High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2020-toyota-corolla

2020 Toyota Corolla Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

← Compare All Corolla Years
Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
313
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
3
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
23
22 Crashes • 1 Fires
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2020 Toyota Corolla Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Engine & Cooling 27.2%
85 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 21.1%
66 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 12.8%
40 reported failures
Electrical System 9.3%
29 reported failures
Airbags & Restraints 5.8%
18 reported failures
Visibility & Wipers 4.2%
13 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2020 Toyota Corolla (3)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #20V682000 Component: Fuel System

Defect Summary: 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.

Safety Hazard: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free 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.

NHTSA Campaign #19V877000 Component: Seat Belts: Rear/Other:Buckle Assembly

Defect Summary: 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.

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

Free 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.

NHTSA Campaign #23V865000 Component: Airbags & Restraints

Defect Summary: 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.

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

Free 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.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11772054 • Airbags & Restraints 10/19/2026

"The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a "Maintenance Required" message was displayed, and the front passenger air bag warning light illuminated. The speedometer was inoperable. The contact stated new tires had been installed previously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, th..."

ODI #11770186 • Electrical System 10/09/2026

"I am reporting a severe, recurring safety hazard on my 2020 Toyota Corolla. The vehicle suddenly displays 'Drive-Start Control Malfunction' and completely cuts off engine power in motion, leaving the car stranded in active traffic. This happened after accelerating from a STOP sign on a main avenue. This is an inherent manufacturing defect present ..."

ODI #11769934 • Powertrain & Transmission 10/08/2026

"What component or system failed or malfunctioned: complete slave cylinder failure resulting in loss of braking and ability to shift. Luckily I was traveling at a low rate of speed when this happened, but if this happens to anyone on the freeway or while turning against traffic for example they would have no control of their car and could be seriou..."

ODI #11768984 • Electrical System 10/05/2026

"I am unable to lock or unlock the driver’s side door of my 2020 Toyota Corolla using the key fob because the door lock actuator is no longer functioning properly. I must manually use the physical key to lock and unlock the driver’s door. I consider this a significant safety concern because the power locking system is no longer functioning as intend..."

ODI #11768781 • Electrical System 10/03/2026

"My Engine Maintenance light came on around 59,400 miles for my Coolest Control valve !! Needed it to be replaced! Light won’t go off just had it serviced for an oil change before this started!!"