Last updated: 2026-03-04

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
2023 Toyota Corolla

2023 Toyota Corolla Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2023 Toyota Corolla scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 15 recalls and 243 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2023 is the last model year of the Twelfth generation (E210).

Recalls

15

Complaints

243

Complaint Rate

10.5

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$362

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

7%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
62/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
90/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
60/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
85/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

STEERING (60)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (45)ENGINE (29)

15 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2023 is the last model year of the Twelfth generation (E210).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 8th 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.

Twelfth generation (E210)

2020redesign
2021
2022
2023selected

Should You Buy the 2023 Toyota Corolla?

The 2023 Toyota Corolla scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is the last model year of the Twelfth generation (E210).

With 243 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 steering (60). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2024 Toyota Corolla, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2022 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
  • STEERING: Several steering-related issues with the 2023 Toyota Corolla (60 complaints)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (45 complaints)

Compare 2023 Toyota Corolla With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 15 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • STEERING (60)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (45)
  • ENGINE (29)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (25)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23)
  • POWER TRAIN (16)
  • AIR BAGS (15)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (8)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
  • VISIBILITY (2)
  • STRUCTURE (2)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (1)
  • PARKING BRAKE (1)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
  • SEATS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

15

recalls on record

The 2023 Toyota Corolla has 15 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

10.5

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 9.2

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

14

Fires

3

Injuries

9

Deaths

0

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

2023 Toyota Corolla Recall Details

15 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Toyota Corolla. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V0400002025-01-29

STEERING, AIR BAGS

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."

Consequence

A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.

24V8780002024-11-21

STEERING

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.

Consequence

A steering shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TB13/24TA13.

23V4800002023-07-12

STEERING, AIR BAGS

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."

Consequence

A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

2023 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: 10.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 10.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)
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 2023 Toyota Corolla

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

  • Test auto start/stop function for unexpected engine shut-offs
  • Inspect for premature tire wear, especially on inner edges
  • Check for steering pull or oscillation during test drive
  • Verify infotainment system stability and navigation accuracy
  • Ensure all dashboard warning lights are off during operation
  • Confirm proper function of forward collision avoidance systems
  • Inspect clutch for signs of premature wear or slipping

Check Any 2023 Toyota Corolla's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.

2023 Toyota Corolla Common Problems by Component

243 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

60
45
29
25
STEERING (60)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (45)ENGINE (29)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (25)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23)POWER TRAIN (16)AIR BAGS (15)SERVICE BRAKES (8)Other (22)

STEERING

60 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2023 Toyota Corolla. A common problem involves the steering column failing to lock into place, often requiring replacement, with some instances occurring around 35,000 miles. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle pulling to one side or oscillating within the lane, even when lane assist features are disabled. Additionally, several owners experience power steering loss accompanied by engine shutdowns, particularly during wet conditions, which can lead to dangerous situations at intersections or on highways. There are reports of crashes linked to steering assist systems misinterpreting road conditions, resulting in loss of control. These issues suggest potential safety risks, particularly at higher speeds or in adverse weather.

60 complaints total3 crashes

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

45 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several electrical issues with the 2023 Toyota Corolla, with common failure patterns including unexpected engine shut-offs, particularly when driving in wet conditions with windshield wipers active. Complaints frequently mention dashboard warnings such as "low steering power" and "engine stopping," often necessitating a full vehicle restart. Some reports involve the automatic emergency braking system activating without cause, contributing to at least one crash. Issues are noted across various mileages, with some occurring in vehicles with as few as 5,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes and injuries, indicating potential risks for loss of control. These patterns suggest potential buyers should be aware of these issues when considering a used model.

45 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries

ENGINE

29 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2023 Toyota Corolla's engine, particularly involving the auto-start/stop feature. Complaints frequently mention the engine shutting off unexpectedly when stopped at traffic lights, requiring the driver to shift into park and restart the vehicle. This issue is often linked to wet conditions and occurs at various mileages, sometimes as early as 11,619 miles. Additionally, there are reports of strong fuel odors and check engine lights related to fuel system components, and one incident of a vehicle fire after noticing a burning smell. These issues, especially the sudden engine shutoffs, pose potential safety risks in traffic situations.

29 complaints total1 fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (25 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

25 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Toyota Corolla frequently report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, specifically regarding the headlights. A common problem involves shadows or dark spots in the beam of the low beam headlights, which many owners describe as obstructing visibility and making night driving hazardous. Some owners link these shadows to design elements within the headlight assembly, and multiple reports indicate that dealerships acknowledge the issue but cite it as normal with no available fix. Several complaints mention incidents where the shadowed lighting contributed to accidents, such as hitting objects on the road. These issues are reported soon after purchase, with some vehicles having as little as 6 miles on the odometer. This pattern of complaints suggests potential safety implications for prospective buyers, especially those who frequently drive at night.

