KE70 Corolla

1979-1983 / Sedan / Coupe / Japan

All KE70 Corolla problems All workshop issues

Common Rust and Corrosion

Boot Floor and Spare Tyre Well Corrosion

Symptoms

Soft, rusted, or perforated metal in the boot floor. Water pooling in the spare tyre well. Damp smell from the boot. Rust staining on the boot carpet.

Cause

Water enters the boot through deteriorated taillight gaskets, rear window seal, and boot lid seal. It pools in the lowest point (the spare tyre well) and sits there, rusting the metal from the top down. Cars that have been parked outdoors for extended periods are worst affected.

Fix

Remove all trim and inspect the full boot floor.

Surface rust: wire brush, treat with rust converter, and seal with chassis paint ($50-100 DIY).

Perforated metal: cut out affected areas and weld in new steel.

Boot floor replacement is a half-day job on a hoist.

Cost: $500-1,500 depending on extent.

Cost mentioned in fix

$50-100Cost: $500-1,500

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Other known issues

Minor Rust and Corrosion

Rear Quarter Panel Corrosion

Bubbling paint on the rear quarter panels, progressing to perforation. Rust visible inside the boot behind the wheel arch trim. In severe cases, the inner wheelarch structure is completely gone and the outer skin is all that's holding the shape.

Minor Rust and Corrosion

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

Paint bubbling along the sills below the doors. Soft metal when tapped. In severe cases, the sill collapses when jacked, and the door gaps change as the body flexes.

Minor Rust and Corrosion

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floor pans. Visible rust when the carpet is lifted. In extreme cases, you can see the road through the floor.

Critical Engine, 3K-C and 4K-C Pushrod Inline-4

Oil Leaks

Oil weeping or dripping from multiple points on the engine. Oil residue on the rocker cover, sump, and rear of the engine. Oil spots under the car.

Common Engine, 3K-C and 4K-C Pushrod Inline-4

Timing Chain Wear

Rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine, most noticeable at cold start and idle. The noise may diminish once the engine warms up and oil pressure stabilises the tensioner.

Common Engine, 3K-C and 4K-C Pushrod Inline-4

Carburettor Problems

Rough idle, poor fuel economy, hesitation on acceleration, black smoke from the exhaust, engine stalling. Difficulty starting when cold or when hot (vapour lock).

View all 16 KE70 Corolla problems