Toyota Corolla Reliability by Year, 2016–2021
Comparing a used Toyota Corolla? Start with what changed between model years, then open the report for the car you are considering. The records below help you identify recall work, reported symptoms and questions for an inspection.
These records do not establish which year is most reliable. The 2016 has had more time to accumulate reports than the 2021, and we do not have sales or mileage data to calculate failure rates. Why age matters when reading complaints.
What changed from year to year
Compare the EPA-listed engines, transmissions, drivetrains and fuel economy with the previous year, alongside NHTSA crash-test ratings and recall campaigns. Open a pair for the details; the timeline does not cover every trim, equipment or production change.
-
2016
The earliest model year covered here, so there is no prior year to compare it with.
-
2017
The 4-speed automatic listed for 2016 is not in the 2017 listing; NHTSA's frontal crash rating goes from 5 stars in 2016 to 4 stars in 2017; two recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (equipment and tires).
-
2018
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2017; two recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (fuel system and tires).
-
2019
NHTSA's frontal crash rating goes from 4 stars in 2018 to 4 and 5 stars in 2019; two recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (equipment and power train).
-
2020 Substantially different from 2019
A hybrid appears in the 2020 listing for the first time in this range; EPA lists a 2.0-litre four-cylinder for 2020 that does not appear in the 2019 listing; eight recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (air bags, equipment, fuel system and others).
-
2021
EPA lists the same engines, transmissions and drive types as 2020; two recall campaigns name one of the two years and not the other (fuel system and seat belts).
The record, year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Investigations | Combined MPG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 213 | 2 | 30–34 | Full report → |
| 2017 | 3 | 178 | 2 | 30–34 | Full report → |
| 2018 | 3 | 133 | 2 | 30–34 | Full report → |
| 2019 | 5 | 201 | 1 | 30–34 | Full report → |
| 2020 | 3 | 305 | 0 | 32–52 | Full report → |
| 2021 | 1 | 185 | 0 | 31–52 | Full report → |
The same years side by side on one screen →
Sources and methodology
- Recalls, complaints and investigations: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Engines, transmissions, drive types and fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov (EPA/DOE)
- See our methodology and data sources pages for how these reports are built and their limitations.