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2008 Toyota Corolla Factory Warranty & Recalls – All Coverage & Exceptions

Basic: 36mo/36k mi; Powertrain: 60mo/60k mi; Corrosion: 60mo unlimited mi; Restraint Systems: 60mo/60k mi; Federal Emissions: 24mo/24k mi; CA Emissions Defects: 3yr/50k mi & 7yr/70k mi.

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Below is a summary of your 2008 Toyota Corolla warranty coverage and how long your coverage lasts. At the bottom of this article is the full 2008 Toyota Corolla warranty PDF, if you wish to explore further.

Warranty durations listed below are in terms of the vehicle’s mileage or age. If a type of coverage is valid for three years or 36,000 miles, coverage lasts until the vehicle reaches 36,000 miles or until it’s three years old, whichever occurs first.

For more information about Auto Warranties, you can check out this directory containing everything you need to know about Auto Warranties arranged by system.

Warranty Duration
Basic Warranty 36 months/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion Perforation Warranty 60 months, unlimited miles
Restraint Systems Warranty 60 months/60,000 miles
Federal Emissions Warranty 24 months/24,000 miles
California Emissions Warranty (defects) 3 years/50,000 miles 7 years/70,000 miles

If you need more detailed information about the warranties covered in this article, you can find the link to the original factory warranty PDF towards the end of this article. Alternatively, you can review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section at the very bottom of the article which provides more warranty details. Please refer to the warranty PDF link if you would like to view the complete and official warranty terms from Toyota.

2008 Toyota Corolla Factory Warranty

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Given that it is now 2023, more than 5 years since the 2008 model year, several of the factory warranties detailed in the warranty booklet have likely expired for most owners. Specifically, the following warranties would be expired for a 2008 Corolla/Corolla Matrix with typical mileage:

  • Basic Warranty (36 months/36,000 miles)
  • Powertrain Warranty (60 months/60,000 miles) 
  • Corrosion Perforation Warranty (60 months, unlimited miles)
  • Restraint Systems Warranty (60 months/60,000 miles)
  • Federal Emissions Warranty (24 months/24,000 miles)
  • California Emissions Performance Warranty (36 months/50,000 miles & 7 years/70,000 miles)

 

If you find the various factory warranties confusing, I recommend checking out our helpful article “The Ultimate Guide to Car Warranties” to get a better understanding of what each one covers. 

The factory warranty for the 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix includes several component warranties like Basic, Powertrain, Corrosion Perforation, Air Conditioning, Paint, Battery, Tire, Federal Emissions, and California Emissions. These are all considered part of the overarching factory warranty provided by Toyota on new vehicle purchases.

Our article explains in simple terms what common car warranties like Basic, Powertrain, and Emissions are designed to cover. We break down the duration and mileage limits so you can see exactly what is protected for how long. Understanding the ins and outs of factory warranties can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s service and maintenance needs both during and after the warranty period. Check out “The Ultimate Guide to Car Warranties” today to become a warranty expert!

Basic Warranty

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty, also known as the basic warranty, does not cover damage or failures resulting from factors like accidents, neglect, improper maintenance, alterations, lack of proper maintenance, environmental conditions, or improper repairs. Normal wear and tear and regular maintenance like fluid changes and replacements are also not covered. 

For the 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix models, the basic warranty coverage was 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurred first. So for a vehicle originally purchased in 2008, this basic warranty coverage would have expired in 2011 or at 36,000 miles, whichever came first. Since it is now 2023, the basic warranty has been expired for over 10 years for 2008 models. Knowing what is and isn’t covered by the basic warranty, and when it expires, can help owners make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance during and after the warranty period.

Powertrain Warranty

The powertrain warranty covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship on components like the engine, transmission, front-wheel drive system, and rear-wheel drive system. Specific parts include the cylinder block, timing gears, torque converter, axle shafts, and more.

For the 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix models, the powertrain warranty coverage was 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurred first. So for a vehicle originally purchased in 2008, this powertrain warranty coverage would have expired in 2013 or at 60,000 miles, whichever came first. Since it is now past 2013, the 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty has expired for 2008 models. Knowing what is covered by the powertrain warranty, and when it expires, can help owners make repair and maintenance decisions during and after the warranty period.

