1979 Toyota Corolla recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED ENOUGH ON THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER. CONSEQUENTLY, THE WORM GEAR ADJUSTER MAY BECOME LOOSE DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE FROM HARD REPEATED STEERING.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR BOX ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, SECURE THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER TO PREVENT STEERING INSTABILITY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1979 COROLLA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V028000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: THE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED ENOUGH ON THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER. CONSEQUENTLY, THE WORM GEAR ADJUSTER MAY BECOME LOOSE DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE FROM HARD REPEATED STEERING.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR BOX ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, SECURE THE STEERING GEAR BOX WORM GEAR BEARING AND ADJUSTER TO PREVENT STEERING INSTABILITY.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING GEAR BOX LOCK NUT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN FREE PLAY OF THESTEERING GEAR, POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1), Body / structure (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
09/11/1995 · Electrical system
STARTER FAILED 6 TIMES. *SD
01/30/1995 · Fuel system
RUSTING OF THE GAS TANK AND FLOOR PANEL. TT
01/30/1995 · Body / structure
RUSTING OF THE GAS TANK AND FLOOR PANEL. TT