The 2013 Toyota Corolla has its share of issues, but the rate of incidence is one in a couple thousand. So, while you should be aware of problems with the 2013 model, you shouldn’t stress about them.
Key Points
- The 2013 Toyota Corolla is a reliable car that was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and annual repairs average less than $400.
- The car’s leading concern is over the airbags, which are the subject of nearly 70 out of the NHTSA’s 200 consumer complaints.
- Steering problems make up nearly one-quarter of the vehicle’s consumer complaints, with lock-up and veering being major issues.
- Also, the brakes have been reported to squeak and sometimes more braking pressure than expected to bring the car to a halt.
- Some 2013 Corolla problems are concerning, but the overall rate of incidence is less than one report for every 1,000 cars sold.
2013 Toyota Corolla Has Nearly 70 Complaints, Five Recalls, and Two Open Investigations for Airbags
By far, the biggest concern for 2013 Corolla drivers is the airbags, with nearly 70 related complaints, five recalls, and two open investigations.
Early consumer complaints were over airbags that failed to deploy in a collision. This was after the first recall for faulty airbag sensors.
Another recall was issued for inflators that could potentially explode upon deployment, in addition to another recall over airbags failing to deploy.
As for the two open investigations, the first is for electrical overstress in the airbag control units, and the second is for inflator rupture, resulting in airbags failing to deploy.
Handful of 2013 Corolla Drivers Report Steering Lock-up and Swaying, Among Other Issues
Steering issues are the second biggest problem with the 2013 Corolla. Almost a quarter of the 200 owner complaints relate to the steering wheel randomly locking up or losing power.
One owner says the “steering lost power and caused the vehicle to veer left and crash into a guardrail.” Others had difficulty staying in their lane as the “steering wanders left to right like the car is buffeted by the wind.”
Those who have experienced the steering seizing said it required excessive force to maneuver the car, and the failure occurred on several occasions.
However, with only approximately 40 complaints, the rate of incidents is low, and there was no investigation or recalls launched.
Some 2013 Corolla Owners are Reporting Squeaking Brakes That are Slow to Bring the Car to a Halt
The third most common complaint about the 2013 Corolla is about the brakes. Complaints vary, but with a few recurring patterns concerning a squeaking noise and increased braking distance.
The noise reportedly happens at any speed. One owner describes “a high pitched metal grinding noise when applying the brakes, despite the brake pads still having meat on them.”
The rate of incidence here has been pretty low, with just 22 braking complaints on record, and the issue was never addressed with a recall.
Chances are you won’t be affected by either of these problems, but if you are, you may be on your own when ti comes to paying for repairs
A Handful of Issues Aside, the 2013 Toyota Corolla is a Fantastic Used Car to Have on Your Shopping List
The 2013 Toyota Corolla is a safe, reliable car. The car holds a near-perfect four-star rating with the NHTSA, and is a Top Safety Pick with the IIHS.
While the airbag issues are worrying, the vehicle’s overall complaint number is relatively low.
Bottom line: Yes, the 2013 Corolla has issues, but problems are scarce, annual repairs average $1 a day, and the sale price starts at under $10,000. It’s simply one of the best-used cars on the market.
Photos: Toyota
