2016 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 214 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 66 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 56 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
Representative owner complaints
214 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 11, 2026
The defrost no longer works. When I put on defrost it doesn't blow out of the defrost causing me not to be able to see out of my windshield. I have found other people online with this same issue. My heat and air conditioner work fine.
Tires, Aug 26, 2026
Purchased set of 4 Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring 195/65R1591H tires on 26 Jun 2026 @ 48,847 miles on the odometer. Three of the tires had the same serial number of U9AE1CR2622, with the 4th of U9AE1CR4822. Brought car in for service on 20 Oct 2025 @ 65,340 due to a slow leak on the rear passenger and was informed the rear passenger and front driver tires had tread separation and needed replacing. The tires both had a serial number of U9AE1CR2622. Tires were replaced. 15 Aug 2026, the front driver tire (the remaining tire with the U9AE1CR2622 serial number; it had been rotated to that position during the 20 Oct 2025 service) the tire pressure indicator light came on and discovered a slight (~7 psi) drop and aired up to correct pressure. However the tread appears rounded as apposed to flat across like the other tires and have confirmed the tread has separated. The car is driven moderately on paved roads and does not sit for extended periods of times. The tread depth is still quite deep. I expected much more out of these tires and do not plan on buying Cooper again. I believe the Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring 195/65R1591H tires (and perhaps more specifically, the U9AE1CR2622 batch) is defective and dangerous.
Power train, Jul 14, 2026
The CVT transmission on my 2016 Toyota Corolla initially suffered a complete mechanical failure and was repaired on 01/08/2024, forcing me to pay $3,696 out of pocket for a replacement at an independent shop. Last week, the transmission experienced issues again, and this time a certified Toyota dealership serviced it for free under an active factory recall. This proves the vehicle has a documented factory defect. However, Toyota is currently refusing to reimburse me for the original $3,696 repair expense incurred due to this exact defect.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2026
The factory-applied Super White (paint code 040) paint on my vehicle has peeled down to bare metal on multiple exterior body panels. The peeling is not the result of any collision damage, scratches, or external trauma — it is consistent with the known factory paint adhesion defect that Toyota itself acknowledged through Customer Support Program ZKG, which covered this exact vehicle model, year, and paint color. Toyota's own program documentation states the defect occurs when sunlight degrades adhesion between the factory paint primer coat and the base metal electrodeposition layer. With paint peeled to bare metal, the affected panels are now exposed to moisture and the elements, creating a risk of structural rust and corrosion over time. I purchased this vehicle used in 2023 and was never notified of the Customer Support Program. By the time I discovered the program existed, the coverage had expired. Toyota has declined to provide any assistance. Toyota acknowledged this as a manufacturing defect affecting approximately 1.74 million vehicles under Program ZKG. Owners of 2016 Corollas who purchased their vehicles used were not adequately notified, and coverage has now lapsed for recently expired vehicles despite the defect being identical to those Toyota previously covered. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Toyota's Customer Support Program ZKG adequately covered all affected vehicles and owners, and whether an expanded or extended remedy is warranted.
Power train, May 20, 2026
I was driving on the highway and the transmission gave completely out!! with no warning! No check engine light no error message. Car only has 160000 miles on it, if i wasn't calm as I was that could've been lethal!!!!
Structure, Apr 20, 2026
I have super white (040) paint and it's flaking off due to original manufacturer paint defect. Paint is flaking off my passenger back door and a large piece/area of roof. flakes of paint will come off at highway speeds, creating a vision hazard for drivers behind me or a distraction when flakes hit the windshield.
Air bags, Dec 28, 2025, crash
In 2024, my 2016 Toyota Corolla was involved in a collision. The airbags did not deploy. I went to the emergency room following the crash and later required additional medical treatment, including rehabilitation.
