NHTSA complaint #11590866

Owner complaint summary

When traveling via highway at approximately 60 MPH, the right front tire struck a small pothole. The vehicle continued driving normally until stopping at a light. Thereafter, the front right wheel started making rhythmic vibration noises while vibrating extensively, transferring to the steering wheel. Upon visual inspection, nothing appeared wrong. After driving several miles, the vibration died down to a small trickle and now remains along with humming at faster highway speeds. This imitates a broken wheel bearing that occurred on the left front tire, but the Toyota dealer has refused to acknowledge any issue let alone inspect it. This sudden - yet entirely associated with driving - impact clearly caused damage to the wheel bearing and will accelerate its failure. If this occurs at such a rate the bearing fails upon contact with such driving conditions, drivers may lose ability to control their car altogether. A similar issue occurred and was remedied by the dealer for the left wheel. This could be a design flaw resulting from placing too large of tires and too stiff suspension for the Corolla, resulting in mechanical damage whilst driving in normal conditions, which could lead to the failure of steering related mechanical components. The end result of which could be death. Such theories have not been investigated. No warning lamps displayed at any time.