2020 Toyota Corolla: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Corolla years.
312 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Corolla?The 2020 Toyota Corolla has 312 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train.
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Toyota Corolla vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Corolla years only. How we score it
Is 2020 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 312 complaints, the 2020 Corolla sits above 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 2020 Corolla
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 20V682000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
seat belts: rear/other:buckle assembly
Campaign 19V877000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 23V865000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
electronic stability control (esc)
Campaign 19V544000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low cost of operation, and practicality as a daily commuter.
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 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Corolla against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
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