Power Steering for a 2009 Toyota Corolla
The 2009 Toyota Corolla uses an electronic power steering system—as such, it does not require regular power steering fluid changes.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- Does my 2009 Toyota Corolla use power steering fluid?
- Common problems with 2009 Toyota Corolla power steering
- Cost to repair a 2009 Toyota Corolla’s power steering
- When do you change a Toyota Corolla’s power steering fluid?
- How to find affordable Toyota insurance
- FAQs
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Because your 2009 Toyota Corolla uses an electronic power steering system, you don’t have to worry about periodically changing the power steering fluid. But that also means any steering issues you experience may require more involved repairs.
If steering your 2009 Toyota Corolla starts to become difficult or if your vehicle starts to pull to one side or the other, the electronic power steering system is likely at fault—and while you may not be able to change the power steering fluid at home, it doesn't mean every repair requires a mechanic.
Of course, if this is your first time working with an electronic power steering system, you may be at a loss for where to start. If that’s the case, don’t worry—
Jerry
, the licensed broker and car insurance
app, has put together the following car repair
guide detailing everything you need to know about the power steering in your 2009 Toyota Corolla.Does my 2009 Toyota Corolla use power steering fluid?
While the earliest models used a hydraulic power steering system, the 2009 Toyota Corolla was the first to employ an electronic power steering (EPS) system to help reduce the effort needed to turn the front wheels. Consequently, the 2009 Toyota Corolla’s electronic power steering system does not require power steering fluid to function and instead uses electricity and special sensors to help turn the wheels.
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Common problems with 2009 Toyota Corolla power steering
Despite being heralded as the next step in power steering technology, the 2009 Toyota Corolla’s electronic power steering system is not without its faults—in fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received many complaints about this model’s EPS causing vehicles to veer from side-to-side. Other common problems include:
- Odd sounds from the steering wheel: If turning the steering wheel produces an uncharacteristic squealing, grinding, or squeaking sound, the EPS system is likely at fault.
- Pulling, drifting, or alignment issues: If your 2009 Toyota Corolla begins pulling or drifting to one side, or if turning the steering wheel in one direction is easy while the other direction is difficult, you’re likely dealing with an EPS problem. This is the #1 power steering problem reported by Toyota Corolla drivers.
- Illuminated EPS light: Should the EPS light on your dashboard ever turn on, it means the power control module has detected an issue with the electronic power steering system.
- Difficulty steering: Turning the steering wheel in either direction may become difficult or the steering wheel itself may feel heavier than normal.
Should I try to fix it myself or take it to a mechanic?
Seeing as your 2009 Toyota Corolla uses an EPS rather than a hydraulic power steering system, any issues you face can’t be fixed by a simple change of the power steering fluid—but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t fix them yourself!
If you start having trouble with your EPS, the first thing you should do is check your battery as it controls your Toyota’s electronics. You can try disconnecting and reconnecting the battery if you like, but it’s also a good idea to check the output of your battery with a voltmeter.
Alternatively, you can visit your local Advance Auto Parts or AutoZone and have them perform a battery test for you—you might also try to jumpstart your battery if it has been drained of charge. Should the problems persist even after the battery has been recharged, you’ll want to go ahead and take your vehicle to a mechanic.
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Cost to repair a 2009 Toyota Corolla’s power steering
Unfortunately, fixing a 2009 Toyota Corolla’s electric power steering system isn’t going to be cheap—depending on the issue, where you live, and the auto shop you visit, you could end up paying anywhere from $500 to $1,700 for repairs.
If you want a better idea of how much repairs will cost, have a mechanic or automotive parts store scan your engine computer with an OBD II scanner. This will display the error code reported and narrow down what the actual problem is, producing a more accurate repair cost estimate.
When do you change a Toyota Corolla’s power steering fluid?
If you own a Toyota Corolla produced before 2009, you will need to change your power steering fluid periodically—typically after every 30,000 miles or once every 3 to 4 years, whichever comes first.
A 2009 Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, won’t require regular power steering fluid changes because there isn’t any fluid to change!
With that being said, the 2009 Toyota Corolla is infamous for experiencing electronic power steering issues in vehicles with as little as 5,000 miles. So if you start to notice any of the following, you’re probably dealing with a faulty power steering system:
- Steering becomes difficult or rough
- The EPS light on the dashboard comes on
- Steering wheel makes a squealing noise
- A total loss of power steering altogether
MORE: Why does my steering wheel shake, and how do I fix it?
How to find affordable Toyota insurance
Performing routine maintenance—such as changing your power steering fluid or replacing your oil—at home is an easy way to reduce your annual vehicle-related expenses. You can also reduce your expenses by saving on your 2009
Toyota Corolla’s car insurance
with licensed car insurance
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FAQs
Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2009 Toyota Corolla myself?
Sadly, no. The 2009 Toyota Corolla was the first model year to use an electric power steering system—as opposed to the traditional hydraulic—and does not use power steering fluid in its operation.
Is it common for a 2009 Toyota Corolla’s power steering system to fail?
While it isn’t necessarily common for the 2009 Toyota Corolla’s electric power steering system to fail entirely, there have been many complaints about how the EPS system causes the vehicle to veer from side to side.
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