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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2023, fire
We discovered that there was an explosion of some sort inside the car on the passenger side, which seems to have potentially involve the air bag system and/or electrical around the system, but this is not entirely known. The car was parked at the time and had not been driven for approximately 65 hours. It appears there was a fire but we did not witness. The dash is melted leaving a gaping hole, what appears to be portions of the air bag are partially disintegrated and stuck to the ceiling, the ceiling is charred, the sun visor is melted and distorted, and hanging down, underneath the dash is also melted, and the smell in the car is absolutely stifling. The windshield is shattered in one spot, with additional cracks stemming from that point of contact. The windshield is damaged from the impact from inside the car and is pushing out. The car was locked, there is no evidence of forced entry or attempted forced entry. It has never been in a collision. The car was parked three feet away from our motorhome in the confines of our RV spot at an asphalt campground. The safety of all in the area was at risk, and furthermore, since this explosion was unprovoked, if we had been in the car at the time, it's unimaginable as to what sort of bodily damage the passengers, especially the passenger seat occupant, would have incurred. I do not believe the problem can be reproduced, but the car has yet to be inspected. I am currently awaiting insurance to take the car via tow truck to inspect it. There were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms.
Tires, May 15, 2023
The tire had a blowout on the inside of the tire close to the inner rim. No road debris has been experienced on the trip on 71 N from Columbus to Cleveland. The blowout occured at around 10 PM Saturday (5/13/2023) A tire should not have an inner wall rupture unless the tire has a defect. This tire only has about 9,000 mille of use prior to this situation. Tire Info.Firestone Firehawk 215/45R17 XL91V 50,000 Mile.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 3, 2023, crash
12/09/2019, The ECU did not have adequate protection against certain electrical noise that occurred during the collision. Airbags did not deploy in the event of under ride collision, a freak accident involving wildlife crossing the street. Seat belt pretensioners did not engage. I called Allstate insurance that same day. Had I not worn my seat belt, I might have gone through the windshield. Safety was in danger, and not protected. Meineke informed me the oil housing component, fused onto the component that allows for an oil change because it was made with a plastic material, that is an incorrect material, Oxygen sensor lit up after that finding. Vehicle is not available for inspection upon request. Tyler Law Enforcement might have inspected the vehicle in general. My VIN for my vehicle does not describe the style of my vehicle, which is a 2016 Toyota Carolla Sport, Red.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 10, 2023, crash
I was exiting a freeway offramp and as I was turning at a speed of approximately 35 mph, I had both hands on the steering wheel and full control, but the actual car wheels disengaged from the steering. The car went in a different direction than the steering wheel and hit a wall. I was able to reverse. But, as I kept driving, the steering wheel was not controlling the car wheels correctly. When I would turn the steering wheel, the car's wheels wouldn't obey.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Dec 15, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota. The contact stated that while driving forward into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a building wall. During the incident, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a neck injury and the front passenger sustained a bruised rib, both required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Tires, Nov 14, 2022
Tire wall is separating at the seem, can easly slide a card under separation. Appears it was not properly adhered per mechanic
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2022
The wiring inside of the front doors became corroded on two different cars. This resulted in the inability to operate the electric windows of one car. I view this as a safety hazard as the ability to exit the car from the window in an emergency is impaired. Other tasks such as paying tolls is made risky as the door must be opened.
Tires, Jun 30, 2022
FALKEN 215 45 17 Bought preowned Corolla from Jeep Only dealership. Was told went through 125 point inspection. Brought car to Firestone who told me both rear tires are dangerous to drive. Right rear has bubble on side and split. Left rear split as well. Jeep Only sold car in that condition. If I drove on Freeway and got blow out, could have caused accident, injury or death.
Air bags, Apr 12, 2022, crash
Vehicle rollover totaled and steering wheel ejected no evidence of any airbags none deployed
Power train, Nov 8, 2021
problem with transmission at low sped code by Toyota p0841 p2829 the car has 35000miles Toyota toll me That I have to change the CVT transmission cost: 7380.$ by Bev Smith Toyota Fort Pierce FL 34982 Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2021, crash
Unknown
Air bags, Jul 8, 2021, crash
Question: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: Airbags; Yes they car is available to inspect upon request. Question: How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: Airbags failed to deploy during a motor vehicle accident. This resulted in injuries that could have possibly been prevented. Question: Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer: No. Question: Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer: No. Question: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer: No.
