2018 Toyota Corolla: Recalls, Complaints and Vehicle Data
Records last imported Oct 31, 2026 · Published · By CarTold Editorial Team
Before you buy a 2018 Corolla
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Open investigation
NHTSA has one open investigation covering this year: EA21002 (engineering analysis into the air bags since Sep 2021). An open investigation is a question NHTSA is asking, not a finding of a defect.
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Where complaints cluster
Complaints are spread out; the most-reported components are air bags (32, of which 17 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 10 an injury), fuel system (15, of which 1 mentions a crash and 1 a fire) and electrical system (13, of which 1 mentions a crash, 2 a fire and 1 an injury). Across all 136 reports, 26 describe a crash, 5 a fire, 14 at least one injury and 1 a death.
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Complaints vs. other years
Its 136 complaints are the fewest of the 6 years we cover, even though newer years have had less time to collect reports.
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Recent reports
8 complaints (6% of the total) were filed in the last 12 months, a slow but steady flow of new reports.
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Changes from 2017
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).
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Fuel economy and running cost
Its most efficient version (1.8-litre 4-cylinder) is rated 34 mpg combined, close to the median for the 2018 sedans we cover (median 32 mpg across 32 other EPA listings); the thirstiest version is rated 30 mpg. At 15,000 miles a year and the national average regular gasoline price of $4.28 (EIA, week of Oct 19, 2026), fuel would cost about $1,890 a year in the most efficient version and about $2,140 in the thirstiest.
Complaint trends
136 complaints on file with NHTSA, by category.
Top components as NHTSA logged them:
- Air bags — 19 complaints (14%)
- Fuel system, gasoline — 11 complaints (8%)
- Air bags,fuel/propulsion system — 9 complaints (7%)
- Unknown or other — 8 complaints (6%)
- Fuel/propulsion system — 6 complaints (4%)
- Service brakes — 6 complaints (4%)
What owners told NHTSA
Short excerpts from owner reports submitted to NHTSA. They are unverified and describe one vehicle each.
“I was driving home from church late Sunday night. A really rough storm hit and it knocked down a huge tree in the road covering the entire road. I did not see the tree until I got up on it and I went straight through it.”
“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, or upon approaching a stop, the engine sounded very weak, almost as if the vehicle would shut off.”
“I was driving the car and expressway. The car was making a sound. The car did not have an engine light on it. Also, the car just switched gears. I pulled over and II was driving the car and expressway. The car was making a sound.”
Recalls
3 campaigns on file. Check a specific car with our VIN recall check.
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
· 20V024000 · 2020-01-17
In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
· 20V012000 · 2020-01-13
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020.
Equipment:other:labels
· 19V503000 · 2019-06-28
An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019.
Investigations
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module, air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Opened 2021-09-17
NHTSA summary
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.…
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors moun…
Manufacturer communications
Service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. They are not recalls.
Equipment 39 documents (2016-07-21 – 2023-02-09)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-02-09 | service bulletin | Equipment, service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2022-04-28 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2021-02-03 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-10-12 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system, steering, equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2020-09-14 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2020-08-07 | service bulletin | Equipment, engine |
| 2020-08-06 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-05-15 | service bulletin | Equipment, structure |
| 2020-05-15 | service bulletin | Equipment, structure:body |
| 2020-04-07 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-04-06 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-03-10 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility, electrical system |
| 2020-02-06 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-02-06 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-02-06 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-01-27 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2020-01-23 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2019-12-12 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2019-12-12 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2019-10-23 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2019-02-28 | service bulletin | Equipment, electrical system, equipment:electrical |
| 2019-01-04 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2019-01-04 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2019-01-04 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-12-20 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-11-15 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-10-31 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-10-31 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-10-11 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-10-05 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-09-12 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment:electrical |
| 2018-08-31 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment:other:labels |
| 2018-08-29 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-07-31 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-07-06 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-06-08 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-01-11 | service bulletin | Equipment |
| 2018-01-04 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2016-07-21 | service bulletin | Equipment, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
Structure 29 documents (2019-12-04 – 2022-12-14)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-12-14 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-12-14 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-12-14 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-11-18 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-11-18 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-11-18 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-11-17 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-11-17 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-11-17 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-06-14 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-06-14 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-05-18 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2022-04-28 | service bulletin | Structure, equipment |
| 2022-04-28 | service bulletin | Structure, equipment |
| 2021-11-23 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2021-10-28 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2021-10-27 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2020-10-27 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2020-10-27 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2020-02-06 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2020-02-06 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
| 2019-12-04 | service bulletin | Structure |
Structure:body 26 documents (2019-08-08 – 2024-07-29)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-29 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-07-29 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-07-12 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-07-12 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-07-12 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-07-12 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-07-12 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-07-12 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-06-21 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-06-21 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-05-17 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-05-15 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-04-19 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-04-19 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-04-19 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-04-19 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-04-19 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2024-04-19 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2022-11-17 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2022-11-17 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2020-08-06 | service bulletin | Structure:body, equipment, equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2019-08-09 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2019-08-09 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2019-08-09 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2019-08-08 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
| 2019-08-08 | service bulletin | Structure:body |
Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual 18 documents (1991-01-18 – 2022-05-26)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-05-26 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2021-10-15 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2021-05-24 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2021-03-18 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2019-02-07 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-08-02 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, equipment |
| 2018-05-24 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-02-23 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-02-22 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-02-20 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-01-30 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-01-10 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2018-01-09 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2017-10-30 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2017-08-11 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2017-08-11 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 2001-05-04 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
| 1991-01-18 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual |
Electrical system 6 documents (2017-11-22 – 2023-05-30)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-05-30 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
| 2019-09-18 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
| 2019-09-16 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2019-07-16 | service bulletin | Electrical system, equipment |
| 2019-06-19 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
| 2017-11-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system |
Back over prevention 6 documents (2020-10-16 – 2022-11-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-11-21 | service bulletin | Back over prevention, steering, engine and engine cooling, wheels |
| 2022-03-17 | service bulletin | Back over prevention, service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2021-03-12 | service bulletin | Back over prevention, service brakes |
| 2020-12-14 | service bulletin | Back over prevention, service brakes |
| 2020-10-21 | service bulletin | Back over prevention, steering, engine and engine cooling, wheels |
| 2020-10-16 | service bulletin | Back over prevention |
Equipment adaptive/mobility 5 documents (2019-04-17 – 2020-09-14)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-09-14 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment |
| 2019-12-19 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility |
| 2019-11-25 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment:electrical, equipment, electrical system… |
| 2019-07-09 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment:appliance:air conditioner |
| 2019-04-17 | service bulletin | Equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, lane … |
Engine 4 documents (2020-06-12 – 2024-06-19)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-06-19 | service bulletin | Engine |
| 2024-06-19 | service bulletin | Engine |
| 2020-08-07 | service bulletin | Engine |
| 2020-06-12 | service bulletin | Engine |
Show all 35 categories
Air bags 4 documents (2021-03-17 – 2023-12-14)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-12-14 | service bulletin | Air bags |
| 2023-02-09 | service bulletin | Air bags, service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2022-11-23 | service bulletin | Air bags |
| 2021-03-17 | service bulletin | Air bags |
Power train 4 documents (2018-06-06 – 2019-09-03)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-09-03 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2019-07-01 | service bulletin | Power train, engine, electrical system |
| 2019-01-25 | service bulletin | Power train |
| 2018-06-06 | service bulletin | Power train, engine and engine cooling |
Equipment:appliance:air conditioner 3 documents (2017-04-12 – 2021-07-26)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-07-26 | service bulletin | Equipment:appliance:air conditioner |
| 2019-02-25 | service bulletin | Equipment:appliance:air conditioner |
| 2017-04-12 | service bulletin | Equipment:appliance:air conditioner |
Electrical system:software 3 documents (2018-06-22 – 2020-03-10)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-03-10 | service bulletin | Electrical system:software |
| 2018-07-20 | service bulletin | Electrical system:software, equipment |
| 2018-06-22 | service bulletin | Electrical system:software |
Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery 2 documents (2020-07-20 – 2022-03-08)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-03-08 | service bulletin | Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery |
| 2020-07-20 | service bulletin | Electrical system:12V/24V/48V battery |
Seats 2 documents (2021-03-05 – 2022-02-01)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-02-01 | service bulletin | Seats |
| 2021-03-05 | service bulletin | Seats |
Equipment:electrical 2 documents (2018-06-26 – 2021-10-01)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-10-01 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical |
| 2018-06-26 | service bulletin | Equipment:electrical |
Visibility 2 documents (2020-04-09 – 2021-09-03)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-09-03 | service bulletin | Visibility, lane departure |
| 2020-04-09 | service bulletin | Visibility, lane departure |
Service brakes 2 documents (2017-11-14 – 2020-12-14)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-12-14 | service bulletin | Service brakes, hydraulic |
| 2017-11-14 | service bulletin | Service brakes |
Lane departure: blind spot detection 2 documents (2018-08-17)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-08-17 | service bulletin | Lane departure: blind spot detection |
| 2018-08-17 | service bulletin | Lane departure: blind spot detection |
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication 1 document (2024-03-04)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-03-04 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication, engine and engine cooling |
Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system:refrigerant hoses and fittings 1 document (2023-08-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-21 | service bulletin | Visibility:defroster/defogger/HVAC system:refrigerant hoses and fittings |
Unknown or other 1 document (2023-08-17)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-17 | service bulletin | Unknown or other, communication:manufacturer telematics |
Vehicle speed control 1 document (2023-08-17)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-17 | service bulletin | Vehicle speed control, equipment, air bags |
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical 1 document (2023-03-27)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-03-27 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical |
Engine and engine cooling 1 document (2022-09-28)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-09-28 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling |
Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software 1 document (2022-07-08)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-07-08 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software |
Electrical system:wiring 1 document (2022-01-28)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-01-28 | service bulletin | Electrical system:wiring |
Tires 1 document (2022-01-12)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-01-12 | service bulletin | Tires, equipment:other:owners/service/other manual, wheels |
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings 1 document (2020-10-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-10-21 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump 1 document (2020-10-16)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-10-16 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump, equipment |
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system 1 document (2020-07-30)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-07-30 | service bulletin | Engine and engine cooling:cooling system |
Suspension:front:control arm 1 document (2020-07-09)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-07-09 | service bulletin | Suspension:front:control arm, electronic stability control:automatic (asc) |
Steering 1 document (2019-10-21)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-10-21 | service bulletin | Steering |
Forward collision avoidance 1 document (2018-12-10)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-12-10 | service bulletin | Forward collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance: sensing system: camer… |
Equipment:other:labels 1 document (2018-08-31)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-08-31 | service bulletin | Equipment:other:labels, equipment |
Lane departure 1 document (2018-08-22)
| Date | Type | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-08-22 | service bulletin | Lane departure, visibility |
176 communications on file, grouped into 35 categories.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla LE Eco | 1.8L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 40 | 34 |
| Corolla LE Eco | 1.8L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 38 | 33 |
| Corolla | 1.8L 4cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 32 |
| Corolla | 1.8L 4cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 35 | 31 |
| Corolla | 1.8L 4cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 |
Safety ratings
| Configuration | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Corolla 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Built from NHTSA, EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and EIA records with fixed rules; complaint counts reflect reporting, not defect rates. How we make CarTold · Methodology · Buyer guides