2013 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 201 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 46 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 51 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJan 17, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
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. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
Campaign 20V024000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleOct 17, 2019
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, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Campaign 19V741000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2019
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 Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Campaign 19V005000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 9, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
Campaign 18V024000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
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, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
201 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 22, 2026
UNKNOWN
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2025
The paint on my 2013 Toyota Corolla, Super White (040), is peeling extensively down to the primer on the roof, hood, trunk, and door frames and pillar areas. Toyota previously acknowledged this issue as a manufacturing defect affecting 2008–2017 Corollas and issued a Warranty Enhancement Program to address it. My vehicle’s claim for assistance was denied solely due to the program expiration, even though the defect persists. The peeling is widespread, severe, and not consistent with normal wear or environmental exposure. The metal surfaces are exposed, increasing the risk of corrosion. I am submitting this complaint to document the defect and Toyota’s refusal to assist despite prior acknowledgment.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 19, 2025
Wiper blades only going fast. Fuse and moter are fine however wiper blades goes real fast.
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,509 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 197,151.
Structure, May 21, 2025
Blue color paint on hood and trunk of vehicle peeling off.The vehicle only has 29,000 miles and is parked in garage. Toyota needs to repaint car and absorb the cost.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2025
White paint peeling off, it looks like Toyota haven’t painted this car with primer before the base coat
Air bags, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V005000 (AIR BAGS) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Structure, Nov 26, 2024
the white paint is peeling off
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2024
On Monday, [XXX], I was at the CVS pharmacy drive through when the failure occurred. There was no accident and otherwise no warning before it happened. I attempted to pull out when I noticed the car was drifting and the steering was extremely stiff. I looked down to see that the airbag light and BRAKE light were both on. I coasted into a spot I happened to be aligned with. As I did, I felt the brakes and steering stiffen even more until they were almost 100% seized. (Kind of felt like I was fighting hydraulic fluid.) You guys are welcome to request to inspect the vehicle. I haven't been able to get it inspected, because the Toyota dealership wants me to pay a diagnostic fee to prove the airbag light came on due to the airbag assembly for them to be able to cover the work under the extended warranty for the airbag system. There was no accident. I thankfully didn't have any speed behind me. So, I just barely had enough brakes to stop. This also means that I didn't make an insurance claim or call the police. I did get a tow truck to come out with State Farm roadside assistance, though. The vehicle is at my father's house. We far as how this has affected us, I'm never buying a vehicle with electric steering again. At least with traditional power steering, if there's a failure, you can still steer the vehicle, even if it is difficult. If I had been coming down the winding, 6% grade from Lake Tahoe to Carson when it occurred a few nights ago, I wouldn't have been able to stop or steer; I probably would have went into the ravine. Had we been on the highway or even coming down the hill in Carson from[XXX] when I lost controls, we could both be dead right now. What's worse is I saw a forum where a bunch of people were talking about this happening to them: losing brakes and steering randomly, while actively driving. A few of them were only at 40k miles. In each case, airbags did not deploy. I think the sensor is causing the crashes sporadically. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that when the outside temperature was hot, the vehicle was not working correctly. The vehicle was difficult to start, and there was an abnormal ticking sound while starting the vehicle. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down before the vehicle would run smoothly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC code: P1604 (Startability Malfunction), and the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
Engine, May 9, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, IGNITION COIL. Code P219A BANK 1 AIR-FUEL RATIO IMBALANCE. Code P0302 CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE DETECTED. While in motion will shake, jerk, self-fluctuate speed, and lose power up to 100 % if the gas pedal is pressed past a certain point. I have no doubt it is a matter of time and consequence before great damage and bodily injury to myself and others occur. Yes twice been to the repair shop for this issue. Yes. Vehicle was sent by and from a dealership. First, the maintenance required light blinks then is solid. Then the check engine light and track off light are bright and solid. Vehicle first had this issue febuary 28th. Vehicle exact issue but a month later and is currently in the same state. Vehicle has been in the repair shop two times and will need to go again if I keep it.
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2024
Clean title
Structure, Apr 29, 2024
This is a white Toyota where the paint is peeling on both sides of the windshield and the top of the trunk. This is a known issue with certain white Toyotas.
Structure, Lane departure, Nov 3, 2023, crash
Trunk Trunk lid Trunk latch Rear bumper cover Rear bumper brackets Both rear head lights Both rear head light Rear trunk lid cover Rear trunk trunk support Are broken, my safety was put at risk because I was hit in the back of my car at a stoplight. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police but it is currently at the mechanic.
Steering, Aug 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose while making left and right turns. As a result, the vehicle overturned without warning No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer where the alignment was replaced. Additionally, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to several dealers where the cause of the failure could not be determined and the contact was informed that nothing was wrong with the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2021
Fiel Pump Not working.
Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakes, Sep 13, 2021
ABS and Traction Control not functioning. Indicator light on. Air bag recall due to metal possibly killing driver or passenger is more likely to happen because the ABS and Traction control not working.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2021
RECALL INCOMPLETE
Steering, Jun 4, 2021
Steering wanders left to right like car is buffeted by wind. Difficult keeping in lane.
Air bags, May 4, 2021
TWO RECALLS WAS MADE MORE THEN 5 WEEKS AGO! BUT INFORMATION ABOUT ONE OF TWO RECALLS DID NOT ADDED!
Air bags, Jan 9, 2021
I WENT TO A TOYOTA DEALER TO GET THE RECALL WORK DONE(DEALER AT 2610 FOREST LANE'DALLAS,TX) THEY NEVER DID THE REPAIR AND GAVE ME A PHONE CALL TRYING TO SELL ME WITH $1000+ OF BOGUS REPAIRS. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR,I HAVE A 21POINT INSPECRTION DONE TWICE A YEAR BY GOOD MECHANICS--EXCEPT THE RED LIGHT UNDER THE RADIO STAYS ON AND SAYS AIRBAG OFF.THE BUTTON TO THE RIGHT OF THIS WOULD SAY AIRBAGS ON BUT IT DOESNT'T WORK. THEY NEVER DID THE THE REPAIR. THIS REPAIR WAS ALSO SOMETHING ABOUT SEATBELT. ALL THEY DID WAS TRY AND SCAM ME FOR $1000.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Nov 19, 2020
ON 11/19/20 THE CAR ACCELERATED AND BRAKES STUCK WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT ABOUT 5-10 MILES TO THE PARKING SPACE AT JALAPENOS RESTAURANT, 450 E 1ST ST TUSTIN CA 92780. CAR STOPPED BECAUSE THE BAR ON THE GROUND PREVENTED THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD! IT SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME, IT LEFT ME SHACKING!
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS OCCUPYING THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE CONTACT CALLED STADIUM TOYOTA LOCATED AT 5088 N. DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL 33614, (813) 872-4881, TO NOTIFY THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
Air bags, Jul 16, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACTS SON WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED, CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF A TRUCK, SPUN AROUND, THEN WENT BACKWARDS CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DRIVER INSTALLED THE SPARE TIRE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY THEN TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A COLLISION REPAIR FACILITY. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR THE FAILURE BUT THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER AN AIR BAG RECALL AT A TOYOTA DEALER LOCATED IN HOT SPRINGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMANT 74,465.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2020, crash
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER HITTING CEMENT GUARDRAIL HEAD ON AFTER HYDROPLANING AT 70MPH. CAR WAS BROUGHT IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN CLERMONT FOR THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE AIRBAGS ON JUNE 8, 2020.