Engine, Jun 29, 2021
Car began with issues switching gears. It would hesitate to go into gear and once it was finally in gear it began to buck. Currently stationed overseas And brought my car to Toyota multiple times and was told they wouldn’t look at it since it’s an American spec Toyota and not a European. After a week of trying to get it fixed with no luck the vehicle began getting worse and wasn’t able to go above 35 miles an hour. Finally the check engine light came on. Brought it into a local mechanic and a P 2820 J code was the issue. After researching online I found that Toyota had a service campaign for the same issues I was having. The problem is with the ECU and the cars solenoid. Currently trying to get it repaired but Toyota will not help since I’m stationed overseas in europe and it’s an American Toyota. Toyota USA has been little to no help with the issue so I have had to stop driving the vehicle since it’s a safety hazard to my family.
Seat belts, Jun 16, 2021
My seat belt has to be messed around with a lot in order to release my seat belt. I have to press at least 3 to 4 times super hard before my seat belt releases.
Air bags, Apr 23, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HAMER TOYOTA LOCATED AT 11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD, MISSION HILLS, CA 91345, FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIVING AHEAD OF HER HUSBAND LOSS THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WITH THE TIRE STILL ATTACHED TO THE RIM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL STRUCK THE BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE DRIVEN BY HER HUSBAND. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND THEN DROVE OVER THE WHEEL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LIFT UP OFF OF THE ROADWAY. AFTER WHICH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPIN, HER HUSBAND LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND CRASHED INTO A CANYON WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, UPPER AND LOWER BACK, RIGHT KNEE, AND SHOULDERS. HER HUSBAND WAS TRANSPORTED FROM THE SCENE BY AMBULANCE TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPOT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SWINKS TOWING FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED NOR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,808. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.
Suspension, Mar 24, 2021
BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS MAKES A SQUEAK NOISE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS AND UNEVEN SURFACES. I SHOWED THIS TO TOYOTA SERVICE ON DECEMBER 2019 WHEN FIRST STARTED BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THEN SHOWED IT TO DIFFERENT TOYOTA SERVICES IN 2020, AND THEY COULDN'T FIND IT EITHER. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE SUSPENSION SPRINGS, SO I REPLACED IT BUT STILL THE SQUEAKY NOISE WASN'T RESOLVED. RECENTLY I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND I FOUND THE ATTACHED BULLETIN, BUT THE TOYOTA SERVICE WORKERS NEVER SEEN THIS AND TOYOTA NEVER INFORMED ME OF THE BULLETIN. PLEASE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AND NOT A BULLETIN. TO THIS DAY, THE SQUEAKY NOISE IS A LOT LOUDER THAN IN 2019. PLEASE HELP.
