Transmission Fluid

The fluid and filter needs to be changed immediately. Hopefully you will avoid any damage but your fluid is burnt. I would change it and then keep a close eye on it and maybe change it again in 10k miles or less.

Hopefully the warranty will covers repair. Thank you.

If they begin to give you the run-around, or tell you it's normal, it's NOT. Should be nice red. Any trouble call 1.800.331.4331 which is Toyota North America customer service. Assuming you are in North America

Brown transmission fluid is not good. Get it changed. Toyota likely won't do anything about it as it has not actually failed. You might take it to Toyota and have it serviced and take notes and photos of the burned fluid. This may protect you if it soon fails. If it makes it 60,001 miles the repairs will be on you.

If you document it as an ongoing problem they won't be able to write you off at the end of the warranty as easily.

Brown transmission may not cause a symptom right away. No symptom and the dealership can't do anything. Just sayin....

Thank you for taking the time to share all of these great information with me. Your support, and advice have been extremely helpful. Merry Christmas to all.

The burnt fluid is caused by something and is not normal for a low mile car. I would insist on them dropping the transmission pan and doing an inspection. The burnt fluid is a symptom of a bigger problem in my opinion.

I agree with you "Full_of", but many years ago I worked at a dealership and brown transmission fluid that is not causing an issue will be ignored by most dealerships. I am just trying to prepare the owner for what is likely to happen at the service department.

I am sure that is true which is why I am recommending documenting the issue and being proactive. I just had a dealer total my brand new engine and it is all fresh in my mind. Amazing what damage a little RTV sealant can do. If I had not made a federal issue out of it the engine would have thrown a rod before they would have done anything!

I thought that since the Corolla has only 39,000 miles the 60,000 mile drive train warranty, which includes transmission, will cover the transmission fluid and filter replacement (including the cost of installation) but it wouldn’t be covered under the warranty. They want me to pay over $300.00. Is this right or I should not pay for the transmission fluid/filter change /replacement? I think the warranty cover it.

If the trans fluid was due for normally scheduled maintenance then it would likely be your cost. If the fluid was not due for replacement for many more miles then I would argue that there is a problem and that Toyota should pick up the cost. $300 seems like way too much BTW.

Medium dark transmission fluid is an indication that the transmission has burns oil. The dealer said that medium dark color is normal. This transmission color fluid can cause problems. I wonder is there others Corolla owners having the same problem with their transmission fluid under 40,000 miles. I'll check for recalls. I believe that there is a problem with Corolla's transmission 2011 and 2012 year, burning transmission fluid..

I have a 2013 Toyota Corolla S with 25,000 miles The tranny fluid is deep brown. Dealer initially denied flushing tranny and wanted to charge me $350.00 if performed!! Another tech called out the warranty and scheduled a "look-see" apt for tomorrow. What greater problems could there be beyond the discolored fluid? Thank you for your input.

Perhaps you Corolla guys need to invest in a better transmission oil cooler for your cars? It sounds like Toyota intends to shaft you.

I have a 2013 Corolla. On 1/15/2018, I was on a freeway and stepped on the gas paddle but my car did not accelerate. It stayed at 50 to 60 miles per hour. The tachometer showing the engine speed is in the red zone about level 7 to 8. I went to an auto shop on 1/17/2018. The mechanic told me that the transmission oil is dirty and needed to be replaced. He charged me for $100. However, my co-worker later told me that Corolla transmission fluid is good for a lifetime. So, are there anyone having similar problems for their Corolla?

40000 miles. Did a drain and refill. Old and new ATF in pic. Lot browner than expected but did not smell terrible.