Last updated: 2026-03-04

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Toyota Corolla

2019 Toyota Corolla Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Toyota Corolla scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 190 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (E170, E180).

Recalls

6

Complaints

190

Complaint Rate

6.2

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$362

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

7%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
69/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
90/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
65/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
86/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

POWER TRAIN (46)ENGINE (23)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)

6 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2019 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (E170, E180).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 2 years after the last refresh (2017).
  • 7th generation Corolla (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

Eleventh generation (E170, E180)

2014redesign
2015
2016
2017refresh
2018
2019selected

Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota Corolla?

The 2019 Toyota Corolla scores 77/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (E170, E180).

With 190 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (46). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Toyota Corolla, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2018 Toyota Corolla for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $164 cheaper to maintain than avg compact cars
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (7%)

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • POWER TRAIN: Clutch slave cylinder, which is described as failing prematurely, often between... (46 complaints)
  • ENGINE issues reported (23 complaints)

Compare 2019 Toyota Corolla With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • POWER TRAIN (46)
  • ENGINE (23)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)
  • AIR BAGS (19)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (12)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (10)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10)
  • STEERING (8)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (7)
  • SEAT BELTS (5)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
  • STRUCTURE (3)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
  • TIRES (2)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
  • SEATS (1)
  • SUSPENSION (1)
  • PARKING BRAKE (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

6

recalls on record

The 2019 Toyota Corolla has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

6.2

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 15.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

22

Fires

1

Injuries

15

Deaths

1

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Toyota Corolla Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Toyota Corolla. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V6820002020-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

20V0240002020-01-17

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.

20V0120002020-01-13

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Consequence

If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

2019 Toyota Corolla NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 10.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Air Bags)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota Corolla Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$362

vs $526 avg for compact cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

7%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Corolla
$362
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Toyota Corolla

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect clutch slave cylinder for leaks or failure
  • Check for 'Engine Maintenance Required' message related to coolant bypass valve
  • Test manual transmission for smooth gear shifting
  • Verify airbag deployment functionality
  • Check for any recalls related to fuel system or transmission
  • Test cruise control for unintended acceleration on inclines

Check Any 2019 Toyota Corolla's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Corolla in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Corolla with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Toyota Corolla Common Problems by Component

190 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

46
23
22
36
POWER TRAIN (46)ENGINE (23)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)AIR BAGS (19)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)FUEL SYSTEM (12)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (10)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10)Other (36)

POWER TRAIN

46 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 Toyota Corolla's manual transmission, particularly involving the clutch slave cylinder, which is described as failing prematurely, often between 20,000 to 90,000 miles. Symptoms include the inability to shift gears, clutch pedals sticking or falling to the floor, and brake fluid leaks, which could potentially lead to brake failure. Complaints also mention transmission rattling, hesitation during acceleration, and a high repair cost not covered under warranty. Safety implications are noted, with one incident involving a crash and others describing near-miss situations due to sudden loss of power or control, particularly when the vehicle locks into gear unexpectedly. These reports may be important for used car buyers to consider, especially for manual transmission models.

46 complaints total1 crash

ENGINE

23 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the engine coolant bypass valve in the 2019 Toyota Corolla, often leading to an "Engine Maintenance Required" message. This problem typically arises between 30,000 and 71,000 miles, with many owners noting the issue when the air conditioning is activated. Complaints frequently mention that the faulty valve can risk engine overheating and cause electrical issues, with repair costs being a notable concern. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the torque converter in the CVT transmission, which may result in loss of power and unusual noises when shifting. While no crashes or fires are reported, these issues could impact vehicle reliability and maintenance costs for potential buyers.

23 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

22 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Corolla frequently report issues with the engine coolant bypass valve failing prematurely, often around 63,000 miles. Symptoms include no warning lights but require diagnostic testing, with repair costs noted by owners. Another common complaint involves the manual transmission's clutch system, with reports of the slave cylinder failing around 66,000 miles, leading to a spongy clutch feel and potential safety risks if the clutch fails while driving. Some owners also experience problems with the CVT transmission hesitating, particularly over 40 mph, and others report paint quality deterioration. Safety implications include one reported crash, and some owners express concern about the vehicle stalling or not starting, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road.

22 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (19 complaints)

AIR BAGS

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with airbag deployment failures in the 2019 Toyota Corolla, particularly during collisions. Complaints often describe airbags not deploying in crashes, with some incidents resulting in injuries. Multiple owners also mention the airbag sensor light activating without impact, indicating potential sensor malfunctions. These issues are frequently reported at various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring as early as 10,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as nine complaints involve crashes and injuries, highlighting the importance of verifying airbag functionality for prospective buyers.

