Toyota Corolla reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 4,475 complaints about the Toyota Corolla with NHTSA since 2010, most often about airbags and steering. Toyota has filed 14 warranty extensions and 28 service campaigns for it, and there are 31 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Toyota Corolla? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Corolla a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 4,475
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 14
- Filed by Toyota
- Service campaigns
- 28
- Filed by Toyota
- Safety recalls
- 31
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Corolla with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | Other or unspecified (47%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 31 | Other or unspecified (23%) | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | 64 | Other or unspecified (23%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2023 | 73 | Other or unspecified (25%) | 3 | 4 |
| 2022 | 101 | Electrical system (21%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2021 | 186 | Airbags (28%) | 1 | 3 |
| 2020 | 309 | Engine (36%) | 3 | 11 |
| 2019 | 204 | Transmission and drivetrain (27%) | 5 | 7 |
| 2018 | 134 | Airbags (27%) | 3 | 8 |
| 2017 | 178 | Airbags (30%) | 3 | 11 |
| 2016 | 214 | Airbags (30%) | 1 | 11 |
| 2015 | 220 | Airbags (25%) | 1 | 11 |
| 2014 | 269 | Airbags (26%) | 2 | 12 |
| 2013 | 201 | Airbags (36%) | 5 | 7 |
| 2012 | 446 | Airbags (83%) | 5 | 6 |
| 2011 | 584 | Airbags (72%) | 9 | 12 |
| 2010 | 1,244 | Airbags (34%) | 15 | 19 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Corolla model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Toyota
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Toyota filed with NHTSA for the Corolla, in its own words. A warranty extension means Toyota pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2020–2021
This Customer Support Program provides coverage as it applies to Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak on Certain 2019-2021 Avalon & Avalon HV, 2018-2021 Camry & Camry HV, Certain 2020-2021 Corolla, Certain 2019-2021 Corolla HB, 2020-2021 Highlander, Certain 2019-2021 RAV4 & RAV4 HV,…
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Brakes· model years 2018–2020
On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Brakes· model years 2019–2020
On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionNov 2022· Body and structure· model years 2010–2019
TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint
- Warranty extensionJul 2022· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2019
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS Customer Support Program ZKG Phase 2 ? Customer Renotification and Repair Phase Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint
- Warranty extensionDec 2019· Body and structure· model years 2010–2019
Dealer Daily Message: ***Phase 2 ? Customer Renotification and Repair Phase*** Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint.
- Warranty extensionNov 2017· Engine· model years 2010–2011
Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Engine· model years 2010–2011
Warranty policy bulletin (POL14-12): Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of warranty enhancement program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Engine· model years 2010–2011
Warranty Policy Bulletin (POL14-12): Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.
- Warranty extensionOct 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2011
Wpb: Toyota has received some reports where the vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of warranty enhancement program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive oil consumption.
- Warranty extensionSep 2015· Engine· model years 2010–2011
Wpb: Toyota has received some reports where vehicles may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption. Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of warranty enhancement program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption.
- Warranty extensionApr 2015· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011, 2013
As part of our continual efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is preparing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend warranty coverage to address customer complaints of Excessive Engine Oil Consumption on Certain 2007 - 2009 Camry, Certain 2007 - 2011 Camry…
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Body and structure· model years 2010
On some vehicles, when the trunk lid is open, it will begin to close and a warranty enhancement program is provided for trunk lid torsion bars. Model 2009-2010 Corolla.
- Service campaignDec 2026· Suspension· model years 2025
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 25TC10 Rear Suspension Member Reduced Corrosion Resistance CERTAIN 2025 Model Year Corolla
- Service campaignJun 2025· Electrical system· model years 2013–2025
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2020
Safety Recall and Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products.
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2020
Toyota plans to conduct Safety Recall and Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed
- Service campaignJun 2024· Electrical system· model years 2023
Technical instructions for special service campaign 24TC03 data communicaton module (dcm) update certain 2023 Corolla, corolla cross, corolla hatchback, corolla HV, gr corolla, crown, highlander, highlander HV, prius, RAV4, RAV4 prime, RAV4 HV, venza HV
- Service campaignMay 2024· Electrical system· model years 2023
Technical instructions for special service campaign 24TC01 brake actuator assembly (skid control ECU software update certain 2023 Model corolla
- Service campaignAug 2023· Airbags· model years 2020
Rl: Safety recall & service campaign renotification owner renotification 23R002
- Service campaignAug 2023· Airbags· model years 2020
Safety recall & service campaign renotification owner renotification 23R002
- Service campaignJul 2023· Brakes· model years 2023
Ti: Technical instructions for special service campaign 23TC02 brake ECU reprogram certain 2023 Model year corolla HV
- Service campaignJul 2022· Engine· model years 2020
Ti: Technical instructions for special service campaign 22TC07 engine ECU software update certain 2020 Model year corolla vehicles
- Service campaignMar 2021· Airbags· model years 2010–2021
Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- Service campaignFeb 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2020
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- Service campaignOct 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2017
Region Letter: Toyota will be sending Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign Follow-Up Notices to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Regional and PD associates.
- Service campaignOct 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2018
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- Service campaignSep 2018· Electrical system· model years 2014–2017
Technical Instructions: Updated 09-17-18 TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN JSD CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSAXLE SOFTWARE UPDATE CERTAIN 2014-2017 TOYOTA Corolla CERTAIN 2017 TOYOTA Corolla iM CERTAIN 2016 SCION iM
- Service campaignAug 2018· Electrical system· model years 2014–2017
Dealer Daily Message: Special Service Campaign JSD ? Remedy Notice Certain 2014–2017 Model Year Toyota Corolla Vehicles Certain 2017 Model Year Toyota Corolla iM Vehicles Certain 2016 Model Year Scion iM Vehicles Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) Software Update ?
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Corolla model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Airbags1,696 (38%)
- Steering557 (12%)
- Cruise control and speed control402 (9%)
- Other or unspecified393 (9%)
- Electrical system338 (8%)
- Transmission and drivetrain327 (7%)
- Engine308 (7%)
- Brakes228 (5%)
Safety recalls
31 recalls cover at least one Corolla model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The front headlights may have missing headlight aim markings, which can result in improperly aimed headlights during service.
An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag.
Due to cracks developed during the manufacturing process, the steering intermediate shaft assembly may fracture and possibly result in the shaft detaching from the steering column.
The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values.
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag.
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS…
The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.
The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.
Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus…
The pump impeller blades within the torque converter may detach, especially when driven under high load, potentially causing a vehicle stall.
And 16 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2018
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- EA19001Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024· Airbags· model years 2011–2019
Electrical overstress
Led to recall 20V024.
- DP14003Defect petition· opened Sep 2014, closed Apr 2015· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010
Low-speed surging
- PE10008Preliminary evaluation· opened Feb 2010, closed May 2011· Steering· model years 2010
Steering Wander or Drift
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Toyota Corolla has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Toyota Corolla reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 4,475 owner complaints, 14 warranty extensions and 28 service campaigns Toyota filed, and 31 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2010 (1,244), 2011 (584), 2012 (446). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Corolla?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name airbags (38%), steering (12%), cruise control and speed control (9%). Toyota has filed 14 warranty extensions covering the Corolla, listed on this page.
Which Corolla model years have the most complaints?
2010 (1,244), 2011 (584), 2012 (446). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Corolla with each other rather than with other models.
Has Toyota extended the warranty on the Corolla?
Yes: engine (model years 2020–2021); brakes (model years 2018–2020); brakes (model years 2019–2020), and 11 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Corolla?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 31 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.