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2020 Toyota Corolla

2020 Toyota Corolla: engine and drivetrain complaints lead, brakes and airbags carry the most risk

Owners filed 301 complaints to NHTSA. By far the biggest theme is the engine, named in 36% of reports, with the powertrain adding another 11% — together nearly half of all complaints point at how the car drives and shifts. The next areas are the electrical system (10%), service brakes (7%), and airbags (6%). The two smaller categories are the ones to take most seriously: brakes appear in 6 crashes, and airbags in 9 crashes with 12 people injured.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 36%
The most reported area: 107 complaints (36%). Mostly drivability gripes like rough or hard shifts. Rarely dangerous here — 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries across all 107.
Power Train safety 11%
34 complaints (11%), including reports of stalling or losing power while driving. Linked to 1 crash and 3 injuries.
Electrical System safety 10%
30 complaints (10%), such as battery and wiring concerns. No crashes or injuries reported, though 1 report mentions a fire.
Service Brakes safety 7%
Fewer complaints (22, 7%) but a high crash rate for the count: 6 crashes and 3 injuries. Worth a careful test of the brakes.
Air Bags safety 6%
The smallest category (18, 6%) but the most severe: 9 crashes and 12 injuries, the highest injury count of any area. Several owners report airbags not deploying in a collision.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 301 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.