Corrosion Perforation Warranty

The corrosion perforation warranty covers the repair or replacement of any original body panel that develops perforation from corrosion (rust-through). 

For the 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix models, the corrosion perforation warranty coverage was 60 months, regardless of mileage. So for a vehicle originally purchased in 2008, this corrosion perforation warranty coverage would have expired in 2013 after 60 months. Since it is now past 2013, the 60-month corrosion perforation warranty has expired for 2008 models. Knowing what is covered by the corrosion perforation warranty, and when it expires, can help owners make repair decisions for rust and corrosion issues during and after the warranty period.

Air Conditioning Warranty

Unfortunately, the 2008 Toyota Corolla warranty booklet does not specify the duration or coverage details for the air conditioning warranty.

Typically, an air conditioning warranty covers the major A/C components like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. Some automakers provide an air conditioning warranty for 3 years/36,000 miles, while others may cover it for as long as 5 years/60,000 miles. 

Given it is now 2023 and at least 15 years past the 2008 model year, it is likely that even an extended 5-year/60,000-mile A/C warranty would now be expired for most 2008 Corolla/Corolla Matrix vehicles. 

Battery Warranty

Unfortunately, the 2008 Toyota Corolla warranty booklet does not specify the coverage details or duration for the battery warranty. 

Typically, an original equipment battery warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. However, damage from improper maintenance, modifications, environmental conditions, or normal wear and tear would not be covered. 

Without knowing the original battery warranty terms from Toyota, I cannot definitively state what was covered or when the battery warranty would have expired for the 2008 Corolla/Corolla Matrix models. Based on typical industry standards, it is likely that the battery was covered for at least the 36-month/36,000-mile term of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. But given it is now 2023, any original battery warranty coverage has been expired for many years for 2008 vehicles.

Tire Warranty

The tires on the 2008 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix models are covered by a separate warranty from the tire manufacturer, not Toyota. Tire warranties typically cover defects in materials and workmanship that cause premature wear or failure. Damage from road hazards, improper maintenance, alterations, and normal tread wear are not covered.

Since the tire manufacturer’s warranty terms apply, I cannot definitively state what coverage was provided or when it expired for the original tires on the 2008 Corollas and Corolla Matrix models. Tire warranties often range from 30,000-60,000 miles of tread wear protection. Given it is now 2023, any original tire warranty coverage has certainly expired after 15+ years for 2008 vehicles. Knowing the limitations of tire warranties can help owners make informed replacement decisions during and after the warranty period.

Federal Emissions Warranty

The Federal Emissions Warranty covers repairs needed to correct defects in emission-related parts supplied by Toyota that may cause the vehicle to fail federal emissions standards. It covers the vehicle for 2 years or 24,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. However, some components like the engine control module and catalytic converter are covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles under this warranty. 

The warranty does not cover failures caused by:

  • Use of non-certified or non-equivalent replacement parts
  • Lack of maintenance 
  • Damage from accidents, misuse, alteration, tampering, etc.

 

For a 2008 Toyota Corolla purchased new and still owned by the original owner, the Federal Emissions Warranty would have expired in 2010 or at 24,000 miles, whichever came first, except for the parts covered for 8 years/80,000 miles which would expire in 2016 or at 80,000 miles. Since this is 2023, the Federal Emissions Warranty on all covered components has expired.

The Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act requires manufacturers to warranty vehicles to pass emissions tests for two years or 24,000 miles. For this 2008 Toyota Corolla purchased new, the Clean Air Act would have required Toyota to make repairs to ensure it passed emissions testing until 2010 or 24,000 miles, whichever came first. This Emissions Performance Warranty coverage under the Clean Air Act would have expired in 2010 or at 24,000 miles for this vehicle.

Since this is 2023, the emissions performance warranty coverage under the Clean Air Act has expired. However, the Clean Air Act established standards for vehicles to meet federal emissions requirements, so it may still help the owner diagnose and repair emissions-related issues on the vehicle.

