Reliability
Toyota

Corolla (E170)

2014-2018 · Compact Sedan · 2 engines
1,030 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
11 Fire Reports
264 Crash Reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
COROLLACOROLLA IM
View all 7 generations of the Toyota Corolla → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.7 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar compact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 230 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 1,634.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall230 complaints against about 1,634 for similar vehicles
9.7
Last three years21 complaints against about 501 for similar vehicles
9.9
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced28 complaints against about 356 for similar vehicles
9.8
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating3 complaints against about 149 for similar vehicles
10.0

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20149.7
  • 20159.7
  • 20169.8
  • 20179.8
  • 20189.4

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

2ZR-FE

1.8L 4-cyl / 132 hp
942 complaints 173.2 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
287
other
142
electrical
127
transmission
101
brakes
90

Toyota Corolla Unidentified Engine

88 complaints 17.6 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
18
safety systems
17
exterior
15
brakes
10
body
9

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Corolla, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 304 owner complaints
Electrical System: 133 owner complaints
Transmission: 109 owner complaints
Brakes: 100 owner complaints
Body/Trim: 95 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla

On a used 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (304), the electrical system (133) and the transmission and drivetrain (109). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 304 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla about the electrical system.
  3. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 109 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla about the transmission and drivetrain.
  4. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla about the brakes.
  5. Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 95 owner complaints on the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla about the body and structure.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla

Recalls (5)

20V024000Jan 17, 2020serious
Air Bags

Toyota 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.

20V012000Jan 13, 2020serious
Fuel System

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

19V503000Jun 28, 2019serious
Equipment

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

17V295000May 2, 2017serious
Tires

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.

13V505000Oct 17, 2013serious
Visibility

Toyota Motor Engineering & manufacturing North America, Inc. (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, model year 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV and model year 2014 Corolla vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the windshield wiper switch assembly may short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla complaints?

Owners have filed 1,030 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the transmission.

Is the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,030 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla have?

NHTSA has 1,030 owner complaints on file for the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla?

NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2014-2018 Toyota Corolla vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Corolla?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Corolla?

The 2018 Toyota Corolla received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,030 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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