1992 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.
37% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I OWN A 92 TOYOTA COROLLA. ON THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2009 MY ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE STARTER ON MY CAR AND WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE IGNITION TO TURN ON MY CAR I IMMEDIATELY SMELLED THE HEAT AND SAW SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100104
31% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950130
ELECTRICAL FIRE. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941208
17% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and constant velocity joint.
14% of complaints: seat belts — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULER BELT BECOMES FRAID AND STARTS TO UNRAVEL. THIS SEEMS TO BE OCCURRING ON OTHER CORROLLAS WITH THIS RESTRAINT SYSTEM. (92'S HAVE TWO BELTS; A LAP BELT AND A SHOULDER BELT) IS THERE A RETRO- FIT AVAILABLE?
NHTSA ODI report, 20040711
12% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and hood.
SAFETY TIMELINE
DUE TO A COMPUTER PROGRAM ERROR, CERTAIN DIGITS OF THE GVWR AND THE GAWR APPEARED IN INCORRECT LOCATIONS ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL LOCATED ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Remedy: RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER FOR EXCHANGE OF THE CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Campaign 91V168000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1992 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V168000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1992 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Toyota Corolla is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Toyota Corolla have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.