California Emissions Warranty

The California emissions warranty covers repairs needed to correct defects in emissions-related parts supplied by Toyota. It has two components:

The Short-Term Defect Warranty covers the vehicle for 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers repairs if any emissions-related part is defective or the vehicle fails a smog check test. 

The Long-Term Defect Warranty covers specific parts like the engine control module and catalytic converter for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

For a 2008 Toyota Corolla purchased and registered in California, the Short-Term California emissions warranty would have expired in 2011 or at 50,000 miles, and the Long-Term warranty would have expired in 2015 or at 70,000 miles. Since this is 2023, both the Short-Term and Long-Term California emissions warranties have expired. 

The California emissions warranty does not cover failures caused by lack of maintenance, accidents, misuse, or use of non-equivalent parts.

2008 Toyota Corolla Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued several recalls for the 2008 Toyota Corolla:

  • In 2010, Toyota recalled certain 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix models for an issue with the engine control module that could cause stalling or the engine not starting. The remedy was to inspect and potentially replace the engine control module.
  • Also in 2010, Southeast Toyota recalled 2005-2011 Toyota vehicles, including the Corolla, for not having the required load-carrying capacity modification label. The remedy was to provide corrected labels to owners. 
  • In 2016, Toyota recalled some 2008 Corolla and Matrix vehicles for potentially rupturing passenger frontal airbag inflators. The remedy was to replace the inflator or air bag assembly. 
  •  In 2018, Toyota recalled some 2010-2012 Corolla vehicles for passenger frontal airbags that could explode due to propellant degradation. The remedy was to replace the airbag assembly.
  • In 2019, Toyota recalled some 2003-2013 Corolla vehicles that had previously had the driver or passenger frontal airbags replaced, due to the risk of inflator explosion. The remedy was again to replace the inflator or airbag assembly.

 

The NHTSA recalls aimed to fix safety defects and ensure the Corollas met Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Owners affected by the recalls were notified by Toyota and could receive free repairs.

Read our article if you’d like to know more about the difference between recalls, warranty extensions, and technical service bulletins.

Extended Warranties

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Extended Warranty Available Upon Car Purchase

At the time of purchase of a 2008 Toyota Corolla, the manufacturer likely offered an option to purchase an extended warranty to provide additional coverage beyond the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Extended warranties can cover certain repairs and components for a specified period of time or mileage from the in-service date. For example, a 5-year/60,000-mile extended warranty would extend coverage for an additional 2 years or 24,000 miles beyond the original 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.

The best way for the owner to find out if they purchased an extended warranty is to check their original paperwork and documentation from when the vehicle was purchased. An extended warranty would be clearly listed on the sales contract, invoice, or finance paperwork. If the owner is unsure, they can also contact the Toyota dealership where they purchased the vehicle to verify if an extended warranty was purchased and get details on the specific coverage terms. As of 2023, any extended warranty purchased likely would have already expired based on time or mileage limits.

Extended Warranty Available Now

If you’re looking for an affordable extended warranty for your 2008 Toyota Corolla, the FIXD Vehicle Protection Plan can help. We have partnered with CARCHEX, one of the leaders in the industry. Our coverage includes everything from the engine and powertrain parts to electrical components and air conditioning. This coverage is available for one low monthly fee. Choose from five levels of coverage and find a warranty that suits your needs and budget. Get a no-cost and no-obligation quote today.

Want to know more about choosing an extended warranty? Check out: 10 Reasons Why an Extended Car Warranty May or May Not Work for You.

2008 Toyota Corolla Warranty Brochure/Booklet

If you want a more comprehensive look at the warranty coverage that has expired and what coverage may still be available, you can read Toyota’s warranty booklet. It provides detailed information about coverage, including exclusions.

Click here to download and read the 2008 Toyota Corolla warranty brochure.

