--- title: "Toyota Corolla Problems and Years to Avoid" description: "How the Toyota Corolla problems and recalls specification changed from 2012 to 2025, compared generation by generation. 6 documented problems with the Toyota Corolla, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 3 of them are serious. 5 carry a recall or TSB number." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/common-problems" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # Toyota Corolla Common Problems and Years to Avoid The specification is not the same across every year we cover, the table below shows exactly where it changes. ## Has the Toyota Corolla problems and recalls specification changed by year? | Model years | Documented issues | Serious | With a recall or TSB | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [2020-2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2020-2025/common-problems) | 6 | 3 | 5 | | [2014-2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2014-2019/common-problems) | 6 | 2 | 5 | | [2012-2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2012-2013/common-problems) | 4 | 2 | 2 | ## Full specifications by generation The problems and recalls on a Toyota Corolla is set by its generation, not its model year, so each generation has one page carrying the complete figures, part numbers and fitment notes for every year it covers. - [2020-2025 Toyota Corolla Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2020-2025/common-problems) - [2014-2019 Toyota Corolla Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2014-2019/common-problems) - [2012-2013 Toyota Corolla Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2012-2013/common-problems) ## Toyota Corolla problems and recalls: common questions ### What are the most common problems with the Toyota Corolla? The recurring ones are: denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall); corolla hybrid brake booster pump failure (recall); rear seat belt lock mechanism (recall); occupant classification system sensor short (recall); cvt judder / hesitation complaints (gas models). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost. ### Which Toyota Corolla years should you avoid? The years to be most careful with are those affected by denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall) (2020) and corolla hybrid brake booster pump failure (recall) (2020 (hybrid only)) and occupant classification system sensor short (recall) (2020-2021). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely. ### Are there recalls on the Toyota Corolla? 5 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: NHTSA 20V-682 (Toyota 20TA02); amended Jan 2025 (25V-028) (denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall)), NHTSA 19V-544 (Toyota K0L) (corolla hybrid brake booster pump failure (recall)), NHTSA 19V-877 (Toyota 19TA22) (rear seat belt lock mechanism (recall)), NHTSA 23V-865 (occupant classification system sensor short (recall)), Related: NHTSA 18V-901 (2019 hatchback only); Toyota SSC 22TC07 (cvt judder / hesitation complaints (gas models)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding. ### How much do Toyota Corolla repairs typically cost? Typical figures for the issues above: denso low-pressure fuel pump failure (recall), Free under recall; ~$500-$900 outside recall scope; corolla hybrid brake booster pump failure (recall), Free under recall; rear seat belt lock mechanism (recall), Free under recall; occupant classification system sensor short (recall), Free under recall. ## Sources - [2023 Corolla Owner's Manual, maintenance data (Toyota.com)](https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/digital/article/corolla/2023/om02568u/ch08se010401/) - [Toyota Genuine Battery application chart 2023, ZRE212/ZWE21# = LN1, MZEA12 = LN2 (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/03_Batteries2023_hi.pdf) - [Toyota Genuine Spark Plug application chart 2020, E210 plug part numbers (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/09_SparkPlugs2020_hi.pdf) - [Toyota Genuine Oil Filter application chart 2020, 90915-YZZF2 for all E210 engines (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06_OilFilters2020_hi.pdf) - [AMSOIL vehicle lookup, 2020 Corolla 2.0L M20A-FKS capacities](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2020/toyota/corolla/2-0l-4-cyl-engine-code-m20a-fks-3/) - [Legacy Toyota, Corolla oil type & capacity by year (dealer service guide)](https://www.legacytoyotadallas.com/service/service-and-parts-tips/toyota-corolla-oil-type-and-capacity/) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2021 Corolla / Corolla Hybrid EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2021_Toyota_Corolla.shtml) - [TirePressure.org, 2021 Toyota Corolla placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/toyota/corolla/2021) - [NHTSA recall 20V-682, Denso fuel pump](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V682-8151.PDF) - [iFixit, 2018-present Corolla 12V battery replacement (engine-bay location)](https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/2018+2019+2020+2021+2022+2023+2024+2025+2026+Toyota+Corolla+12V+Battery+Replacement/226153) ## Find your exact Corolla - [2025](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2025) - [2024](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2024) - [2023](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2023) - [2022](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2022) - [2021](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2021) - [2020](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2020) - [2019](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2019) - [2018](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2018) - [2017](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2017) - [2016](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2016) - [2015](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2015) - [2014](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2014) - [2013](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2013) - [2012](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/2012) More Toyota Corolla guides: - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/service-schedule) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/key-fob-battery) - [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/corolla/specs) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.