Toyota Corolla: best & worst years

No Toyota Corolla model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Toyota Corolla year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 9 A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.; A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 9 A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.; A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 9 A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.; A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected. Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 9 A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.; A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 8 A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.; A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 8 Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.; The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 8 Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.; The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 8 Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.; The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars. Full report ↗
2016 Recommended 8 Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.; The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars. Full report ↗
2015 Recommended 8 Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.; The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars. Full report ↗
2014 Recommended 8 Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.; On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.; The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars. Full report ↗
2008 Recommended 8 Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.; Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.; These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.; Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars. Full report ↗
2012 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.; These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.; Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars. Full report ↗
2011 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.; These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.; Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars. Full report ↗
2007 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.; Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage. Full report ↗
2006 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.; Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage. Full report ↗
2005 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.; The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.; Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.; These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.; Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.; These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.; Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars. Full report ↗

Toyota Corolla problems by year

2024 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2024 Corolla is one of the most reliable, lowest-running-cost compacts you can buy, with standard advanced safety, strong fuel economy and top resale value. Modest power and highway road noise are the only real trade-offs.

  • A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.
  • A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected.

2023 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2023 Corolla is one of the most reliable, lowest-running-cost compacts you can buy, with standard advanced safety, strong fuel economy and top resale value. Modest power and highway road noise are the only real trade-offs.

  • A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.
  • A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected.

2022 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2022 Corolla is one of the most reliable, lowest-running-cost compacts you can buy, with standard advanced safety, strong fuel economy and top resale value. Modest power and highway road noise are the only real trade-offs.

  • A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.
  • A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected.

2021 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2021 Corolla is one of the most reliable, lowest-running-cost compacts you can buy, with standard advanced safety, strong fuel economy and top resale value. Modest power and highway road noise are the only real trade-offs.

  • A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.
  • A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected.

2020 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The redesigned 2020 Corolla brings sharper handling, better economy and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 atop class-leading reliability. A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve is the main reported niggle; otherwise a low-cost, long-lived pick.

  • A faulty engine-coolant bypass valve can trigger an "Engine Maintenance Required" message, often with no diagnostic trouble code; the valve may need replacement.
  • A small number of owners report driveline shudder or hesitation from the CVT under light acceleration; most cars are unaffected.

2019 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2019 Corolla adds standard Toyota Safety Sense (auto emergency braking, lane-keep) to the line’s hallmark reliability and low running costs. Slow but dependable, with excellent resale, a safe used buy.

  • Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.
  • The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars.

2018 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2018 Corolla adds standard Toyota Safety Sense (auto emergency braking, lane-keep) to the line’s hallmark reliability and low running costs. Slow but dependable, with excellent resale, a safe used buy.

  • Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.
  • The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars.

2017 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2017 Corolla adds standard Toyota Safety Sense (auto emergency braking, lane-keep) to the line’s hallmark reliability and low running costs. Slow but dependable, with excellent resale, a safe used buy.

  • Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.
  • The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars.

2016 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2016 Corolla pairs strong fuel economy and bulletproof reliability with a five-star crash rating. The CVT is durable though leisurely; early cars got a free shift-software update. Low repair and insurance costs make it a strong value.

  • Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.
  • The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars.

2015 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2015 Corolla pairs strong fuel economy and bulletproof reliability with a five-star crash rating. The CVT is durable though leisurely; early cars got a free shift-software update. Low repair and insurance costs make it a strong value.

  • Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.
  • The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars.

2014 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2014 Corolla pairs strong fuel economy and bulletproof reliability with a five-star crash rating. The CVT is durable though leisurely; early cars got a free shift-software update. Low repair and insurance costs make it a strong value.

  • Through 2016 these cars remain under the Takata airbag recall; confirm the inflator remedy was completed.
  • On the six-speed manual (SE and hatchback), the clutch concentric slave cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid, causing sudden loss of the clutch. Specific to manual-transmission cars.
  • The Entune touchscreen and navigation can freeze, crash, or be slow to respond on some cars.

2013 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2013 Corolla is a dependable, economical compact with the earlier steering complaints and recall noise largely behind it. Cheap to own and long-lived, an easy used pick with clean maintenance records.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.
  • These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.
  • Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars.

2012 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2012 Corolla is a dependable, economical compact with the earlier steering complaints and recall noise largely behind it. Cheap to own and long-lived, an easy used pick with clean maintenance records.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.
  • These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.
  • Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars.

2011 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2011 Corolla is a dependable, economical compact with the earlier steering complaints and recall noise largely behind it. Cheap to own and long-lived, an easy used pick with clean maintenance records.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.
  • These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.
  • Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars.

2010 Toyota Corolla Caution

The 2010 Corolla keeps the line’s low running costs and longevity, but this year drew widespread electric-power-steering wander complaints and sits in Toyota’s unintended-acceleration recall window. NHTSA closed the steering probe finding no defect; verify all recalls were done.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.
  • These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.
  • Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars.

2009 Toyota Corolla Caution

The 2009 Corolla keeps the line’s low running costs and longevity, but this year drew widespread electric-power-steering wander complaints and sits in Toyota’s unintended-acceleration recall window. NHTSA closed the steering probe finding no defect; verify all recalls were done.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade and rupture; these cars are under a major safety recall. Verify the airbag recall was completed before buying.
  • These model years fall in Toyota’s 2009-2011 unintended-acceleration recalls covering floor-mat pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. Confirm both recall remedies were completed on a used car.
  • Owners, especially of 2009 and 2010 cars, report the electric power steering wandering at highway speed or briefly losing assist. NHTSA investigated and closed the probe without finding a defect, and Toyota offered a steering-column repair for some cars.

2008 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2008 Corolla is among the most dependable cars of its model year, routinely passing 200,000 miles with basic care and costing little to own. Confirm the Takata airbag recall, and any floor-mat/acceleration recalls, were completed before buying.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.
  • Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage.

2007 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2007 Corolla is a famously durable, cheap-to-run compact, routinely passing 200,000 miles with basic care and costing little to own. Confirm the Takata airbag recall, and any floor-mat/acceleration recalls, were completed before buying.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.
  • Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage.

2006 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2006 Corolla is a famously durable, cheap-to-run compact, routinely passing 200,000 miles with basic care and costing little to own. Confirm the Takata airbag recall, and any floor-mat/acceleration recalls, were completed before buying.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.
  • Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage.

2005 Toyota Corolla Recommended

The 2005 Corolla is a famously durable, cheap-to-run compact, routinely passing 200,000 miles with basic care and costing little to own. Confirm the Takata airbag recall, and any floor-mat/acceleration recalls, were completed before buying.

  • Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time and rupture during deployment; these cars fall under a major safety recall. On any used example, confirm the airbag recall remedy was completed before purchase.
  • The air-conditioning condenser is vulnerable to road-debris punctures and the compressor can fail, resulting in loss of cold air and a repair bill.
  • Some higher-mileage 1.8L engines consume oil between changes; check the oil level regularly, as running low can cause damage.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Toyota models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.