FAQs

There are some exclusions and items not covered by Toyota’s warranties for the 2008 Corolla:

  • The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover damage from accidents, theft, modifications, improper maintenance, etc. Normal wear and tear is also not covered. This warranty lasts for 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • The Powertrain Warranty does not cover damage from lack of maintenance, accidents, modifications, etc. It lasts for 5 years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • The Restraint Systems Warranty and Corrosion Perforation Warranty also exclude damage from accident, misuse, or alterations. These are both 5-year warranties. 
  • Tires are covered by a separate tire manufacturer’s warranty, not the Toyota warranty.
  • Incidental or consequential damages like rental car costs or lost wages are not covered.

Toyota’s warranties for the 2008 Corolla cover both parts and labor:

  • The New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers parts and labor for repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship for 3 years/36,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
  • The Powertrain Warranty covers parts and labor on specified engine, transmission, and drivetrain components for 5 years/60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Other warranties like the Restraint Systems Warranty and Corrosion Perforation Warranty cover parts and labor for 5 years. 

 

For a 2008 Corolla purchased new, the New Vehicle and Powertrain Warranty coverages would have already expired based on time or mileage limits as of 2023. 

Regarding extended warranties, Toyota generally allows customers to purchase these within the first year of ownership to extend coverage beyond the original warranties. For example, a customer could add a Toyota Extra Care extended warranty that provides longer coverage for the powertrain or other components. 

However, for a 2008 Corolla purchased new, the window to purchase an extended warranty has likely passed given this is 2023. The owner would need to check their documentation to see if an extended warranty was already purchased when the vehicle was new.

For the 2008 Toyota Corolla, the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes from the manifold to the catalytic converter, and the catalytic converter are covered under the Federal Emission Control Warranty. This warranty covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship of emission-related parts.

The Federal Emission Control Warranty covers the vehicle for 2 years/24,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. However, the catalytic converter specifically is covered for 8 years/80,000 miles under this warranty.

For a 2008 Corolla purchased new, the Federal Emission Control Warranty would have expired in 2010 or at 24,000 miles, whichever occurred first, except for the 8-year/80,000-mile coverage on the catalytic converter which would have expired in 2016 or at 80,000 miles. 

Since this is 2023, the Federal Emission Control Warranty has expired on all exhaust components for this vehicle based on time and mileage limits. Any needed exhaust repairs or replacement parts would no longer be covered.

Typically, Toyota allows customers to purchase extended warranties within the first year of vehicle ownership, in order to extend coverage beyond the original New Vehicle Limited and Powertrain Warranties. For example, a customer could add a Toyota Extra Care extended warranty that provides longer coverage for specified components.

However, for a 2008 Toyota Corolla purchased new, the window to purchase an extended warranty has likely passed, given this is 2023 and 15 years after the initial purchase. The owner would need to verify by checking their original documentation if an extended warranty was already purchased when the vehicle was new. 

At this point well past the original sale date, Toyota would unlikely allow a customer to still purchase an extended warranty for a 2008 Corolla. However, the owner would need to confirm directly with a Toyota dealership if they have any eligibility left to purchase an extended plan. In most cases though, the opportunity has expired given the age of the vehicle.

Resources

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (2008). _2008 Corolla, Corolla Matrix owner’s manual_ (Publication No. T-MMS-08CorollaMatrixWI). Retrieved from https://assets.sia.toyota.com/publications/en/omms-s/T-MMS-08CorollaMatrixWI/pdf/2008_Corolla_Corolla%20Matrix_OWI_lr.pdf 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2019, August 28). Front passenger air bag may not properly inflate (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V627000). https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/TOYOTA/COROLLA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2019, October 17). Frontal air bag inflators may explode (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V741000). https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/TOYOTA/COROLLA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2018, January 9). Passenger frontal air bag inflator may explode (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V025000). https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/TOYOTA/COROLLA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2016, March 3). Passenger side front air bag inflator may rupture (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V127000). https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/TOYOTA/COROLLA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls  

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2016, March 3). Passenger side front air bag inflator may rupture (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V128000). https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/TOYOTA/COROLLA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2010, August 26). Engine stalling (NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V384000). https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/TOYOTA/COROLLA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2010, February 3). Load carrying capacity modification labels (NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V036000). https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/TOYOTA/COROLLA/4%252520DR/FWD#recalls 

FIXD Research Team

At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.

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FIXD Research Team

At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.

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