1989 Toyota Corolla
Only 23 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 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 26 |
| 1989 | 23 |
| 1990 | 27 |
| 1991 | 71 |
| 1992 | 63 |
| 1993 | 130 |
| 1994 | 172 |
| 1995 | 176 |
| 1996 | 129 |
| 1997 | 135 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 155 |
| 2000 | 144 |
| 2001 | 133 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 720 |
| 2004 | 477 |
| 2005 | 853 |
| 2006 | 839 |
| 2007 | 836 |
| 2008 | 313 |
| 2009 | 1459 |
| 2010 | 1240 |
| 2011 | 584 |
| 2012 | 445 |
| 2013 | 201 |
| 2014 | 267 |
| 2015 | 218 |
| 2016 | 211 |
| 2017 | 176 |
| 2018 | 133 |
| 2019 | 199 |
| 2020 | 300 |
| 2021 | 182 |
| 2022 | 94 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 23 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 23 total reports mention: tires.
2 of 23 total reports mention: seats.
2 of 23 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR WAS PARKED AND STARTED IT OFF CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960223
CAR WAS PARKED AND STARTED IT OFF CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960223
1 of 23 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE
Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
Campaign 10E002000 — check if this car was fixed
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser,...
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 16V396000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V396000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Toyota Corolla have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.