KE70 Corolla

1979-1983 / Sedan / Coupe / Japan

All KE70 Corolla problems All workshop issues

Minor Rust and Corrosion

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

Symptoms

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.

Cause

Sills are enclosed box sections that trap moisture. Water enters through blocked drain holes at the bottom of the sills and through the door shuts. Once rust starts inside the box section, it's invisible until it eats through the outer skin.

Fix

Minor: cut out the rusted outer skin, treat the inner structure, and weld in a repair panel.

Major: full sill replacement, requiring removal of the outer skin, repair or replacement of the inner sill, and refitting the outer panel.

Cost: $1,500-2,500 per side.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $1,500-2,500 per side

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// More KE70 Corolla problems

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.

Common Rust and Corrosion

Boot Floor and Spare Tyre Well Corrosion

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.

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