2016 Toyota Corolla: common problems and reliability
An average Corolla year.
214 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Corolla?The 2016 Toyota Corolla has 214 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and service brakes. Owners most often flag transmission failure (non-hybrid): isolated report of a 2016 model with 68k miles potentially needing a new transmission.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Toyota Corolla vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Corolla years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Corolla?
Across the 29 Corolla model years we track, complaint volume runs from 73 (2023) to 1,533 (2009). With 214 complaints, the 2016 Corolla sits about the same as the model's median of 214.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Corolla
air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Campaign 20V024000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low cost of operation, and practicality as a daily commuter.
- IsolatedTransmission failure (non-hybrid)
Isolated report of a 2016 model with 68k miles potentially needing a new transmission.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Corolla. See the full Corolla owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Corolla listings typically run $11,794–$18,999.
Other Corolla model years
Compare every Corolla year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Corolla against its rivals
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