19 complaints total9 crashes9 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Corolla report a range of electrical system issues, with several complaints highlighting sudden loss of power while driving, leading to crashes and injuries. Some owners describe incidents where the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly, causing instrument panel warning lights to illuminate, with occurrences noted around 13,000 miles. A fire originating in the driver's seat area while the vehicle is parked is also reported, suggesting potential electrical failures involving seat wiring. Additionally, there are mentions of a recurring faint noise from the rear of the vehicle when parked. These issues present significant safety implications, including crashes, injuries, and a fire hazard, which are critical for used car buyers to consider.

12 complaints total2 crashes1 fire4 injuries
FUEL SYSTEM (12 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

12 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Corolla frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly stalling and failure to start. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle stalling while driving at various speeds or failing to restart after being turned off, often accompanied by warning lights such as "Trac Off" and "check engine." Some owners indicate these problems occur around 10,000 to 128,000 miles. Multiple reports highlight difficulties in obtaining parts for a related recall, which may delay repairs. No reports mention crashes or fires, but the stalling could pose a safety risk if it occurs in traffic. This information is relevant for potential buyers considering the reliability and maintenance history of this model.

12 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

10 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the 2019 Toyota Corolla's cruise control system, particularly when driving on inclines or declines. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating beyond the set speed, with RPMs spiking to 4000, sometimes resulting in a speed increase of 5-10 MPH over the intended limit. This behavior typically occurs during downhill travel and is noted as persisting until the road levels out. The issue is reported at various mileage points, with some owners experiencing it shortly after purchasing the vehicle. One complaint includes a crash where unintended acceleration led to a collision with a garage wall, though no injuries were reported. These symptoms could pose safety risks, particularly in maintaining control on varied terrain.

10 complaints total1 crash
STEERING (8 complaints)

STEERING

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Corolla frequently report issues with the steering system, including difficulty turning the steering wheel and the vehicle pulling to the left. Complaints often describe warning lights, such as the electric power steering and lane departure alert indicators, illuminating during these events. Some reports note that these issues occur at relatively low mileages, with one case at approximately 1,488 miles and others around 30,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with two incidents involving crashes, one resulting in an injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering-related concerns, particularly the risk of loss of control while driving.

8 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Corolla frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving brake booster and hydraulic brake booster pump failures. Symptoms described include increased stopping distances, requiring more pressure on the brake pedal, and hard brakes. These issues sometimes occur without prior warning lights, and are reported both after long drives and at various mileage points, such as around 20,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes due to brake failure, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, some owners mention problems with the adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking systems, often linked to sensor malfunctions after accidents.

7 complaints total2 crashes
SEAT BELTS (5 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Toyota Corolla report issues with the seat belts, primarily involving the inability of the seat belt buckles to engage or disengage properly. Complaints frequently mention that both the front and rear seat belts fail to latch or remain latched, with some requiring excessive force to operate. One report involves a crash where the driver restraint webbing was torn, highlighting a potential safety risk. These issues are noted at various mileages, including as early as 18,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of potential seat belt malfunctions and consider checking the availability of recall repairs related to these issues.

5 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2019 Toyota Corolla Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

20,000–70,000 milesClutch slave cylinder failure
30,000–71,000 milesEngine coolant bypass valve issues

Best & Worst Toyota Corolla Years

Best Toyota Corolla Years to Buy

The best Toyota Corolla year is 2025 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (83/100) and 2022 (82/100).

Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid

The worst Toyota Corolla year is 2023 with a score of 73/100, primarily due to steering (60) issues. Also avoid 2020 (74/100).

See full Toyota Corolla years-to-avoid analysis →

Toyota Corolla Reliability Score Trend

Toyota Corolla reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 79/100.

avg 79
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Corolla reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201880/100Excellent
201977/100Good
202074/100Good
202183/100Excellent
202282/100Excellent
202373/100Good
202481/100Excellent
202584/100Excellent

Toyota Corolla Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202679/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202584/100+3Excellent237
202481/100+8Excellent897
202373/100-9Good15243
202282/100-1Excellent2120
202183/100+9Excellent1160
202074/100-3Good7290
2019(selected)77/100-3Good6190
201880/100Excellent3137

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla reliable?
The 2019 Toyota Corolla has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 77/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 190 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Corolla?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Toyota Corolla include: POWER TRAIN (46 complaints), ENGINE (23 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22 complaints), AIR BAGS (19 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Corolla have?
The 2019 Toyota Corolla has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Toyota Corolla has estimated annual repair costs of $362/year, which is $164 less than the compact cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 77/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue