← New search

2020 Toyota Corolla

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Corolla years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota Corolla are substantially higher than the model-year median of 129.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 68 of 305 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 108 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

22 crash reports1 fire reports15 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

30 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2022
Electrical SystemPower Train

1. First problem I had with my 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE: SAFETY RECALL 20TA07 (Backup LampsMay Become Inoperative) - 10.29.2020 2. Second problem was with the software draining the battery way too rapidly, which made me unable to start my car. I had to have a tow truck come by and he was able to recharge the battery (he…

Read full complaint

1. First problem I had with my 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE: SAFETY RECALL 20TA07 (Backup LampsMay Become Inoperative) - 10.29.2020 2. Second problem was with the software draining the battery way too rapidly, which made me unable to start my car. I had to have a tow truck come by and he was able to recharge the battery (he knew to do that with my car instead of towing it away, because he was seeing this type of issue with this type of car a lot). I took it to my local toyota dealership and had them inspect it. They told me that they need to update the software of the vehicle and that I should not be having this problem again after. *EL1934 FIRMWARE UPDATE (5.21.2021)* 3. Third problem I had was with the temperature gauge. The needle pointer in the dash did not go up and stay in the middle between C & H. It stayed closer to C (cold). It took longer than it should have to heat up the interior of the car when I turn the heat on in the morning. I took it to my local toyota dealership and after they inspected this issue, they told me that they needed to replace the thermostat unit. *MA001 THERMOSTAT ASSEMBLY* (3.19.22) 4. Fourth problem is with the transmission. I felt jerking motions from the car when accelerating and when braking-coming to a stop. **26312 CAR JERKING UPON ACCELERATION /FOUND TRNSMISSION CODE /NEED NEW TRANS ASSY UPON INSPECTION AND HEATLH CHFCK FOUND CODE P07457F AND PO7757F SOLENOID A B BOTH STUCK OFF /REST MEMORY /NO CHANGED /FOUND NEED NEW TRANS MISSION ASSY /REMOVE AND REPLACE TRANMISSION ASSY AND PERFORM RESET AND INITIALIZATION/PERFORM HYDRULIC AND ELECTRICAL TEST /NO PROBLEM FOUND /PROBLEM AT THE TRANSMISSION ITSELF CAR JECKING UPON ACCELERATION** Transmission, Automatic - Replace* (12.10.2022) I found out online that the transmission problem was known for 2018-2020 corolla hatchbacks, but Toyota did not replace it immediately. There should be a general recall for the transmissions for these vehicles ASAP!

NHTSA ODI #11496954

85,000 miles · Oct 19, 2022
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle emitted an abnormal slushing sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon parking and inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the abnormal sound was coming from the front driver's side…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle emitted an abnormal slushing sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon parking and inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the abnormal sound was coming from the front driver's side door. The contact then moved each door of the vehicle from side to side and noticed that the failure occurred on the front passenger's side door and the front and rear driver's side doors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and the water was drained from the doors; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would cover the repair of the vehicle. The contact stated that it had been two months and the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that he was concerned for his safety as he was a disabled veteran. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #11489938

60,000 miles · Sep 26, 2022
Electrical System

Battery and alternator died causing power steering to fail and wheels to lock up. Should not happen on a car this new, brought to dealer and charged me $740 to fix it.

NHTSA ODI #11486344

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2022
Electrical SystemStructure

DOORS FILL UP WITH RAIN WATER AND WATER IS SLOSHING AROUND INSIDE DOOR FRAME. NEED DOORS REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS BEING DAMAGED BY MOISTURE CORROSION.

NHTSA ODI #11485436

Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

Newly bought vehicle won't start when key is turned in ignition. Problem is a repeat problem and vehicle was repeatedly towed to dealer (Gosch Toyota). Dealer said there is nothing wrong with the car . Dealer admits he can't reproduce the problem and paperwork I've obtained from them indicates they may not have even tried. …

Read full complaint

Newly bought vehicle won't start when key is turned in ignition. Problem is a repeat problem and vehicle was repeatedly towed to dealer (Gosch Toyota). Dealer said there is nothing wrong with the car . Dealer admits he can't reproduce the problem and paperwork I've obtained from them indicates they may not have even tried. Car has major safety issue and is unreliable which is an explanation falling on deaf ears at Gosch. So it remains parked in my driveway. I refuse to put anyone in my family into it because of obvious safety issues. Car is totally unreliable if one can't rely on it to work .

NHTSA ODI #11462398

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2022
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

Rear passenger door on left side of vehicle fills with water everytime it rains or vehicle is washed. This is causing the body to prematurely rust and it's also sloshing onto electrical components in door which I fear can cause unpredictable and unforseen components to fail. Also beginning to cause an odor on the interior of veh…

Read full complaint

Rear passenger door on left side of vehicle fills with water everytime it rains or vehicle is washed. This is causing the body to prematurely rust and it's also sloshing onto electrical components in door which I fear can cause unpredictable and unforseen components to fail. Also beginning to cause an odor on the interior of vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealership from which it was purchased and they simply pulled a rubber stopper from bottom of door and stated that was the only remedy approved and provided through Toyota. Since said remedy was applied door has plugged on three more occasions and was taken back to dealership on only one of the subsequent incidents at which time was told by a service personnel again that to pull the rubber stopper from bottom of door was their only means of repair. Which was also on the day of that this was written and reported. Water was first heard in the door approximately four four months after purchase but was believed to be the fuel in the fuel tank sloshing around. It was approximately 10 months after purchase it was realized that it was water in rear door.

