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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

What owners actually said

305 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2022
Service Brakes

2020 Toyota Corolla EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) Issue. The message "EPB Shift Interlock Function Activated" is being shown since last few months. This message never appeared in the past 2.5 yrs since I purchased the car, started showing up up only now. I took it to the dealership and they asked to keep brakes pressed while…

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2020 Toyota Corolla EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) Issue. The message "EPB Shift Interlock Function Activated" is being shown since last few months. This message never appeared in the past 2.5 yrs since I purchased the car, started showing up up only now. I took it to the dealership and they asked to keep brakes pressed while starting the car. I now keep my brakes pressed and start the car, and still I keep getting this error message. I have documented this issue and is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTXosvPffMo Please help Toyota help address this issue. Not sure something is not working as expected in the car or if something is started to fail in the car with EPB and so it's showing up the message. The message looks like information message and looks like harmless message, but why its showing up now, i.e after 2.5 yrs of use and never before. So, that's needs to be investigated, if there is any long term impact.

NHTSA ODI #11478757

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2022
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

Car hydroplaned and spun out. It collided with a cement barrier on the front, back, and drivers side. Car was deemed a total loss. No airbags deployed at any point. Drivers safety put at risk as she hit her head on the driver's side door. Car displayed the message "ABS system malfunctioned" once Car came to stand still. Also, d…

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Car hydroplaned and spun out. It collided with a cement barrier on the front, back, and drivers side. Car was deemed a total loss. No airbags deployed at any point. Drivers safety put at risk as she hit her head on the driver's side door. Car displayed the message "ABS system malfunctioned" once Car came to stand still. Also, daughters car seat detached from the seat belt lock, sending her car seat sideways. Locks did not keep her secure.

NHTSA ODI #11476813

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2022
Power Train

My vehicle has 20k miles on it and during acceleration, the CVT would not upshift was bouncing off the rev limiter. I had no controls over the Paddle Shifts or Electronic manual shifter controls. Tried to accelerate again, and bounced off the rev limiter again. Shortly after the CEL came on and the vehicle went into LIMP mode ca…

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My vehicle has 20k miles on it and during acceleration, the CVT would not upshift was bouncing off the rev limiter. I had no controls over the Paddle Shifts or Electronic manual shifter controls. Tried to accelerate again, and bounced off the rev limiter again. Shortly after the CEL came on and the vehicle went into LIMP mode causing me to lose control of accelerator pedal, and the car drastically decelerated on its own until about 35mph Yes. Transmission is currently at shop awaiting for replacement unit This issue happened during a driver education event, and therefore was not on public roads with other pedestrians. Had this happened on a highway during merging or passing on a highway, this could have caused an accident by not having control of car's deceleration, and no warning brake lights to drivers behind me could have caused other drivers to rear end me Yes. The issue was reviewed by 2 dealers and both reported the CVT was faulty and needed replacement Yes. CEL came on, and was displaying codes P2757 and P2820. Dealer pulled the following codes: P275600- Torque converter clutch pressure control solenoid control circuit performance/stuck off P281F00- Pressure control solenoid j performance/stuck off (2 trip detected) P281F71- Pressure control solenoid j performance/stuck off actuator stuck

NHTSA ODI #11472227

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2022
Engine

Code P2688115 engine maintenance required sign turned on at around 41000 miles. Other people having similar problems with coolant bypass valve. Suspect that coolant bypass valve safety standards might be at fault.

NHTSA ODI #11471443

30,000 miles · Jun 6, 2022
Steering

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering momentarily malfunctioned causing the vehicle to drift into the opposite lane. The contact indicated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started drifting into the left lane and would not respond when the stee…

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The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the steering momentarily malfunctioned causing the vehicle to drift into the opposite lane. The contact indicated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started drifting into the left lane and would not respond when the steering wheel was turned to the right. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that moments later the vehicle drove normally. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who identified steering failure codes but indicated that the failure was due to a low-powered battery. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #11467741

