Last updated: 2026-03-04

Toyota Corolla

2 Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Toyota Corolla average of 79/100

The Toyota Corolla years to avoid are 2023, 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2023 with a reliability score of 73/100. The best Toyota Corolla year to buy is 2025 84/100.

Verdict

The 2023, 2020 Toyota Corolla score significantly below the model average of 79/100. The weakest year is 2023 with a score of 73/100 due to steering (60) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 80/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota Corolla average of 79/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202373/100Good15243Steering (60)
2202074/100Good7290Engine (82)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Toyota Corolla

The 2023 Toyota Corolla has good reliability. There are 15 recalls and 243 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Toyota Corolla. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (60), Electrical System (45), Engine (29).

15 recalls243 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Steering (60), Electrical System (45), Engine (29), Exterior Lighting (25), Unknown Or Other (23), Air Bags (15)

View full 2023 reliability report →
74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 290 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Toyota Corolla. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (82), Unknown Or Other (62), Power Train (32).

7 recalls290 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (82), Unknown Or Other (62), Power Train (32), Electrical System (25), Air Bags (17), Visibility Wiper (11)

View full 2020 reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota Corolla Problems?

Top reported issues across all Toyota Corolla model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

173 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

172 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

147 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

146 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

145 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

113 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Toyota Corolla Year to Buy Instead

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2018 Toyota Corolla

The 2018 Toyota Corolla has excellent reliability. There are 3 recalls and 137 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota Corolla. Severity signals include 27 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (32), Fuel System, Gasoline (15), Electrical System (13).

Score: 80/100 (Excellent)3 recalls137 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Toyota Corolla Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Toyota Corolla Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Toyota Corolla years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Toyota Corolla years: 2023 (score: 73/100), 2020 (score: 74/100). These model years score significantly below the Toyota Corolla average of 79/100.
What is the best year for the Toyota Corolla?
The best year for the Toyota Corolla is 2025, with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 2 recalls and 37 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Toyota Corolla have?
Across all years in our database, the Toyota Corolla has a total of 44 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Toyota Corolla worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 79/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Toyota Corolla problems?
The most common Toyota Corolla problems are engine (173 complaints), unknown or other (172 complaints), power train (147 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Toyota Corolla reliable long-term?
The Toyota Corolla has an average reliability score of 79/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Toyota Corolla generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Toyota Corolla generation is the Eleventh generation (E170, E180) with an average score of 79/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Toyota Corolla?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Toyota Corolla is $362 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Toyota Corolla a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota Corolla is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 2 recalls and 37 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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