The Toyota Corolla is extremely dependable. However, the 2015 model year has a worrying airbag recall, along with several complaints about its powertrain and electrical system.
Key Points
- The 2015 Toyota Corolla only has a single recall, related to the airbags. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has registered two investigations and over 170 complaints.
- Both investigations focus on the Corolla’s airbags. The first case looks into a possible airbag rupture, and the second goes into its faulty electrical componentry.
- The majority of consumer complaints are about airbags not deploying. Other reported concerns include engine and drivetrain issues, a glitchy infotainment system, and power steering failure.
2015 Toyota Corolla’s Airbag Issues Led to One Recall, Two Investigations, and Several Complaints
The 2015 Toyota Corolla is part of an airbag recall that involved approximately 2.9 million vehicles. The NHTSA reports that during certain crashes, the airbags’ electronic control unit may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Many owners have complained about the airbags not deploying and causing serious injuries. Out of the 177 complaints, nearly 50 are registered against the 2015 Corolla’s faulty and malfunctioning airbags. Also, some owners have mentioned dealers postponing recall appointments over a lack of parts.
Additionally, the NHTSA has two open investigations against the 2015 Toyota Corolla. The first investigation (launched in April 2019) is over the car’s airbag control unit, which may have a faulty electronic component that determines whether airbag deployment is required based on signals from the crash sensors. If defective, the system may refrain from deploying the airbags in a crash.
The second investigation (opened in September 2021) deals with possible airbag rupture during deployment. Per the NHTSA, the Corolla’s Takata-supplied airbag inflators use a propellant that can degrade after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. This burns the propellant too quickly and causes the inflator to rupture during deployment, possibly causing harm to occupants.
2015 Toyota Corolla Suffered from Engine and Drivetrain Issues, Resulting in a Special Service Campaign
Apart from airbags, many complaints are registered against the Corolla’s engine and powertrain. Owners have complained about the 1.8L four-cylinder unexpectedly losing power. While many resorted to dealerships, none of the technicians could figure out what the problem was.
Some 2015 Toyota Corolla owners have even experienced the engine suddenly seizing. According to Your Mechanic, the cause can range from a faulty fuel pump to a defective ignition system or clogged mass airflow sensor.
The 2015 Corolla’s CVT has gathered around 30 complaints. Per the NHTSA, some owners experienced the engine rpms aggressively fluctuating between gear shifts. Other issues include a lack of acceleration, hard shifts, and the CVT occasionally having a mind of its own. Complainants mention the car lunging forward or backward without warning, and sometimes causing damage.
As a remedy, Toyota released a few software updates but, those weren’t doing any good. It wasn’t until 2018 that the automaker fully acknowledged the CVT’s problems. Toyota issued a Special Service Campaign for the CVT but refrained from calling it a safety recall. Corollas manufactured between April 2013 and July 2017 are eligible for the CVT replacement. The service campaign includes out-of-warranty vehicles as well.
2015 Corolla’s Glitchy Infotainment and Power Steering Failure have Made Some Owners Unhappy
Drivers have complained to the NHTSA about the Corolla’s electrical problems, with the majority of the complaints focusing on its glitchy infotainment system. Some have reported it freezing, while others saw it suddenly powering at random. Another common electrical issue is the failing door lock actuators. Owners complain that the doors couldn’t be locked or unlocked via the key fob. The only solution was to use the mechanical key and lock or unlock the old-fashioned way.
The 2015 Corolla’s headlights can be blinding, per some owners. The HID low beams are extremely bright, which they claim are also improperly aligned. Additionally, the Toyota Corolla’s power steering has also had a few complaints. Some owners have reported the loss of power steering when in motion, while others have found it to lock up unexpectedly. Ultimately, very few owners have reported steering issues.
Despite Some Reported Issues, the 2015 Toyota Corolla is Still a Reliable Daily Driver
Aside from the airbag recall, the Corolla’s other reported problems are fairly minor. Yes, the CVT is a cause for concern, and the airbag issues can potentially lead to severe injuries. However, Toyota has taken the necessary steps by issuing recalls and offering free replacements. Also, it’s worth pointing out that the 2015 Corolla hasn’t had that many recalls or complaints when compared to its rivals. If you’re planning to buy a used 2015 Toyota Corolla, just keep these issues in mind. Also, have your mechanic take a look at the car before buying it.
Despite the problems, the 2015 Toyota Corolla is still a reliable commuter. And these minor issues shouldn’t deter you from buying one of the best-selling nameplates in the world.
Photos: Toyota
