Toyota Corolla Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Toyota Corolla options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Toyota Corolla has 1,288 owner complaints and 24 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2020 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Corolla
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,288
- Safety recall campaigns
- 24
- Crash-related complaints
- 177
- Fire-related complaints
- 12
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2020 (308 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (31 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Toyota Corolla: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe TOYOTA COROLLA has 1,288 NHTSA complaints and 24 recalls on record. 177 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,288 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 24 federal recall campaigns
- 177 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
24 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STEERING:COLUMN
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
STEERING
STEERING:COLUMN
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
STEERING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,288 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,288 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
225/40R18 88V
Premature wear and tear
I pulled into XXX drive way at 6:53pm XXX. By 7:12 pm we were on the phone with 911. My car alarm when off. I went over to my car. It was smoking had a bad smell it smelt like it was about to explode. It wouldn’t let me unlock the car. Finally after 5 minutes it finally unlocked there is literal flames on the driver side dash and floor board. We used a fire extinguisher it was still smoking so we put water on it. When the fire department finally showed up the dash was still 182 degrees. They used their high water power fire extinguisher. The battery was also unplugs before the fire was completely out. And state farm called a tow truck to take it to pohanka in Salisbury Md.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Corolla equipped with Dunlop Tires, Tire Line: SP Sport 5000, Tire Size: 225/40/R18, DOT Number: 1EUT74MBR5024. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from each tire, and the tires were slick while driving in inclement weather. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that all four tires needed to be replaced due to uneven wear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 8,000.
I was broadsided at the front end of the drivers side on Saturday 07/25/2026 by a wayward vehicle drifting into my lane. After the crash, the airbags deployed and then I could not open the driver seat door. Three other passer-bys who kindly stopped to check on me could not open the door from outside either. Finally, after being stuck for at least 10 minutes in the car, the police arrived, who somehow managed to open the door and let me out. This is a serious safety hazard; if the car caught fire, I could be burnt alive.
It was heavy rain traffic came and when I slowed down the anti lock breaks effected me from stopping fast enough and were made me just slid into back off vehicle in front off me giving me injury's to my kneck due to the air bags did NOT deploy.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Corolla equipped with Dunlop Tires, Tire Line: SP Sport, Tire Size; 225/40/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 50–60 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear driver's and passenger’s side tires were cupping. The contact stated that the tires were original equipment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
I performed a search on Google for any corolla's braking problem and found an incident "EXACTLY" like my daughter experienced! Here is the link to it on Reddit - Terrifying brake failure on my new 2025 Corolla Hybrid – Pedal went to the floor with zero warning! [XXX] BELOW IS THE VERBIAGE FROM TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE SENT BACK TO ME 06/19/2026: Thank you for contacting our Brand Engagement Center regarding the incident that occurred on [XXX], and was reported to us on May 12, 2026. You reported that while your daughter was driving your 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, she experienced a brake failure incident causing a collision to occur. You stated that she was exiting to the right and applied pressure to the brake pedal. However, the brakes made a loud noise, the brake pedal went to the floor, and your vehicle collided with the rear-end of another vehicle. You also expressed concern that the front Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags failed to deploy. This is the summation. Of course they found nothing... Respectfully, [XXX] email- [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The glass on the instrument panel has an extreme glare in the sun. I have tinted all my windows including the windshield, but the issue persists. The hood on the instrument panel needs to be longer or the glass needs to be non glare. There is nothing on the market that will fix this issue.
I was driving west bound on I40 with the adaptive cruise control, and lane assist on at 75 MPH. It was around 8:30 PM when I seen the instrument panel flash, just drop for less than half a second, and then come back up but dimmer, like when the headlights come on, except they already were on. At that point all engine noises stopped and the car felt like it was actively braking. I literally lurched forward in my seat. I noticed that the RPM's had dropped to zero and I didn't see anything on the dash that indicated any warning. All green icons and nothing red. Stepped on the gas pedal, nothing. Tried hitting the cancel on the adaptive controls, nothing. I started turning the car from the inside lane to get to the outside shoulder while shifting the car into neutral to get more drift and tried toggling the key from off to start position and the engine. No rev, no RPM's. Car stalls in the outside lane. I turned on the flashers and then put the vehicle in park, removed the key and then re-entered the key and tried to start. Nothing. Attempted to push the car out of the lane in neutral but I wasn't able to get it to move. A couple semi's go by and I about pooped my pants. Waited for highway patrol to come by and get the car towed. Very fortunate no one was hurt or killed. I believe the automatic emergency braking activated or the electronic parking brake activated? All of the interior systems still had power.