25 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Toyota Corolla, with the most common being problems related to the vehicle's start-stop system and electronic displays. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving or at red lights, often accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights such as "Parking Brake System" and "Check Engine." These incidents are reported even at low mileages, sometimes as early as 390 miles. Additionally, issues with the 12.3-inch display screen not turning on or shutting down while driving are noted. Safety implications include reports of crashes and fires, with one owner describing a fire that led to a total vehicle loss. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues and the associated safety risks.

23 complaints total1 crash2 fires
POWER TRAIN (16 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

16 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Toyota Corolla's power train, notably involving the clutch and start/stop system. Complaints frequently mention premature clutch wear and failure, with symptoms including slipping, burning smells, and inability to switch gears, sometimes occurring under 5,500 miles. The start/stop system is another common issue, where the engine fails to restart automatically at stoplights, causing the car to stall and requiring manual intervention to restart, often with warning lights illuminating. These issues carry potential safety implications, such as loss of vehicle control and increased risk in traffic situations. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they might affect vehicle reliability, especially in models with higher mileage.

16 complaints total
AIR BAGS (15 complaints)

AIR BAGS

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2023 Toyota Corolla, with multiple complaints describing airbags failing to deploy during crashes, despite significant vehicle damage and impact forces. Some complaints involve unexpected airbag deployment without collision, causing loss of control. Reports frequently mention the vehicle being involved in accidents at various speeds, including while stationary or moving at moderate speeds, with no airbag activation. Six of the complaints involve crashes, resulting in six injuries, highlighting potential safety risks. Some owners also express frustration with unresolved airbag recalls, citing difficulties in obtaining repairs or clear communication from dealerships.

15 complaints total6 crashes6 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

8 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Toyota Corolla report several issues related to the service brakes, with frequent mentions of brake pedal resistance and malfunction during wet conditions. Complaints often describe the brake pedal requiring excessive effort to depress, particularly during rainstorms, and in some cases, the brakes fail to engage properly in the final stages of braking, leading to delayed stops. Some owners report incidents occurring at low to moderate speeds, with no warning lights or alerts present. Additionally, issues with the auto stop/start feature are noted, where the vehicle fails to restart after engaging, especially in conjunction with windshield wiper use. The mileage at which these issues occur is varied, with one report at approximately 1,000 miles. Safety implications include potential near-collisions due to delayed braking response, but no crashes or injuries are reported.

8 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2023 Toyota Corolla's forward collision avoidance systems, particularly involving the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and automatic braking features. Complaints frequently mention false pre-collision alerts and unexpected braking when no vehicles are nearby, as well as the ACC failing to detect vehicles in rainy conditions, leading to the need for manual braking to avoid collisions. These issues are reported across various mileages, with one complaint noting occurrences as early as 2,800 miles. Safety implications include the risk of rear-end collisions due to unexpected braking and near-misses when the system does not detect vehicles in adverse weather. One report includes an injury linked to abrupt braking, highlighting potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.

5 complaints total1 injury
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2023 Toyota Corolla report issues with vehicle speed control, primarily involving the cruise control system and ECU programming. Complaints frequently mention that the cruise control automatically activates upon vehicle start, with no option to fully deactivate it, leading to potential accidental acceleration if the resume button is pressed. Another reported issue involves incorrect ECU calibration affecting speedometer accuracy, which could result in unintentional speeding and affect other systems like collision alerts and adaptive cruise control. One crash is reported where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated without response from the brakes, resulting in a loss of control and injury. These issues often emerge shortly after vehicle delivery, highlighting potential safety implications for buyers considering this model.

4 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2023 Toyota Corolla Problems Start?

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

0–1,000 milesEngine shut-offs
0–500 milesSteering issues
14,000 milesTire wear

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).

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2023(this page)

15 recalls · 243 complaints

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2020

7 recalls · 290 complaints

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
2023(selected)73/100-9Good15243
202282/100-1Excellent2120
202183/100+9Excellent1160
202074/100-3Good7290
201977/100-3Good6190
201880/100Excellent3137

2023 Toyota Corolla Reliability by Powertrain

The 2023 Toyota Corolla is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas2419175 out of 5
HEV2605 out of 5
Total2431517

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Toyota Corolla reliable?
The 2023 Toyota Corolla has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 73/100. It is reasonably reliable with 15 recalls and 243 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Toyota Corolla?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Toyota Corolla include: STEERING (60 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (45 complaints), ENGINE (29 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (25 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Corolla have?
The 2023 Toyota Corolla has 15 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2023 Toyota Corolla expensive to maintain?
The 2023 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 73/100, 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