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: electrical system
11 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
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.
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.
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Engine, Feb 19, 2019, crash
ON THE MONTH OF JANUARY I HAD AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HAD A RECALL FOR AIR BAG BUT NEVER HAD NOTIFICATION TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP OR GET IT FIXED. THEY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND GOT HIT ON THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO OPERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 1, 2016
MY CAR WAS HACKED ALMOST KILLING ME. CYBER ATTACK 10/31/15 AS I WAS DRIVING THE BATTERY/ALTERNATOR KEPT DRAINING FORCING ME TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. A STRANGE GAS ALSO WAS PERIODICALLY SPRAYING OUT OF VENT FOGGING WINDOWS W/WHITE FILM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE & BREATH. EACH TIME I PULLED OVER CAR RECHARGED ITSELF ON GRASS/DIRT. AT LEAST THE 8TH OR 9TH TIME THIS HAPPENED THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED TO RIGHT & W/IN 1-2 SECONDS I WENT FROM 45-50MPH-0 LIKE HITTING INVISIBLE BUILDING IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. PUSHED GAS PEDAL TO FLOOR, NOT ENOUGH SPEED TO PULL OFF ROAD. NO LIGHTS, POWER, ENGINE DIED. MY BODY WAS JARRED FORWARD ABRUPTLY. A RED LIGHT STARTED BLINKING & BEEPING AT BOTTOM OF CONSUL & GAS STARTED COMING OUT OF VENT AGAIN. I STRUGGLED TO GET OUT OF CAR FOR FEAR OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND AS IT WAS PITCH BLACK OUT, ALSO WANTED TO GET CAT OUT CAR WHICH I LEFT IN FIELD BEFORE POLICE & AMBULANCE ARRIVED. I HAD BLOOD DOWN TO SOCKS. I WAS IN HOSPITAL 1 WEEK AND NO ACCIDENT REPORT WAS FILED, MY CAT IS STILL MISSING. I CALLED DEALERSHIP TO REPORT MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL DEFECT & WAS AVOIDED/RESISTED FOR 3 1/2 WEEKS/OVER 30 HOURS ON THE PHONE BEFORE IT WAS SUGGESTED I CALL MANUFACTURER & ANOTHER 2 WEEKS BEFORE THEY COOPERATED & FILED CLAIM. THIS HAS BEEN A FULL TIME JOB TRYING TO GET SOMEONE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I SELL REAL ESTATE & CANT WORK/EARN MONEY WITH NO CAR. 12/11/15 TOYOTA SENT INSPECTOR TO PLACE CAR WAS TOWED TO PULL INFO OFF DATA RECORDER. 2/1/15 I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED REPORT. I HAVE 3 YEAR ONE PAY LEASE EXPIRING 9/2016, NO MONEY & NO CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ABSURD, BRAIN DRAINING EXHAUSTING WASTE OF TIME W/NO END IN SITE. I'VE REACHED OUT TO FTC, CONSUMER PROTECTION, GOVENORS/SENATORS...I JUST WANTED THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, LOAN OR GIVE ME A CAR WHILE THEY INSPECT AND HAVE HAD ZERO RECOURSE TO DATE. THEY WANT TO SUE ME FOR COST OF CAR/IMPOUND/STORAGE FEES.
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2015
WHEN WE GO TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH IT WON'T TURN COMPLETELY TO ALLOW REMOVAL AT TIMES AND YOU HAVE TO START THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO MOVE IT AND IT CAN AFFECT THE SHIFTING OF THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME. THIS OF COURSE CAN BE A SAFETY PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2015
WHEN I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE RADIO/NAVIGATION SYSTEM TURNS OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND RESTARTS IN ABOUT 10 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS A COUPLE OF TIMES A DAY. THE RADIO/NAVIGATION ALSO FREEZES AND YOU HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO UNFREEZE IT. IT DOES THIS ON ALL TYPE OF ROADS, SMOOTH OR ROUGH, STRAIGHT OR CURVED. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THEY ARE WAITING FOR A FIX FROM TOYOTA USA. AFTER THE THIRD COMPLAINT THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE HEAD UNIT AND IN A WEEK THE PROBLEM RETURNED. I SUSPECT ITS A PROBLEM IN THE WIRING HARNESS.
Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACK OFF MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER DAMAGE WAS DUE TO AN AIR CONDITIONING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 2, 2014
IN THE PAST YEAR THIS CAR HAS EXHIBITED MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES (52 DOCUMENTED) OF DELAYED ACCELERATION FROM 1 TO 3 SECONDS WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I HAVE TRIED TO GET TOYOTA TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM UNSUCCESSFULLY AS THE CAR HAS BEEN COVERED UNDER ORIGINAL WARRANTY THROUGHOUT THIS TIME. MULTIPLE DRIVERS HAVE ATTESTED TO THE DEFECT. IN NCDS ARBITRATION TOYOTA CLAIMED PAUSES WERE DUE TO THE "TRACTION CONTROL" OR "ELECTRONIC VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL" KICKING IN AND REDUCING POWER TO THE WHEELS. THIS COULDN'T BE THE CASE AS IN NONE OF THE INCIDENTS DID THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WHICH COME ON WHEN THOSE FEATURES ACTIVATE LIGHT UP. MOST OF THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED ON DRY, ASPHALT, AND STRAIGHT ROADS AND NON-HURRIED DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND RANDOM WITHOUT WARNING. *TR