NHTSA ODI #11457704

2,296 miles · Oct 10, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

I WAS WAITING AT A STOPLIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAK WAITING FOR IT TO TURN GREEN. I TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND THE CAR DIEDALL THE BUZZERS WHISTLES AND LIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD.. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR TO PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE BUT NOTHING HAPPENED I WAS IN THE MIDDLE …

Read full complaint

I WAS WAITING AT A STOPLIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAK WAITING FOR IT TO TURN GREEN. I TURN THE WHEEL TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND THE CAR DIEDALL THE BUZZERS WHISTLES AND LIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD.. I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR TO PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE BUT NOTHING HAPPENED I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON A BUSY STREET AND WAS JUST GETTING READY TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK WHEN I DECIDED TO TURN THE CAR OFF. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON IT WAS FINE AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN LEFT. THAT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THIRD TIME I WAS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY AND A TRUCK PULLED IN FRONT OF ME I HAD TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BREAK. AND THEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND TURNED LEFT THEN RIGHT INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND IT DIED. ITHE DASHBOARD SAID PUT IN PARK WHEN I PUT IT IN PARK IT SAID ENGINE POWER LOW. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT IN TO TOYOTA I WAS SITTING THERE FOR SIX HOURS AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THEY TOLD ME THEY WERE WORKING WITH CORPORATE AND NO ONE HAD AN ANSWER FOR ME. AFTER THE THIRD TIME I CALLED CORPORATE AND WAS DEALING WITH A WOMAN WHO WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND TRY TO BE HELPFUL AND TOLD ME TO TAKE A BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. I TOOK A BACK LEFT IT FOR TWO DAYS AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THE OUTCOME WAS THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN I SHOULD HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALER AND NOT TURN IT ON. I AM VERY CONCERNED I AM WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING AND HAVING SOMEONE CRASH IN TO ME IF MY CAR STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I HAD A TOYOTA BEFORE AND IT WAS FINE BUT I HAVE TO TELL YOU IF I GET THROUGH THIS ONE WHICH IS A LEASE I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AGAIN

NHTSA ODI #11363735

3,589 miles · Jul 1, 2020
Electrical SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF FORT WALTON BEACH LOCATED AT 777 BEAL PKWY NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF FORT WALTON BEACH LOCATED AT 777 BEAL PKWY NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,589.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11331916

8,190 miles · Feb 13, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT STATED WAS EMPLOYED BY HERTZ RENTAL CARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A 2020 TOYOTA COROLLA CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE NOTICED 3-4 HOURS AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND DRIVING OUT A PARKING LOT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGHISED THE VEHICLE. A FIRE DEPRTMENT REPORT WAS TAKEN WITH FILE #111520199429275.…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT STATED WAS EMPLOYED BY HERTZ RENTAL CARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A 2020 TOYOTA COROLLA CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE NOTICED 3-4 HOURS AFTER VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND DRIVING OUT A PARKING LOT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGHISED THE VEHICLE. A FIRE DEPRTMENT REPORT WAS TAKEN WITH FILE #111520199429275. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE RENTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE OUT OF A PARKING LOT AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 3-4 HOURS, FLAMES WERE NOTICED COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE RENTER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES COING FROM UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRES. A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE CAUSE OF THE FAILRUE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,190.

NHTSA ODI #11308920

1,200 miles · Jan 17, 2020
Electrical System

THE BATTERY TRAY (PART NUMBER 74404-12560) WHICH HOLDS THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY CREATES AN UNSAFE CONDITION. I NOTICED THE BATTERY TRAY IS DESIGNED TO FIT ONLY THE PANASONIC BATTERY THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. THUS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE A DISCHARGED OR DEFECTIVE PANASONIC BATTERY WITH A STANDARD BCI GROUP NUMBER BATTERY WH…

Read full complaint

THE BATTERY TRAY (PART NUMBER 74404-12560) WHICH HOLDS THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY CREATES AN UNSAFE CONDITION. I NOTICED THE BATTERY TRAY IS DESIGNED TO FIT ONLY THE PANASONIC BATTERY THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. THUS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE A DISCHARGED OR DEFECTIVE PANASONIC BATTERY WITH A STANDARD BCI GROUP NUMBER BATTERY WHICH ARE READILY AVAILABLE IN RETAIL STORES. THIS SITUATION WILL CAUSE MOTORISTS TO BECOME STRANDED AND IS ESPECIALLY UNSAFE IF THE PANASONIC BATTERY FAILS AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN THE WINTER. TOYOTA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THE 2020 COROLLA AND REPLACE THE BATTERY TRAY WITH A NEW TRAY DESIGNED TO FIT A STANDARD BCI GROUP BATTERY. *LN*JB

NHTSA ODI #11300087

Official recalls

3

23V865000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Dec 20, 2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2020

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 & remedy

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.

19V877000 · Seat Belts: Rear/other:buckle Assembly; Seat Belts:rear/other

Dec 11, 2019

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts: Rear/other:buckle Assembly

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

Consequence: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.

Seat Belts:rear/other

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

Consequence: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Toyota Corolla problems