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

2020 Toyota Hybrid Corolla LE MY NAME: [XXX]-[XXX]-Wife-[XXX] (Witness), [XXX]-I GIVE PERMISSION TO NHTSA TO REVIEW MY AUTO RECORDS REGARDING THE GAS PEDAL ISSUE AT CAMELBACK TOYOTA PHOENIX AZ STOP AND GO, PROBLEM WITH GAS PEDAL DEPRESSION AND PROPULSION Gas Pedal Depression, NO Forward Propulsion stuck in busy intersection.…

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2020 Toyota Hybrid Corolla LE MY NAME: [XXX]-[XXX]-Wife-[XXX] (Witness), [XXX]-I GIVE PERMISSION TO NHTSA TO REVIEW MY AUTO RECORDS REGARDING THE GAS PEDAL ISSUE AT CAMELBACK TOYOTA PHOENIX AZ STOP AND GO, PROBLEM WITH GAS PEDAL DEPRESSION AND PROPULSION Gas Pedal Depression, NO Forward Propulsion stuck in busy intersection. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE, never know when gas pedal problem will rear its ugly head endangering driver, passengers and others expecting normal propulsion. DEALERSHIP SAID BRING THE CAR BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN, DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED TAKING A VIDEO OF THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, KIND OF DIFFICULT WHEN CAR NO GO IN ACTIVE TRAFFIC, DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM SO DID NOT EVEN TRY TO REPAIR WHAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE. Happened twice, different dates, dealer-CAMELBACK TOYOTA 1515 E Camelback Toyota-Phoenix-AZ, reviewed gas pedal problem and said come back if it happens again, problem with that mentality/solution I may be injured or dead. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11467651

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
Unknown Or Other

The vehicle stalled after the car had been turned on for 2 minutes; I do not believe there were any warning signals beforehand. I had been stopped at a light, and then almost immediately when I was able to proceed, it stalled while I was turning right. I WAS able to start it immediately, after turning it off completely. This …

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The vehicle stalled after the car had been turned on for 2 minutes; I do not believe there were any warning signals beforehand. I had been stopped at a light, and then almost immediately when I was able to proceed, it stalled while I was turning right. I WAS able to start it immediately, after turning it off completely. This is the second time this vehicle stalled, the first being in August 2020 after only 600 miles (it was new when purchased in March 2020), and at somewhat faster speed (10 mph). Both times, it spent several days at the Toyota dealer where it was purchased--this last time, eight days--and the mechanics were never able to duplicate the problem. I had hoped that they would inspect the fuel pump, knowing that millions of Corollas from 2019 and 2020 had been recalled for this issue, but I was told that it would be a very lengthy job and that there were no signs to indicate fuel-pump problems. In other words, Toyota was not authorizing that inspection. Thus, I am having to take back the vehicle with the mystery unsolved, and with the risk of another stall happening again in future. I am feeling lucky that I was not rear-ended, since the traffic was pretty heavy this last time.

NHTSA ODI #11467048

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2022
Vehicle Speed Control

When using cruise control, all warning lights come on while driving - check engine, parking, abs, everything. It stays like this for about a week and then stops until the next time you use cruise control. I have taken to the dealer and they acted like it wasn’t a problem and turned off the lights but it still keeps happening.

NHTSA ODI #11465629

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. …

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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 · Apr 18, 2022
Structure

Since March of 2022 I have noticed a sloshing sound from the driver's side door and both rear doors. The sound continues, especially when I break and when I open the doors. The vehicle has not been in any accident at all. I made an appointment specifically to get that looked at on April 11th, however, the Toyota dealership in …

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Since March of 2022 I have noticed a sloshing sound from the driver's side door and both rear doors. The sound continues, especially when I break and when I open the doors. The vehicle has not been in any accident at all. I made an appointment specifically to get that looked at on April 11th, however, the Toyota dealership in Woodbridge, VA completely ignored my request and instead did an oil change, which was not needed, as one had already been done the month before. When I complained they said it would cost $150 to get a diagnosis test done first. From looking at T-SB-0121-20, that is the same issue I am experiencing.

NHTSA ODI #11461242

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