Maybe the industry will gigure out how much CVT sucks and quit making it.

 

<begin rant> God, enough of this CVT nonsense. How many more are going to be scapegoats, while this tech gets perfected (if it ever can). <end rant>

 

Given the small amount of cars on the recall (3400), there was likely just a bad batch of parts that arrived, and they weren't caught until late.

But honestly, overall CVT's hold up decent, if they are taken care of. Like anything. I still am glad I have a proper manual and all, but I did consider finally giving into the automatic transmission life. However they just happened to have a xse blizzard 6spd on the lot and well I'll be damned if I was letting that go!

 

As much as CVT’s suck you can’t blame it for this one.
This problem is with the torque converter, which is used in all auto trans.
It’s probably not secured properly to the flywhweel and breaking free.

Anyhow the failure shares the same symptoms as a regular CVT failure When the belt finally lets go

 

This new geared CVT (launch gear) is supposed to operate at much lower temps increasing the life span of the belts and other magically things inside a auto-tragic trans.

 

Ahem...

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-ne...m.au/car-news/toyota-corolla-hatchback-recalled-to-replace-entire-gearbox-72438

 

Ahem...

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-ne...m.au/car-news/toyota-corolla-hatchback-recalled-to-replace-entire-gearbox-72438

"This recall is due to a problem with the torque converter in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly," Toyota's statement reads. "There is a possibility that due to a manufacturing error, the blades of the pump impeller in the torque converter may detach, causing damage to the torque converter and potential loss of motive power. Loss of motive power while driving could increase the risk of crash."
Corolla HB CVT recall

I love when article titles say one thing, then the article doesn't back up the title. Says replace entire gearbox but then goes on to say TWICE that they are only replacing the torque converter. I guess people don't research anything they are publishing anymore.

 

If the blades of the impeller detach, it is going to spread debris through the entire system.
Replacing the complete unit is no surprise... I wouldn't be surprised if they also replaced the radiator.
It's no different than if your AC compressor grenades, you need to replace the entire system because there is no effective way to flush and verify that the evaporator and condensor are clean.

 

The manual transmission sure is great! It cost less too.

 

Hear hear

https://carbuzz.com/news/toyota-corolla-hatch-recall-proves-you-should-ve-bought-the-manual

Toyota Corolla Hatch Recall Proves You Should've Bought The Manual

Just one more reason why manuals are superior.

Recalls have become a fairly common occurrence with modern cars, even with generally trustworthy automakers like Toyota. Just this year alone, Toyota has been forced to recall thousands of models for airbag issues. The Japanese automaker was then forced to issue another recall for a similar air-bag-related problem later in the year. In Toyota's defense, the recall was caused by defects with Takata airbags, which were, of course, not produced in-house. Now, just as 2018 comes to a close, Toyota has issued a recall on the 2019 Corolla Hatchback, this time for a part Toyota did build.

The recall impacts approximately 3,400 2019 Corolla Hatchback models in the United States. Toyota says the torque converter in the continuously variable transmission could fail under certain conditions, resulting in a loss of power. Of course, if the car loses all of its power, the occupants will be at an increased risk of a crash, especially if there is nowhere to pull over on the side of the road. Fortunately, the issue won't cause the car to lose steering or braking power, so it wouldn't be too hard to guide the car to a safe location.

The recall will involve replacing the original Direct Shift CVT with a brand-new one. Of course, the swap will be done free-of-charge but Toyota says the job could take several hours. The dealership will have to install an entirely new transmission after all.

 

I'm glad there's a post on this created already so I didn't have to lol. But can anyone answer some questions for me? This is the first time I've had a car with a recall on it so I'm just trying to understand it and also the specific problem at hand.

1. In the multiple articles I've read about the recall on the hatchback, they're saying drivers won't be notified about the recall via mail until mid February. Is it safe to assume then that the potential problem with the CVT isn't an urgent fix?

2. When I go to enter the car's VIN on Toyota's official website in regards to recalls, if nothing is showing then does that mean there is no recall on my car? Or does it just simply mean all the information hasn't been sorted out yet?

3. In the case of my car actually being one of the defective ones, what warning signs should I be looking for? How will the car feel, sound, any odors, etc? My main concern is just to be safe.

Any info and help is appreciated!

 

2. When I go to enter the car's VIN on Toyota's official website in regards to recalls, if nothing is showing then does that mean there is no recall on my car? Or does it just simply mean all the information hasn't been sorted out yet?

Could be either.
Keep in mind that this only impacts around 3,000 cars. 10's of thousands have been sold. This is *not* a serious problem.
The cause of the problem could be due to improper handling, improper assembly, or even an accident in the warehouse and parts that should have been scrapped were not scrapped.
They know the production dates of impacted vehicles, and only broaden these recalls/campaigns when evidence surfaces that the issue is more widespread.

You may or may not ever get a recall notice. Use the Toyota Owner's site... my recall showed up there over a month before I got the notice in the mail.

3. In the case of my car actually being one of the defective ones, what warning signs should I be looking for? How will the car feel, sound, any odors, etc? My main concern is just to be safe.

Failure of the torque convertor can result in no power being sent to the transmission, or it could "lock up" causing the engine to stall when you come to a stop.
Given the nature of this problem is physical failure of the impellor blades, it is also likely to be noisy, and impact balance causing vibration.

 

I ordered the car early December and it was either on the way at the sea or arrived at the port.

The car expects to be arrived in mid-January at the dealership. I ordered the car through an auto broker and I did not ask for the VIN until I read this thread.

Should I cancel the order or not worry about the car? I do not expect the new car to have the CVT replaced after I received the car.

 

I personally didn't want the manual because it lacked certain features found in the CVT model. Namely, blind spot monitor, full speed radar cruise control, and dynamic navigation. I essentially wanted a fully loaded XSE, which is what I got. I'm happy with what I have.

This ordeal, while potentially inconvenient, doesn't change my feelings. The idea that this (recall) is why CVT owners should've gotten the manual is an ignorant thing to suggest.

 

This ordeal, while potentially inconvenient, doesn't change my feelings. The idea that this (recall) is why CVT owners should've gotten the manual is an ignorant thing to suggest.

Particularly when it only impacts fewer than 3000 in Aus and 4000 in the US.
This was an issue that likely impacted only a few days on the production line and they are pulling all of the potentially impacted units made the next month.
It has NOTHING to do with the CVT... this is a problem with the TC, which every non-hybrid automatic transmission has. This could just as easily have been a recall on the Yaris or Tundra.
But ignorant e-Zine writers love to bash the CVT, and they love to bash Toyota.
In 10 years, every non-hybrid will likely have a CVT.