Power train, Dec 2, 2025
My 2016 Toyota Corolla suddenly showed a Check Engine light, and the dealer diagnosed a CVT transmission failure with code P2757. This code is linked directly to Toyota’s own TSB T-SB-0150-16 for torque converter clutch/valve-body failure. The dealer confirmed the issue and quoted me $11K to fix it. This is frightening because a failing transmission can slip, hesitate, or lose power at any moment, which puts me and others at risk. There were no early warning signs, just the sudden light. I brought it in immediately, and the problem was fully reproduced and documented by Toyota. My car is available for inspection whenever needed. Toyota corporate reviewed my case but offered very little help since my vehicle is just outside the 7-year timeframe for CA. I bought the extended warranty when the car was brand new. I have done every single service at Toyota, always on time, and my car has never been in an accident. I’ve taken care of it exactly the way Toyota told me to. This is not normal wear. This is a documented defect that puts drivers at risk and places an enormous financial burden on owners who did everything right. I’m filing this complaint because people deserve protection, accountability, and fairness, especially when a safety-related failure happens in a well-maintained vehicle. I’m only [XXX] , and I expected to own many more Toyotas throughout my life. My whole family drives Toyotas. I grew up believing this brand meant safety, reliability, and loyalty in both directions. I honestly wanted to be a Toyota driver for life. But facing an $11K repair for a known issue that Toyota already acknowledged in a TSB—without meaningful support—has broken my trust in a way I never expected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 17, 2025, crash
The driver seat belt dont work and once in a great while it will work but even whenever it does latch it still shows the seat belt isn't on and that noise keeps going off but after a while the noise goes off but the symbol is still on the dash board. I recently got hit from behind (09/15/2025) at a red light and no air bags deployed. Im not sure if they were suppose to deploy but either way my seat belt dont work. And I know this isn't a safety matter but my radio doesn't turn off when I turn off my car and I can't lock/unlock my doors with the key fob I have to lock it with the key on the driver door. I have to take the fuse out for the radio so my battery won't die and so the radio turns off.
Electrical system, Sep 2, 2025
Radio will constantly reset as well as the in-dash clock, and the Tire Pressure light will illuminate and flash. I found this appears to be a consistent issue with 2014, 2015, and 2016 Toyota Corolla's on YouTube.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2025
At about 40000 miles on about [XXX] I noticed my paint starting to peel and fade from my roof as time passed it went to my hood and trunk faded and clear coat peeling I took my car to Toyota in Brownsville Tx and there was no recall on paint defect on roof but the associate told me they had 2 Toyota Corollas being fix on recall for same defect as my Red toyota Corolla but those cars are white I don’t understand why my red car with same defect wouldn’t fall under recall I have seen my self a green and blue Corolla on the streets with same issue I have paid my car clear I’m [XXX] can’t afford to paint and car has plenty of years for me but paint is look bad thank u hope for a repose or help INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Power train, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel seized with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering module and the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Feb 16, 2025
I recently 6 weeks ago bought a used certified 2016 Toyota Corolla with 43,000 miles. I have been going back and forth with Toyota since the day after I bought it about the many mechanical issues that pose a major safety risk. The car shudders/vibrates when accelerating, knocks when backing up. And when making turns the car shifts hard side to side with a shudder and wobble in floor board of car. It feels as if you don’t have control of the vehicle when driving. It has lots of loose play in the front end and steering really the whole car. It also has a problem going up hill and jumping on fwy a major problem accelerating. They keep telling me car is working per design but this is a lie. I have taken it to 2 other mechanics who told me this car has major issues safety ones to take it back. Toyota fixed the control arms stating that might be what it is but the same problems remain. I am afraid to drive this vehicle and they refuse to figure out the problems and fix them. 2 days after buying it I told them take the car back it has too many mechanical issues they refused. I don’t know what to do I cannot continue driving this car like this and in the rain it could barely handle also. The car has a feeling of loss of control like the whole frame of car is loose. I need help and don’t know what else to do I’ve taken the car back to them about 15 times. They continue to lie and say nothing is wrong even though when I test drove it with the head mechanic. He admitted the car has major issues but told me he did not want to get involved and I would have to take it up with management. I traded in my 2011 suv that was in good working order to buy this smaller car so my daughter could also learn to drive. They should have never sold this vehicle with this many mechanical safety issues please help.
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2024
There are no incidents but it is requiring me to fill this out.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 13, 2024
We own a 2016 Toyota Corolla Sport model. 4 door sedan. We first started to notice a loud sound that was seemingly coming from the front of the car. It was a whining, rattling sound. The car's mileage is 87k. We took it into the shop, we were first told that it sounded like a bearing going out in the wheel. Then we took it to a licensed Toyota dealership. The dealership then tells us that it is actually due to the transmission chain, and our transmission will need to be replaced for $8900!! So I begin to dig online, and find that our model is the same years of other Toyota models that Toyota has a KNOWN problem with. This is a major issue, and puts our safety at risk if the transmission just suddenly goes out. The Toyota dealership has confirmed that we have an issue, and are saying that the transmission MUST be replaced, effectively decommissioning our work commuter vehicle until we can get this sorted. It was diagnosed by a licensed Toyota technician, but it can be inspected by a insurance rep/mechanic upon request. There were no warnings, no lamps, no codes. We just heard the noise, which is seemingly getting worse and louder. Which appeared about 7/15/24. The car has had it's routine maintenance done per the manufacturers specifications. The fluids are routinely checked, and it is taken in to a Toyota dealership for it's servicing, with certified maintenance records. It was never noted on oil changes that this was an issue, or that the transmission fluid was ever an issue. We do not drive this car hard, we do not abuse it. It is our commuter. And now we are looking at having to replace the transmission for essentially the same cost as the car itself.
