Avoid: 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 29 model years, the Toyota Corolla has 11,391 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 162 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and vehicle speed control. 2009 drew the most complaints (1,533), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (73).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Toyota Corolla vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $11,794–$18,999.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2024 | 66 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2022 | 104 |
| 2021 | 186 |
| 2020 | 312 |
| 2019 | 205 |
| 2018 | 142 |
| 2017 | 189 |
| 2016 | 214 |
| 2015 | 220 |
| 2014 | 269 |
| 2013 | 202 |
| 2012 | 446 |
| 2011 | 590 |
| 2010 | 1,264 |
| 2009 | 1,533 |
| 2008 | 345 |
| 2007 | 883 |
| 2006 | 904 |
| 2005 | 942 |
| 2004 | 506 |
| 2003 | 768 |
| 2002 | 149 |
| 2001 | 138 |
| 2000 | 157 |
| 1999 | 159 |
| 1998 | 248 |
| 1997 | 144 |
Highest: 2009 (1,533 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (73).
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low cost of operation, and practicality as a daily commuter.
Isolated report of a 2016 model with 68k miles potentially needing a new transmission.
Isolated reports on early-2000s models (e.g., 2001 Echo) for misfires and EVAP codes.
Mention of some 2017 models having an open recall for the ECU unit.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Corolla. Individual model years are broken down above.
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy