Corolla (E210)
Verdict The base 1.8L and the hybrid have each drawn about 75% fewer owner complaints per vehicle built than the generation's other engines. On the test drive, exercise the pre-collision and lane-keeping systems and confirm the CVT shifts cleanly.
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
M20-FKS
2.0L 4-cyl / 169 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2ZR-FAE
1.8L 4-cyl / 139 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2ZR-FXE, 1NM
1.8L 4-cyl / 96 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota Corolla Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The current Corolla, Toyota's E210 generation from 2019, carries 965 NHTSA complaints, and the record is not as spotless as the brand's reputation would suggest. The generation logs 105 crash-associated reports, 86 injuries, and three deaths, a pointed safety signal for a car this mainstream. Engine complaints lead at 219, with the safety-systems suite close behind at 195. The larger 2.0-liter scores 6.9, on 244 powertrain complaints from an estimated 724,000 cars, and the 1.8-liter scores 9.5 on 78 from about 702,000.
Two gas engines power the E210. The 2.0-liter M20-FKS, rated 169 horsepower and found in sportier trims and the hatchback, drew 570 complaints. The 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE, the base gas engine, drew 282. The hybrid's 1.8-liter appears as its own 2ZR-FXE entry, with 93 complaints.
The safety-systems cluster and the crash figures are the part of the Corolla's record that deserves attention. Toyota's pre-collision and lane-assist hardware is standard across the generation, and complaints about its behavior make up much of the 195-count bucket. Transmission complaints, largely tied to the CVT, follow at 144, and electrical at 116. Recalls are moderate at 15, including steering and electric-brake campaigns on 2023-2024 cars (24V878, 24V708) and the industry-wide Denso fuel-pump recalls (20V012, 20V682).
The transmission story is worth a line of its own. Most E210 Corollas use a continuously variable transmission, and the generation logs 144 transmission complaints. The hybrid, which pairs the 1.8-liter with Toyota's planetary hybrid transaxle rather than the CVT, sidesteps that concern.
The Corolla remains a sensible, efficient compact car with strong resale, and most owners will find it trouble-free. But the safety-systems complaints and the crash data mean the driver-assistance features deserve a careful look on a test drive, and the 2.0-liter's heavier complaint record per vehicle built is worth weighing against the base 1.8-liter.
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Hybrid (HEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla
Too few field reports to rate this generation against peers yet. Most recently launched models accumulate complaints over the first 2-3 years.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 5 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Hybrid system warnings, eCVT, motor-generator, hybrid transaxle.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Sample complaint excerpts
Hybrid Drivetrain
- [2020] Precollision System Malfunctioning and Hybrid System Malfunctioning warning signs on dashboard won’t allow the car to move or driven at all. I read reviews where people with the same warning signs on dashboard got their car stalled in the middle of the road. My vehicle only has 81,000 miles on it and Toyota dealership warranty states it’ll cover the vehicle up to 150,000 miles EV hybrid but now th
- [2022] 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Touchscreen/Infotainment Display randomly shut down while driving without warning and no longer functions. This could not be reset by holding the power button or disconnecting the vehicle battery. The backup camera still works, and the radio can be heard when the power button is pressed, but the display remains on a black screen and none of the controls on the steering w
- [2024] I am reporting an ongoing safety issue involving the Skid Control ECU and loss of power break recall on my 2024 Toyota corolla hybrid. The first time, my vehicle experienced loss of power brake assist and displayed a “Hybrid System Malfunction” message on screen. I towed my car to Toyota, confirmed it was related to the Skid Control ECU recall and repaired it under the recall at no cost, they di
Electric Propulsion
- [2022] Vehicle won't move. Emergency break malfunction notification came on. Unable to get to dealership without a tow. Diagnostic completed.. Quick service provided $701.66. Two A21 Cylinder Assy, RR DI @$402.90. Two A11 Actuator assy, parking @ $2168.34 also customer paid shop charge for repair order @ $99.00. Plus tax Total $3585.52 This car is a 2022 toyota corolla hybrid. Mileage at 78,000. This
- [2024] I am reporting an ongoing safety issue involving the Skid Control ECU and loss of power break recall on my 2024 Toyota corolla hybrid. The first time, my vehicle experienced loss of power brake assist and displayed a “Hybrid System Malfunction” message on screen. I towed my car to Toyota, confirmed it was related to the Skid Control ECU recall and repaired it under the recall at no cost, they di
Thermal Events
- [2023] after fueling strong fuel smell in vehicle within 100 miles check fuel cap light came on. next day check engine light came on. made appointment at dealership . dealership performed evap smoke test which found smoke coming from top of fuel cell. installed fuel pump ring and evap hose clip. performed evap test and smoke test -passed cleared codes. got car back next day less than 50 miles later ck en
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2024] I am reporting an ongoing safety issue involving the Skid Control ECU and loss of power break recall on my 2024 Toyota corolla hybrid. The first time, my vehicle experienced loss of power brake assist and displayed a “Hybrid System Malfunction” message on screen. I towed my car to Toyota, confirmed it was related to the Skid Control ECU recall and repaired it under the recall at no cost, they di
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
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.
Buyer's Guide
The engine split is the first decision. Per vehicle built, the gas 1.8-liter and the hybrid have each drawn about 75% fewer powertrain complaints than the generation's other engines, so either is the stronger pick on the data over a 2.0-liter SE, XSE or hatchback. On model year, the 2023-2024 cars picked up steering and electric-brake recalls, while the 2019-2020 cars fall under the Denso fuel-pump campaigns and 2019 cars under an air bag control unit recall (20V024).
Exercise the pre-collision and lane-keeping systems on the test drive, since the safety-systems bucket is one of the two largest and the generation carries a notable crash count. Confirm the CVT shifts cleanly under load, and scan for engine codes. Run the VIN through the NHTSA lookup for the steering, brake, fuel-pump, and airbag recalls that apply to the specific year.
The Corolla's resale strength means a modest used discount, but low running costs and wide parts availability keep total ownership costs down. A clean example with its recalls closed is a low-risk buy, provided the driver-assistance systems check out.
What to check on a used 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla
On a used 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (219), the airbags and driver-assist systems (195) and the transmission and drivetrain (144). 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.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 219 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla about the engine, all engines combined.
- 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 195 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 144 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 116 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla about the brakes.
Recalls (15)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles. Due to cracks developed during the manufacturing process, the steering intermediate shaft assembly may fracture and possibly result in the shaft detaching from the steering column.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid and 2023-2025 Corolla Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the skid control electronic control unit (ECU) may result in a loss of power brake assist when turning a corner.
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain Toyota 2023 GR Supra, 2024 4 Runner, Corolla, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Tacoma, Tacoma Hybrid, 2023-2024 BZ4X, Corolla Cross Hybrid, GR Corolla, GR86, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius Prime, Sequoia Hybrid, Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, Venza Hybrid, 2023-2025 Crown, and 2025 Camry Hybrid vehicles equipped with GST accessories. The load carrying capacity modification label may display inaccurate added weight values. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Toyota 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.
Show 10 older recalls
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Toyota 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Corolla Hatchback vehicles. A rear hatch wire harness connector may have been damaged during assembly, which may cause the back-up lights to fail.
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.
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.
Toyota 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.
Toyota 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."
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."
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). The pump impeller blades within the torque converter may detach, especially when driven under high load, potentially causing a vehicle stall.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla complaints?
Owners have filed 965 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla. The systems they name most often are the engine, the safety systems and the transmission.
Is the 2019-2025 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 965 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2025 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 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla have?
NHTSA has 965 owner complaints on file for the 2019-2025 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 2019-2025 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA lists 15 recalls covering some 2019-2025 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 engine, the safety systems 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 2025 Toyota Corolla received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% 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. 965 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.