Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Corolla vs Toyota Highlander
How the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Highlander compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Corolla vs Toyota Highlander: The Corolla averages 131.9 complaints per year, while the Highlander averages 227.8. Corolla owners report engine stalls and air bag failures, while Highlander owners face transmission and brake issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Corolla or Toyota Highlander more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that, over the past decade, has drawn a high volume of complaints—about 132 per year—with a notable share tied to engine, air bag, and powertrain issues. Owners describe sudden engine shutdowns, hesitation from the CVT, and air bags that fail to deploy in crashes, which are serious safety concerns. The dashboard reflection complaint also points to a visibility hazard. While not every car will experience these problems, the pattern suggests a buyer should be vigilant about these systems.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, a midsize SUV, has averaged about 228 complaints per year, with the powertrain—specifically the 8-speed automatic transmission—being the most frequent source of trouble. Owners report harsh shifting, stalling, and even complete transmission failure, especially in cold weather. Brake issues, where the pedal goes almost to the floor, and fuel vapor smells are also common. These are major reliability and safety red flags for a family vehicle.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Corolla | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,319 Better | 2,278 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 44 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 182 | 128 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 131.9 Better | 227.8 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 150 | 138 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 4 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Toyota Corolla
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER260
- 02ENGINE252
- 03AIR BAGS222
- 04POWER TRAIN176
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM150
Owners report the engine suddenly stopping while driving, sometimes at intersections, with warning messages like 'Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low.' This can lead to loss of power steering and braking assist, creating a crash risk.
There are multiple reports of air bags not deploying in collisions, even when the SRS system shows a malfunction. This is a critical safety failure that could leave occupants unprotected in an accident.
The CVT transmission is noted for a noticeable delay in acceleration from a stop, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous when merging or crossing traffic. Some owners also report complete breakdowns.
A significant number of complaints involve dashboard/windshield reflection that severely impairs visibility, and there are reports of sudden unintended acceleration, both of which are serious safety concerns.
“Subject: Vehicle safety complaint — dashboard/windshield reflection severely impairing visibility on 2014 Toyota Corolla (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my 2014 Toyota Corolla, VIN [XXX] . Under certain…”
“Dear Better Business Bureau, I am filing a formal complaint against Toyota Motor North America regarding a serious and unresolved safety defect in my 2024 Toyota Corolla LE (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle experienced two incidents of sudden unintended acceleration—t…”
Toyota Highlander
- 01POWER TRAIN729
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER364
- 03SERVICE BRAKES273
- 04ENGINE251
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM219
The 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) is a major trouble spot: owners report harsh shifting, stalling on the highway, and internal failures that require replacement. Cold weather seems to worsen the symptoms.
Brakes sometimes do not engage until the pedal is almost to the floor, and warning lights flash on the dashboard. This has nearly caused accidents and is a serious safety defect.
A strong fuel vapor smell enters the cabin, especially on hot days or after long drives, coming from the rear fuel area. This could indicate a fuel leak, which is a fire hazard.
Owners report loud bangs and other unexplained noises, as well as general concerns about vehicle stability, which can be unsettling and may point to underlying structural or component issues.
“Detailed Description of the Incident: I am reporting a recurring powertrain safety issue regarding the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80-series) in my vehicle. [Symptoms] During cold-start conditions (outside temperatures below 30°F), the vehicle consisten…”
“The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Toyota Corolla — 24 recalls
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia…
The risk: A vehicle with an incorrect maximum capacity weight value may be overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will mail new labels to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R2.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles. 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 risk: A steering shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TB13/24TA13.
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the…
The risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this re…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles. 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 risk: A steering shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TB13/24TA13.
Toyota Highlander — 44 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner…
The risk: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the software, free of charg…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The third row center seat belt roof anchor may have been installed at an incorrect angle, preventing the seat belt from properly restraining the occupant.
The risk: A seat belt that does not properly restrain an occupant increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the seat belt anchor with a new bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA16.
The defect: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the r…
The risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. G…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Corolla or Toyota Highlander: which should you buy?
The Toyota Corolla has fewer complaints per year (about 132) compared to the Toyota Highlander (about 228), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Corolla's air bag and engine stall problems are serious safety concerns, while the Highlander's transmission and brake issues are also critical. In practice, the Corolla may be less troublesome overall, but both require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Highlander has more than double the complaints per year, with powertrain issues dominating, especially transmission failures.
- The Corolla's top issues include air bag non-deployment and engine stalls, which are safety-critical but less frequent than the Highlander's transmission problems.
- Brake problems are a significant concern in the Highlander, with reports of near-misses, while the Corolla has fewer brake complaints.
- The Corolla has a unique visibility issue from dashboard reflection, which is not reported in the Highlander.
- Check for any SRS air bag warning lights and verify air bag deployment history in a crash.
- Test drive to feel for any hesitation or stalling, especially when accelerating from a stop, and listen for unusual engine behavior.
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping, harsh shifting, or delayed engagement, especially on a cold start.
- Test the brakes thoroughly: press the pedal firmly and see if it feels spongy or goes too far before engaging.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for any open recalls or previous complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and air bag system.
- Test drive both vehicles under various conditions, including cold starts and highway speeds, to feel for any abnormalities.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and brake service.
- Check for any dashboard warning lights and ensure they turn off after startup.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Toyota Corolla | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 2 |
| 2025 | 31 | 9 |
| 2024 | 62 | 42 |
| 2023 | 72 | 176 |
| 2022 | 98 | 236 |
| 2021 | 185 | 501 |
| 2020 | 306 | 309 |
| 2019 | 201 | 475 |
| 2018 | 133 | 264 |
| 2017 | 189 | 264 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Toyota Corolla or Toyota Highlander in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Corolla vs Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Corolla total complaints
- 1,319
- Toyota Highlander total complaints
- 2,278
- Toyota Corolla total recalls
- 24
- Toyota Highlander total recalls
- 44
- Toyota Corolla avg complaints/year
- 131.9
- Toyota Highlander avg complaints/year
- 227.8
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Corolla top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Toyota Highlander top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN