The Toyota Corolla iM Years To Avoid
We've identified one Toyota Corolla iM year to avoid. Read on to learn which one so you can make an informed used car shopping decision.
The Toyota Corolla iM offers a fresh twist on the classic Corolla. Originating from Toyota’s creative Scion brand, this hatchback version of the iconic nameplate provides more room and a fun-to-drive feel. It appeals to those who want the trusted reliability of a Corolla but with extra space and a bit more excitement on the road. While both cars showcase Toyota’s commitment to quality, the Corolla iM is especially suited for people looking for a practical vehicle that doesn’t forget the joy of driving.
If you’re interested in a used hatchback car, the Toyota Corolla iM is worth considering. However, how does this Corolla spin-off fare in terms of reliability? In today’s post, we discuss which Toyota Corolla iM years to avoid in the used car market and give a quick rundown on what makes the iM version different from the standard Corolla model. Let’s take a look!
What Exactly is the Toyota Corolla iM?
Before we get into the worst Toyota Corolla iM years to avoid, let’s briefly discuss what exactly this vehicle is.
The Toyota Corolla iM, released in 2017, was Toyota’s way of adding some excitement to their car lineup. Originally known as the Scion iM, it was rebranded when Toyota integrated the Scion brand into its main lineup. This change aimed to introduce something fresh and enjoyable for younger drivers.
The iM is essentially a Corolla with a twist: it’s a hatchback. This means it’s stylish and practical, providing plenty of space for anything from groceries to luggage for a weekend trip. It shares many parts with the standard Corolla sedan, so you get the reliability Toyota is known for, along with extra space and style.
The Toyota Corolla iM essentially continued Toyota’s strategy to attract a younger demographic by offering a stylish alternative to the traditional Corolla sedan. However, the Corolla iM had a relatively short production run. After the 2018 model year, Toyota decided to integrate the Corolla iM more directly into the Corolla family. This decision led to introducing the all-new Corolla Hatchback for the 2019 model year.
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Which Toyota Corolla iM Years To Avoid?
When it comes to the Toyota Corolla iM, you have only two models to consider, unless you throw the newer hatchback into the mix. Having said that, you have to choose between the 2017 and 2018 model years. And for the Toyota Corolla iM years to avoid, we had to go with the…
2017 Toyota Corolla iM
As a Toyota product, the 2017 Corolla iM still benefited from the carmaker’s ability to produce reliable vehicles. As such, it is far from the most unreliable model on the used car lot. However, it does have numerous issues that may affect its reliability over time.
Vehicle Speed Control Issues
The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM and the standard 2017 Toyota Corolla share the same engine—a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Given this shared engine platform, it’s reasonable to consider that any engine-related issues reported for the standard Corolla could also affect the Corolla iM.
For example, the 2017 Toyota Corolla has been reported to have significant vehicle speed control problems, mainly when using cruise control on varied terrains such as hills. Owners have experienced unexpected acceleration, with the engine revving to high RPMs and the vehicle exceeding the cruise control set speed, especially during downhill driving. Needless to say, this issue has led to safety concerns among drivers, who reported feeling a loss of control.
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Traction Control Turned Off
A discussion on Reddit’s r/AskMechanics brought attention to a peculiar issue with a 2017 Corolla iM. The car would suddenly decelerate to around five mph and refuse to rev past 1000 RPM. This was accompanied by the check engine light turning on and a “Traction Control turned off” warning. Although restarting the car several times temporarily fixed the acceleration issue, the warnings persisted. A diagnostic test revealed a “Rocker Actuator Arm Stuck” error.
Another user suggested that this problem, while not common, does occur and might be related to the vehicle’s engine malfunction, which causes the traction control to be automatically turned off.
Service Brake Problems
The 2017 Toyota Corolla has reported issues with its service brakes, including complaints of premature brake failure and poor brake performance. With numerous complaints, owners have expressed concerns over the reliability and safety of the braking system. Given that the 2017 Corolla iM is based on the standard 2017 Corolla, sharing many of the same parts and components, including the engine, it’s plausible that the iM could experience similar service brake issues.
WHERE ARE TOYOTAS MADE?
Toyota is the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. Naturally, that size and the many different vehicles they offer can make it hard to answer a simple question: where are Toyotas made?
Miscellaneous Issues
The 2017 Corolla iM also has its fair share of miscellaneous problems. One particular pain point was the vehicle’s power, which was described as below class average and particularly noticeable on inclines where acceleration can be loud. While some owners found the power sufficient for merging onto highways and passing, the consensus in online reviews pointed to a perception of the car as slow and lacking in handling prowess compared to competitors.
The noise generated when both front windows were down was reported as a specific issue, and it was attributed to the side mirror gaps. Despite these drawbacks, many online owners have shared positive experiences, suggesting that the downsides did not significantly detract from their enjoyment of the vehicle.
Which Toyota Corolla iM Model Years Are Safe to Buy as Used?
With that out of the way, the 2018 model year is your best bet for a more reliable Corolla iM. The swan song of the Corolla iM is a solid choice for a used hatchback, primarily due to its reliability.
Despite its compact size, this hatchback also scores high on practicality, with a spacious interior and cargo area. It comes well-equipped with standard safety features and technology, including a pre-collision system and lane departure alert, which are not always found in competitors. The 2018 Corolla iM boasts impressive fuel efficiency, averaging around 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
When looking at a used 2018 Toyota Corolla iM, remember that you may not find it at a discounted price. Toyota’s reputation for producing reliable cars that hold their value over time means that its models, such as the Corolla iM, often have higher resale prices than other brands.
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