2012 Toyota Corolla
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 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
83% of complaints: air bags — 370 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I got a car accident on Oct 30,2024. The air bag didn't deployed and my head has been injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241209
Hit head in passengers side into a cement pole, car was a total loss. No airbags deployed causing bodily injury to driver and passenger from impact and seatbelt , stopping us . Chest cavity injuryâs
NHTSA ODI report, 20231112
TAKATA RECALL I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG HIT MY LEFT ARM WHEN IT DEPLOYED. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL AFTER MY INSURANCE COMPANY COMPLETED AN EVUALATION ON MY TOYOTA CAROLLA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190520
4% of complaints: steering — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY3% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY3% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
2% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, an
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contac
Campaign 13V014000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever...
Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.
Campaign 17V006000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019.
Campaign 19V005000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.
Campaign 19V741000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020.
Campaign 20V024000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (370 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V014000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V006000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V005000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V741000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V024000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Toyota Corolla is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 83% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Corolla have?
5 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.