1990 Toyota Corolla
Only 27 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 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 27 complaints
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 | 73 |
| 1992 | 65 |
| 1993 | 134 |
| 1994 | 184 |
| 1995 | 176 |
| 1996 | 129 |
| 1997 | 135 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 155 |
| 2000 | 145 |
| 2001 | 133 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 721 |
| 2004 | 477 |
| 2005 | 854 |
| 2006 | 840 |
| 2007 | 836 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 1,459 |
| 2010 | 1,244 |
| 2011 | 584 |
| 2012 | 446 |
| 2013 | 201 |
| 2014 | 270 |
| 2015 | 220 |
| 2016 | 215 |
| 2017 | 178 |
| 2018 | 136 |
| 2019 | 204 |
| 2020 | 310 |
| 2021 | 188 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 18 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
8 of 27 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer not happy with service. *nm the consumer purchased a custom hangar for her muffler. The consumer felt like the service was rendered in a false and misleading manner.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-02-23
Tires
6 of 27 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt and bead.
Power train
6 of 27 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Seat belts
4 of 27 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Frontal collision impact 1:00, speed 35 MPH, lap/shoulder on drivers side did not retract. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-25
I have a 1990 Toyota Corolla. Although I have not had an accident, the seat belt (Which attached to the door) does not retract at all. It has been like this for some time and would not protect me in an accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-04
Visibility
1 of 27 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2010-03-15Suspension10E002000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1990 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 1990 Toyota Corolla?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Toyota Corolla have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.