self service junkyards/row52. The final option, find a donor car on CL.
 
#31 ·
Very frustrated. My 2016 Corolla I just got/financed last year (used) had the transmission go out and the dealer says it's $8,000 to fix. Took to another shop and they said $7,500.

I entered my vin at toyota.com/recall and received the message, "There are no open Safety Recalls or Service Campaigns for this vehicle."

From my Google/Youtube search it looks like there might be others with CVT transmission problems, but I really haven't seen others who have had their tranny malfunction like mine has. I just can't understand how a Toyota can crap out like that. The reason I bought the car is because Toyota's are known to last well beyond 200,000 miles.

I feel so f'ed with the auto loan and a car that doesn't work. It has 80,000 miles and the warranty was over at 75,000 miles.

Diagnostic codes P0841 & P2829
288931


==> Any advice on what to do about a Toyota that craps out this early? Anybody else have problems with their Corolla CVT transmission? Any resolutions?

I was curious if there were even enough people out there that had their cvt transmissions give them problems to start a class action lawsuit? I don't know...seriously in shock that the transmission went out and I feel screwed.

Anyhow, thanks in advance for any tips.
288932
 
#34 ·
Ouch! The transmission imploded.

This is covered under the power train warranty. You need to look at the sales contract to confirm there is an 8/100k power train warranty coverage. If not able to locate this information, contact Toyota corporate to confirm you have the power train warranty available to you.

Hope this works out for you.
 
#51 ·
Ouch! The transmission imploded.

This is covered under the power train warranty. You need to look at the sales contract to confirm there is an 8/100k power train warranty coverage. If not able to locate this information, contact Toyota corporate to confirm you have the power train warranty available to you.

Hope this works out for you.
Thanks for the info. I looked into that and that warranty is for a toyota certified used vehicle. Unfortunately, my Toyota was from a non-Toyota used car dealer and did not go through Toyota certified used warranty testing. With buying a Toyota, I never even imagined that I would need such an extended warranty and didn't know anything about there being Toyota certified used vs. Toyota used car. :( Anhow, thank you for the reply.
 
#36 ·
Usually the powertrain warranty was up to 60k miles for the corollas with the cvt. They had that firmware fix because one of the solinoids was switching too much and once that thing blew it gernades the transmission. With the fix they check to see what state the solinoid is in and replace if it is out of specs and reprogram the transmission.
 
#48 ·
when i bought my scion iM, the dealership gave a lifetime powertrain warranty with the car (no extra cost). i have just had to be very meticulous on all the maint for it. and have to have it fully inspected every 7 years. they fully expect the buyer to sell the car before ever needing to use the warranty, but they don't know me. i keep vehicles for a long time if i like them and i like this iM.
 
#49 ·
when i bought my scion iM, the dealership gave a lifetime powertrain warranty with the car
Those are nice as long as they are really free (meaning they aren’t push to distract the consumer from other price negotiation argument) and their terms aren’t tricky. Like requiring paid inspections (that ends up suggesting a bunch of maintenance). Or convoluted loops like “A” is covered but “B” isn’t therefore if “A” breaks because of “B”, “A” isn’t covered. Also, they are lifetime as long as the insurance company behind them remains in business. So yes, their risk is highly calculated, to say the least.As you mention, not that many people keep their cars longer than 7 years (we're at least 2 ! :p).
 
#67 ·
We bought a new 2013 Venza Limited from a local dealer. We do not drive the vehicle "hard" and have never experienced any problems with the transmission and there is no indication of leaking. It has basically been parked in the driveway since March because we work from home due to the pandemic. It has been a great car. It just turned over 70k miles and the extended service agreement expired last May. Last week, we had problems starting the car and the engine would immediately stop when shifted into reverse. Took the car to our regular import auto mechanic and he got a u0101 code "Lost communication with TCM". He said it could be either the TCM, PCM or the transmission is bad. When we buy a car, we take care of it and typically keep it for at least 10 years. We bought a new Toyota for the long haul and the transmission craps out at 70k miles. Our mechanic suggested having it towed to a dealer for further inspection. I am royally pissed at the prospect of having to shell out $5,000+ for another transmission.