1991 Toyota Corolla
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
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 | 73 |
| 1992 | 65 |
| 1993 | 134 |
| 1994 | 184 |
| 1995 | 176 |
| 1996 | 129 |
| 1997 | 135 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 155 |
| 2000 | 145 |
| 2001 | 133 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 720 |
| 2004 | 477 |
| 2005 | 853 |
| 2006 | 839 |
| 2007 | 836 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 1459 |
| 2010 | 1244 |
| 2011 | 584 |
| 2012 | 445 |
| 2013 | 201 |
| 2014 | 268 |
| 2015 | 219 |
| 2016 | 214 |
| 2017 | 178 |
| 2018 | 133 |
| 2019 | 201 |
| 2020 | 304 |
| 2021 | 185 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 63 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
21% of complaints: structure — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and hood.
CRASH21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.
19% of complaints: seat belts — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SHOULDER BELT W/SEPARATE LAP BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER AFTER LEFT SIDE IMPACT WHICH VEHICLE DID HIT CURB BENDING RIM AND BURSTING TIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19950425
12% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY CAR ACCELERATED ON REVERSE WHEREIN INSTEAD OF MAKING A 90 DEGREES ANGLE THE CAR WENT SWIPING IN 180 DEGREES. BOTH TIMES WAS RAINY. BOTH TIMES THE HEADLIGHTS & THE WINDSHIELD WIPER & THE BACK WINDOW DEFOGGER IS ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100224
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SUSPENSION
11% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STARTER FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19941123
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Toyota Corolla is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Toyota Corolla have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.