Structure, Aug 12, 2024
The roof of my car started peeling. It’s been progressing quickly. Also starting a small little part in the back as well.
Suspension, Jun 26, 2024
I own a 2016 Toyota Corolla with 35000 miles. My extended warranty expired in January 2024. In the the last few months my Toyota developed a “rattle” or noise, primarily on the right side at slow speeds and slow turns. I took the car to a well respected and nearby repair facility for an oil change and had them look at the noise. They found that the control arm bushings had stress cracks and the sway bar end links and mount bushings were leaking. I had the repairs done. The defective parts are documented with photos in the electronic version of the repair invoice. The noise came back in a day. The next step would be replacing the struts. The repair shop found no visible wear or damage to the struts. I already spent $2400 on repairs. The noise remains. The damage to the parts most likely started long before the warranty expired in January. I found a Technical Service Bulletin describing the repair for this noise issue. The repair described specifies replacing the control arms. I did that in the above described repair. There are many upset consumers complaining in Internet forums about the same problem in 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla’s. I contacted Toyota customer service by email. They told me there was nothing they could do about the problem since the warranty expired 5 years after purchasing the car. I told them I have an 8 year extended warranty. They insisted that there was no 8 year warranty. I offered to send them proof. I have the same problem as shown below. I replaced the control arms and stabilizer bar links. They appeared to be failing. There are many more pages on the internet with the same problem. I reported this to Toyota. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Suspension, Jun 10, 2024
A knocking noise is coming from the front of car. Noise correlates with car motion. Worn parts in suspension were replaced by Euro Car Doctor in Costa Mesa. One problem complies with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin. Noise continues. The electronic invoice has photos of worn parts. Euro Car Doctor documents concern. I do not trust the local Toyota dealer service department to properly inspect the vehicle.
Power train, Engine, May 22, 2024
Unknown
Air bags, Mar 26, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was rear-ended. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the other driver was driving at about 45 MPH when the contact's vehicle was rear-ended. A police report was filed. The contact did not seek medical attention at the scene but later went to the hospital where the contact was treated for whiplash. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop, however the vehicle had not been inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2024, crash
I have been driving my car since 2016, however since Nov 24, 2023. Incidents that alarm me have happen. I have filed a police report but don't have the funds to get vehicle swept. All of these events occur while I am driving. Passenger windows goes up in and down a lot. Static in my speakers. Steering wheels lock. somethings draining my battery. though I have ensured nothings on or there isn't any short fuses. Doors unlock. Door beeps though someone has had access. Trunk pops open. I am reaching out to NHTSA because my safety is at risk. Is any other Corolla owners reporting this. Please assist me.
Air bags, Mar 6, 2024, crash
The contact's daughter owned a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen, and while being chased by the police, the suspect crashed into a supporting beam located on the expressway. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact was unaware of any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot for the city. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed to be a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The manufacturer was not notified of the failre. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Air bags, Feb 27, 2024, crash
Airbags did not deploy on time of the accident that I was very injured and hospitalized for 4 days in the iCU
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2023
The car is at very good condition
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2023
Toyota has installed several parts on my 2016 corolla that were previous years' parts. In previous complaints, the tires (under 11,000 miles) started to dry rot. When filing the warranty repair, the dealerships and Toyota tried to claim that it was normal. After deep investigation, it was found that the tires were actually over a YEAR older than the release of the vehicle. The tire warranty started when they were sold to Toyota, not when the car was purchased. They did the same thing on Air intake components for the Air filter system for the car. This is the 3rd issue. Since I purchased the lease in 2016. The car constantly had a check engine light. Typically, it was suggested it was a "gas cap pressure check failure". But at all of the routine inspections and services. Dealerships never did anything but clear the code and keep going. I recently went back in to do a "smoke check" as I was getting tired of the code constantly pulling the check engine light. Now, supposedly, it's the Charcol canister. Ironically enough, Toyota had a recall on those items in 2015. I'm suspecting that this part if from that recall part, as it's been an issue (within service notes) to be checked since 2016 and was never suggested or further deep dive into the issue was never done. Now that the warranty is over, I'm supposed to pay another $800+ for the service parts and labor. Which Toyota should be liable for, as I KEPT taking the care to the dealership for warranty service, yet these checks were never done. When the service is underway, I would suggest sending this part to the NHTSA to investigate the old recalled parts are in fact being installed on newer vehicles. As this would be the 3rd item that was from other older models that mysteriously appeared on my 2016 model corolla.