Last updated: 2026-10-10

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 81/100

Skip the 2020 and 2023 model years. The 2020 is hit by a stubborn engine warning tied to the coolant bypass valve, plus clutch and communication module failures. The 2023 can shut off at stops with auto start/stop on. The 2021 is the better year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
2023 73/1002020 74/100
Buy
2021 83/100
Model average
81/100
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 81/100.

#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

Owners describe the engine shutting off at a stop with auto start/stop on, usually in rain with the wipers running. A low power steering warning appears, the wheel locks, and the car will not restart until shifted to park. Federal recall records list 15 recalls, the most of any year, and dealers often find no codes.

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

2020 Toyota Corolla

Owners report an Engine Maintenance Required message that will not clear, traced by dealers to a cracked or leaking coolant bypass valve. Out-of-warranty quotes reach $1,200. Manual cars see clutch slave cylinder leaks, and a failed communication module cuts hands-free calls. It has the most complaints per car sold of any year.

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 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota Corolla Problems?

ENGINE

173 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2023, 2021

2020: An "Engine Maintenance Required" message appears and will not clear.

POWER TRAIN

147 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2023

2019: Manual hatchbacks lose the clutch when the slave cylinder fails, in reports from 40,000 to 90,000 miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

146 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2020, 2022

2023: Stalling at a stop in the rain, with auto start/stop on, dominates these reports.

AIR BAGS

145 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2018, 2019

2021: Airbags fail to deploy in crashes, according to most of the crash reports here.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

127 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2023, 2021

2020: Many of these filings repeat the coolant bypass valve problem, with the same stuck "Engine Maintenance Required" warning and repair bills near $1,000.

STEERING

113 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2024, 2022

2023: The engine shuts off at a stop with auto start/stop on, usually in rain with the wipers running.

Best Toyota Corolla Year to Buy Instead

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 has one recall in federal records and far fewer complaints per car sold than the 2020 or 2023. It has also been on the road long enough to show its faults. Coolant bypass valve and air bag complaints exist, so check open recalls by VIN before buying.

Score: 83/100 (Excellent)1 recalls160 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2021 Toyota Corolla has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Toyota Corolla Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota Corolla years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2020 and 2023. Both sit well below the Corolla's own average. The 2020 brings a persistent engine maintenance warning and other failures, while the 2023 brings stalling at stops with auto start/stop on. The 2021 is the better pick.
Which Toyota Corolla years have transmission problems?
The data does not tie transmission trouble to one year. Power train was the top complaint area on the 2019. The 2020 adds clutch slave cylinder leaks on cars with the 6-speed manual, with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor.
Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla a safe used buy?
It is the best-supported choice, with one recall and fewer complaints per car sold than 2020 or 2023. It is not flawless. Owners report coolant bypass valve failures and air bags not deploying, so check open recalls and ask about the valve.
Are the 2025 and 2026 Toyota Corollas better than older years?
Not necessarily. They rank high only because they have had little time on the road. The 2026 has no complaints and no recalls yet, and the 2025 has few. That is a lack of history, so we do not recommend them over the 2021.
Why does the 2023 Toyota Corolla stall?
Owners report the engine shutting off at a stop with auto start/stop on, usually in rain with the wipers running. A low power steering warning follows and the wheel locks. Drivers have to shift to park to restart, and dealers often find no stored codes.

How we score every Toyota Corolla model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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