The contact owned a 2025 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The front end of the vehicle lowered down while the rear-end rose and made an abnormal squealing sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband assisted the contact in driving, and the vehicle was able to respond after several attempts; however, the contact's husband stated that the vehicle felt like the parking brake was engaged unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, an unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle in front of the contact's vehicle slammed on the brakes. The contact then depressed the brake pedal, but the pedal travelled down and rested on the floorboard. Additionally, the front end of the vehicle lowered while the rear end of the vehicle rose, and the vehicle crashed underneath the rear-end of the truck. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. Toyoya Safety Connect system automatically connected the contact to a representative. The contact was transported to the hospital by emergency units. The contact sustained a fractured sternum, three fractures on the back, and the contact was hospitalized for 3 days. The contact's husband later arrived at the hospital and received medical assistance. The contact's husband sustained headaches, neck pain, bruised stomach as the seat belt fractured. The other driver did not sustain injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately at 65 MPH, and applying the brake pedal to exit off a ramp, the vehicle failed to decelerate. The contact continued to press the brake pedal; however, the vehicle did not stop, causing them to rear-end another vehicle, which caused their vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not receive any injuries, and no medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by Georgia Carolina Recovery Services. The contact was informed by the adjuster that the vehicle may be totaled; however, the decision had not been finalized. The dealer was contacted and informed about the incident. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,500.
Driving on the interstate. Did not see or feel anything in the road. Airbags deployed and wrecked.
On February 14th, my 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid (approx. 17,000 miles) experienced a catastrophic failure. Without warning, the steering wheel completely locked, preventing any control. Simultaneously, the automatic emergency collision braking system malfunctioned, locked the brakes, and would not disengage. This total loss of control forced the vehicle to crash into a median. Toyota Corporate has ignored my case for 30 days. This is a severe, life-threatening manufacturing defect that caused a crash and destroyed my sole source of income.
Two incidents of rodent eating the wires of the car in a span of two weeks that cause a lot of money to repair. Dealership did mention that wires have soy based insulation which was the cause. Newer Toyota Cars have the same problem which a coworker of mine had last year and my brother as of this date have the same problem.
The contact rented a 2025 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and entering into a parking space, the contact applied the brake pedal; however, the adaptive cruise control system engaged unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to accelerate and crash into a building. The driver was unable to turn off the adaptive cruise control system. There were no reported injuries, fire, or airbag deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle remained drivable after the incident. The contact also stated that the vehicle continued to surge forward at intersections following the crash. An unknown local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed and determined that reprogramming was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
I was driving at 2pm after an Ice Storm had hit texas and a majority of ice was missing but there was a small patch under a bridge. There were two stoplights once which was not under a bridge and one about 50-100 in front which was. I had accelerated to about 20 before the other light changed to red and I attempted to stop but due to ice I kept sliding forward adn the ABS was going wild and while I had the brake held down the pedal was going wild from the ice and after the car has stopped the brake pedal arm had bent so drasticly my brake lights wouldn't turn off due to the pedal arm being bent into the sensor below the dash. Toyota then refused to cover any part of the repair cost under the warrenty due to outside influence. I did not and could not have expected that using the brake pedal in an emergency situation would brake the brake pedal and they refuse to cover it under manufacturer warranty.
exactly one year after purchase and with approximately 18,000 miles on the vehicle — the original factory-installed front right tire catastrophically failed while I was driving under normal conditions. The tire blew out suddenly with complete sidewall separation, causing loss of vehicle control. There was no prior tire pressure warning before the failure occurred. Tire size: 225 /40R18 88V
Driving on highway around 65mph, car shut down internally completely blacking out inside. Turned back on a few seconds later while still driving all lights were blinking. Pushed the SOS no-one answered pushed again then someone came on. Matches the same description on the other 2025-26 hybrids in the corolla cross and camry hybrid.
I am writing to inform you of some recurring issues with my vehicle. The car has been displaying several (5) alerts, including those related to the parking brake system, drive-start control system, check engine light, vehicle stability control system, and secondary collision brake system. I took the car to a dealer for repairs, and they assured me that the issues were resolved. However, the following day, the problems reappeared. Additionally, when I start the car, it emits an unusual sound and begins to shake. Unfortunately, The dealer had 5 days my car to repair and denied to provide a rental car. I don't understand the reason if my car is new and the problem is manufacturing I would appreciate your assistance in addressing these ongoing concerns.
Showing 20 of 1,288 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Toyota Corolla
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Toyota Corolla, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Toyota Corolla has 1,288 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Toyota Corolla has 24 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 177 of the Toyota Corolla's 1,288 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Toyota Corolla vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Toyota Corolla vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Toyota Corolla has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Toyota Corolla.
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Toyota Corolla reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Corolla reliable?
Poor. The Toyota Corolla has 1,288 NHTSA owner complaints and 24 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Toyota Corolla years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2020 (308 complaints), 2019 (204 complaints), 2017 (189 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Toyota Corolla problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (250 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (248 complaints); AIR BAGS (223 complaints).
Does the Toyota Corolla have recalls?
Yes — 24 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Toyota Corolla. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.