Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Toyota Corolla is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Corolla?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2020 Toyota Corolla

◆ Worse than typical

2020 Toyota Corolla
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 308
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2020: 308 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	720
2004	477
2005	853
2006	840
2007	836
2008	314
2009	1,459
2010	1,244
2011	584
2012	446
2013	201
2014	268
2015	220
2016	214
2017	178
2018	134
2019	203
2020	308
2021	186
2022	99
2023	73
2024	64
2025	31
2026	17

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

35% · 109 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Part is the coolant bypass valve. Toyota has been taken to court but dealership claims now that Iâm over 100k miles I canât do it. There was also a second part about 10 years but I wasnât clear on the details of the outcome.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-06

Power train

13% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing clutch assembly.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The concentric slave cylinder in my vehicle is a big issue with these cars. There has been so many reports of issues happening with these cars manual transmission Corolla's.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18

Also filed under Service brakes

The CV joint, there is a clicking sound when sharp turns are make to include U-turns. Spoke with a mechanic and was instructed to reach out to the dealership and check for recall on it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-15

FAILED COMPONENT & AVAILABILITY: The manual transmission Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) failed internally.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-06

Electrical system

10% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

FIRE

Service brakes

7% · 23 reports

CRASHINJURY

Visibility/wiper

6% · 17 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2020Complaint volume 308 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2020-02-07Seat belts19V877000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-01-21Fuel system, gasoline20V682000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4,...

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-10-31Air bags23V865000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022...

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 109 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 39 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 19V877000 · Seat belts
Recall 20V682000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 23V865000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Toyota Corolla is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Corolla?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.