The Corolla is Toyota’s star compact car with class-leading efficiency. However, aging models from 2010-2014 are subject to safety-related problems, while some newer model years may experience early mechanical failures.
Key Points
- The 2010 Toyota Corolla has multiple problems with unintended acceleration. Plus, the model has more NHTSA complaints on file than any Corolla in the last decade.
- Corollas from 2010-2013 reportedly have front airbag inflators that may rupture during deployment, possibly causing harm to passengers.
- Airbag problems continue for 2011-2019 Corolla models, which were part of another massive recall related to malfunctioning airbag electronic control units.
- Owners report a number of annoying electrical issues found on the redesigned 2014 Corolla, including faulty door locks, windows, key fobs, and more.
- The 2019 Toyota Corolla was part of a widespread recall over fuel pump failure. If the fuel pump quits while driving, the engine may stall, upping the odds of an accident.
2010 Toyota Corolla has 17 Recalls Covering Faulty Airbags, Stuck Pedals, and Power Steering Failure
The Toyota Corolla has been a fuel-efficient, affordable compact sedan since the model’s initial debut in the 1960s. However, some years from the last decade have struggled, particularly the 2010 model.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2010 Toyota Corolla has accrued over 1,200 owner complaints. About one-third relate to the airbags, which ultimately triggered several recalls by Toyota.
Of the 2010 Corolla’s 17 recalls, several pertain to the Takata airbag fiasco. This problem concerns defective airbag propellants that can explode during deployment and harm passengers.
On top of the airbag recalls, the 2010 Corolla was recalled twice over unintended acceleration, due to either a sticking accelerator pedal or the accelerator pedal being trapped by the floor mats.
The 2010 Corolla’s steering system has the second-highest number of owner complaints reported to the NHTSA. Owners consistently mention power steering failure, where the wheel becomes stiff or difficult to maneuver. At present, there has been no recall issued by Toyota to remedy this.
More Airbag Issues for 2011-2019 Toyota Corollas, Unrelated to the Takata Recalls
Airbag problems are compounded further on the Toyota Corolla, unrelated to the Takata recall, for 2011–2019 model years.
Toyota recalled approximately three million vehicles for an issue with the airbag’s electronic control unit (ECU), which may malfunction. This can prevent the airbags from deploying in an accident, and can also disable the seat belt pretensioners.
The remedy available from Toyota includes inspection of the ECU and installation of a noise filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free to owners.
All-new 2014 Toyota Corolla Saw Increase in Electrical Issues, Including Faulty Door Locks, Key Fobs, Infotainment Systems, and More
After a complete redesign in 2014, which included updates to styling, powertrains, and technology, owners began reporting electrical system problems.
These electrical issues predominantly include but are not limited to, door lock failure and infotainment system failure.
Owners report issues with the interior door locks not engaging when switched, as well as the key fob not working.
The infotainment system on the 2014 Toyota Corolla, which was updated to the automaker’s next-generation Entune system, has received numerous complaints from owners. Problems with freezing, rebooting continuously, or not working at all are the most prominent symptoms reported.
Owners mention spending as much as $3,500 to replace the infotainment system in their 2014 Corollas as a result of these problems.
Newer Corollas Appear to have More Early Mechanical Failures, 2019 Model Year Already Recalled Several Times
Closing out the model’s 11th generation, the 2019 Toyota Corolla has more problems and recalls than one would expect from a three-year-old car.
In addition to being affected by the Toyota Airbag ECU recall, the 2018-2019 Corollas are also involved in another widespread recall concerning fuel pump failure.
Nearly two million Toyota vehicles, including the Corolla, were recalled for defective low-pressure fuel pumps. If the fuel pump fails, it can cause the vehicle to stall. Toyota will replace the fuel pump for free on affected vehicles.
So far, the 2019 Corolla has six recalls while the 2018 model has three. One recall exclusive to the 2019 Corolla impacts a few thousand vehicles but has significant implications for the vehicle’s transmission.
Toyota says the pump impeller blades within the transmission’s torque converter could detach, potentially causing the Corolla to stall. Owner’s reported transmission failures occurring on their 2019 Corollas as early as 30,000 miles.
As a result of these transmission problems, Toyota will replace the transmission and torque converter for free.
Toyota Corolla is Fuel Efficient, but a Streak of Problems and Recalls Make Several Model Years Tough to Consider
While the Corolla has been an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” for the majority of the past 10 years, the many owner complaints and issued recalls on some years are a little worrying.
The Corolla has always been a fuel-efficient, practical car, but several years have proven to be more problematic than others.
Airbag recalls impact most years from the last decade. In addition, be wary of unintended acceleration problems in 2010 models, annoying electrical issues in 2014, and fuel pump and transmission failures in 2019 Corollas.
Photos: Toyota
