MYRModel Year Report

1981 Toyota Corolla

○ Not enough data
1981 Toyota Corolla
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:56:36.612Z

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Corolla Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1981 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1989: 23 complaints 1990: 27 complaints 1991: 71 complaints 1992: 63 complaints 1992 1993: 130 complaints 1994: 172 complaints 1995: 176 complaints 1996: 129 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 144 complaints 2001: 133 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2003: 720 complaints 2004: 477 complaints 2004 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 839 complaints 2007: 836 complaints 2008: 313 complaints 2009: 1459 complaints 2010: 1240 complaints 2010 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 445 complaints 2013: 201 complaints 2014: 267 complaints 2015: 218 complaints 2016: 211 complaints 2016 2017: 176 complaints 2018: 133 complaints 2019: 199 complaints 2020: 300 complaints 2021: 182 complaints 2022: 94 complaints 2022 2023: 71 complaints 2024: 59 complaints 2025: 25 complaints 2026: 11 complaints 2026
1981: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19813
19825
19831
19846
19853
19863
198714
198826
198923
199027
199171
199263
1993130
1994172
1995176
1996129
1997135
1998225
1999155
2000144
2001133
2002117
2003720
2004477
2005853
2006839
2007836
2008313
20091459
20101240
2011584
2012445
2013201
2014267
2015218
2016211
2017176
2018133
2019199
2020300
2021182
202294
202371
202459
202525
202611

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND OUTSIDE OF MY GARAGE I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND GOT OUT AND OPENED OUR GARAGE DOOR, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE IT SHOT ACROSS OUR GARAGE BREAKING STAIRS LEADING INTO OUR HOUSE, A WORKBENCH AND DID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE...

NHTSA ODI report, 20100210

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, air.

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT INTERMITTENTLY BRAKES LIGHT HAS BEEN FOR THE LAST PAST YEAR. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021218

SEAT BELTS

1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD/INJURY. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19951116

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1981 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, air issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 1992 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ■ 2010 ■ 2005

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1981 Toyota Corolla reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1981 Toyota Corolla?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1981 Toyota Corolla have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.