Last updated: 2026-04-20

2019 Toyota Corolla Reliability Report
The 2019 Toyota Corolla scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 190 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
6
Complaints
190
Complaint Rate
6.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$362
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,650–$2,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (46)
- ENGINE (23)
- AIR BAGS (19)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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.
2014: Eleventh generation (E170, E180) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (E170, E180).
Should You Buy the 2019 Toyota Corolla?
At 77/100, the 2019 Toyota Corolla lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is the last model year of the Eleventh generation (E170, E180).
Owners log 190 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (46). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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

2019 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 78/100

2019 KIA Forte
Reliability: 67/100

2019 Honda Civic
Reliability: 75/100

2019 Nissan Sentra
Reliability: 75/100

2019 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (46)
- ENGINE (23)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2019 Toyota Corolla has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
6.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 18.3
Safety Incidents
22
Crashes
1
Fires
15
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2019 Toyota Corolla? Check its history first
Every 2019 Toyota Corolla has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Toyota Corolla NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.4%
Safety Technologies
Toyota CorollaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
30–36 MPG
Running cost: $2,000–$2,350/yr
Fuel + repair
27–32 city / 35–42 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla Hatchback 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S10) | 32 | 42 | 36 | $1,650 |
| Corolla LE Eco 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 | 40 | 34 | $1,750 |
| Corolla Hatchback XSE 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S10) | 30 | 38 | 33 | $1,800 |
| Corolla LE Eco 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 38 | 33 | $1,800 |
| Corolla 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 36 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Corolla 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 35 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Corolla Hatchback 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 28 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Corolla 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Toyota Corolla.
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
2019 Toyota Corolla Common Problems by Component
190 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
46 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE
23 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (19 complaints)
AIR BAGS
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL SYSTEM (12 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
12 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (10 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STEERING (8 complaints)
STEERING
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SEAT BELTS (5 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
When Do 2019 Toyota Corolla Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Toyota Corolla Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Toyota Corolla Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
Toyota Corolla Reliability Score Trend
Toyota Corolla reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 79/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 84/100 | Excellent |
Toyota Corolla Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 79/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 84/100 | +3 | Excellent | 2 | 37 |
| 2024 | 81/100 | +8 | Excellent | 8 | 97 |
| 2023 | 73/100 | -9 | Good | 15 | 243 |
| 2022 | 82/100 | -1 | Excellent | 2 | 120 |
| 2021 | 83/100 | +9 | Excellent | 1 | 160 |
| 2020 | 74/100 | -3 | Good | 7 | 290 |
| 2019(selected) | 77/100 | -3 | Good | 6 | 190 |
| 2018 | 80/100 | — | Excellent | 3 | 137 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Corolla?
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Corolla have?
Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Toyota Corolla without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
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