Toyota Corolla years to avoid and best years
Newer Toyota Corolla years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2014 has the most complaints per year, at 30 (269 complaints). 2012 through 2024 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 16 (from 185 complaints), 2012 at 16 (from 446 complaints), and 2022 at 20 (from 100 complaints). The Toyota Corolla 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2014 Toyota Corolla, 41 of 269 complaints name Air bags.
Data as of .
2021
2012
2022
2025–26
Toyota Corolla reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Toyota Corolla. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 39.3 |
| 2025 → Too early | 16 | 31 | 0 | Tires | 39.4 |
| 2024 → | 21 | 63 | 2 | Powertrain | 40.8 |
| 2023 → | 22 | 73 | 3 | Exterior lighting | 40.8 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 20 | 100 | 0 | Powertrain | 34.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 16 | 185 | 1 | Air bags | 34.5 |
| 2020 → | 29 | 308 | 3 | Engine | 34.9 |
| 2019 → | 26 | 203 | 5 | Powertrain | 32.5 |
| 2018 → | 28 | 133 | 3 | Air bags | 32 |
| 2017 → | 29 | 189 | 3 | Air bags | 32 |
| 2016 → | 29 | 214 | 1 | Air bags | 31.8 |
| 2015 → | 29 | 219 | 1 | Air bags | 31.8 |
| 2014 → Most | 30 | 269 | 2 | Air bags | 32 |
| 2013 → | 29 | 201 | 5 | Air bags | 29 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 16 | 446 | 5 | Air bags | 29 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 4.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15 (L), 205/55R16 (LE/S/XLE), 215/45R17 (XRS 2.4L)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-024 covers certain 2011-2019 Toyota Corolla vehicles, along with other Toyota and Lexus models: during certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit may malfunction, possibly disabling deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners. Toyota dealers inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness when needed. Recall 17V-006 covers certain 2012 Toyota Corolla vehicles originally sold or ever registered in states Toyota identified as high humidity, plus Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Saipan, and the U.S. Virgin Islands: the front passenger air bag inflator may rupture. Toyota's remedy replaces the inflator.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 4.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15 (L/LE Eco), 205/55R16 (LE/XLE/S), 215/45R17 (SE/XSE)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-024 covers certain 2011-2019 Toyota Corolla vehicles, along with other Toyota and Lexus models: during certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit may malfunction, possibly disabling deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners. Recall 20V-012 covers certain 2018-2019 Toyota Corolla vehicles, and Toyota later expanded that campaign to include certain 2018 Corolla vehicles, because the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Recall 13V-505 covers certain model year 2014 Corolla vehicles: the windshield wiper switch assembly may short circuit, which can make the wipers inoperative. Dealers replace the wiper switch, the fuel pump, or install the air bag ECU noise filter as applicable under each campaign.
- Body styles
- Sedan, Hatchback
- Oil
- 0W-20 · 4.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15 (Hybrid LE), 205/55R16 (sedan L/LE/XLE; hatch SE), 225/40R18 (sedan SE/XSE; hatch XSE)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 24V-878 covers certain 2023-2024 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles: due to cracks developed during manufacturing, the steering intermediate shaft assembly may fracture and possibly detach from the steering column, which can cause a loss of steering control. Dealers replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 17, 2025. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB13 and 24TA13.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Corolla years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 16 (from 185 complaints), 2012 at 16 (from 446 complaints), and 2022 at 20 (from 100 complaints).
Which Toyota Corolla year has the most owner complaints?
2014 has the most complaints per year, at 30 (269 complaints). 2012 through 2024 are in that same range. On the 2014 Toyota Corolla, 41 of 269 complaints name Air bags.
How do Toyota Corolla owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Toyota Corolla years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Toyota Corolla years are too early to compare?
The Toyota Corolla 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2018 Toyota Corolla?
11th generation (2014-2019 in the US).
What oil does a Toyota Corolla use?
Recent US Corolla generations specify 0W-20; capacity is typically about 4.4 qt with filter on the 1.8L, but always check the owner manual for your engine.
Does the Toyota Corolla come as a hatchback?
In the US, the Corolla Hatchback joined the sedan starting with the 12th generation (2020 model year onward); earlier US Corollas were sedan only.