Suspension, Mar 24, 2021
BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS MAKES A SQUEAK NOISE. THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHEN DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS AND UNEVEN SURFACES.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 16, 2021, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN 8/19 WHERE I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. I WAS INJURED AND NOW I FOUND OUT THERE'S A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS AND THE SEATBELTS. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DO NOT TIGHTEN TO KEEP ME FROM BREAKING MY NOSE AND DAMAGING MY C4/C5/C6/C7 IN MY NECK. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND I NO LONGER HAVE IT IN MY POSSESSION. THE ACCIDENT IS WELL DOCUMENTED
Power train, Engine, Feb 12, 2021
I DROVE TO TOYOTA ARLINGTON FOR TIRE ROTATION ON 2/4/21 AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE. ODOMETER WAS 44091 MILES. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, I DROVE ABOUT A MILE THEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE CAR COULD ONLY GO ABOUT 5 MPH. THE CAR JERK UP AND DOWN AS IF I DROVE ON THE RAIL ROAD TRACKS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TRAC OFF AND RED STEERING WHEEL SYMBOL LIT UP BUT NOT FLASHING. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER RIGHT AWAY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF, THE ATTENDANT TURNED IT BACK ON. THE CHECK ENGINE, TRACK OFF AND STEERING SYMBOLS WERE OFF. THE CODE WAS NOT SAVED, SO ON 2/8/21 THE INDEPENDENT SHOP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM (44132 MILES). ON 2/12/21 THE SAME SYMPTOMS CAME BACK AT 44175 MILES. THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING, TRACK OFF LIGHT AND STEERING WHEEL SYMBOLS CAME ON BUT NOT FLASHING. MY WIFE TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAITED FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN TURNED IT ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF BUT THE TRAC OFF LIGHT REMAINED ON. IN THE PAST, AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT ON ONE CLICK, THE SYMBOLS WERE ON, AND WHEN THE IGNITION TURNED ON, THE SYMBOLS WERE OFF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR ALSO SMELL LIKE A BURNING TIRE. WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH ON LANE NUMBER 1 (NEXT TO YELLOW LINES MEDIAN) ON A COUNTY 4 LANES HIGHWAY. THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 5 MPH, JERK UP AND DOWN AND THE CAR VIBRATES AND IT HAPPENED TWICE IN A WEEK. THE CAR IS ONLY 4.5 YEARS OLD AND ONLY 44175 MILES. THE SECOND INDEPENDENT SHOP READ THE CODE AS P0301, MISFIRED. HE SUGGESTED TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR TOYOTA TO FIX IT UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. NO REPAIR HAS BEEN DONE YET.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 2, 2021
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR STARTED BLINKING RED WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, WHEN THE CAR IS ON THE LIGHT SAYS THE AIRBAG IS OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALER LIKE I WAS RECOMMENDED TO DO AFTER CHECKING THE RECALL WEBSITE. AUTO NATION TOYOTA AT 12111 GULF FREEWAY IN HOUSTON TEXAS FOR THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM.AFTER IN LESS THAN AN HOUR THE SERVICE ATTENDANT CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT THE CAR NEEDED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REPLACED AND THE AC AND ENGINE FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WAS GOING TO COST 4 OR 5 HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX. WHEN I TOLD HER I JUST WANTED THE AIRBAGS FIXED SHE TOLD ME THE CAR WAS READY AND I COULD COME AND PICK IT UP. WHEN I GOT THERE TO PICK IT UP THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON AS IF NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TOLD HER THAT THEY DID NOT FIX THE CAR THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A LOT OF WORK INVOLVED IN FIXING THE PROBLEM TO WHERE THE LIGHT WOULD GO OF SUCH AS SENSORS, ELECTRICAL, AND COMPUTER RESETTING. AND THAT THEY ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG. I RESPONDED WITH "THAT WAS NOT WAS I WAS INFORMED. I WAS INFORMED THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND REPAIRING THE PROBLEM MEANS THAT THE LIGHT WOULD GO OFF IN ITS ORIGINAL STATE OR HOW WOULD I KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM IS FIXED." HE SAID I WAS INFORMED WRONG ESPECIALLY IF I GOT THE INFORMATION OFF THE INTERNET. IN OTHER WORDS, HE WAS TELLING ME THAT IT WAS TOO MUCH WORK FOR THEM TO REPAIR FOR FREE. SO WHAT DO I DO NOW, AM I SUPPOSE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IN AN UNSAFE CAR I FEEL LIKE BECAUSE I WAS NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR THE SERVICES THAT TO BE REPAIRED THEN THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING AT ALL. THAT TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE PRICE GOUGING AND DOING ILLEGAL BUSINESS PRACTICES AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY .
Tires, Jan 22, 2021
NEW YOKOHAMA AVID TIRE (WITH LESS THAN 5,250 MILES) BLEW UP ON THE ROAD. ONLY THE RIM REMAINED. SIZE: 205/55R16 91H. DOT 408K6HC1019.
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 10, 2020
IT HAPPENED WHILE IT IS THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND CAR WAS CERTIFIED! THEY JUST UPDATED THE SOFTWARE DISABLING SOMETHING AND COVER UP LIKE ERASING THE FACE OF THE PROBLEM INSTEAD OF SOLVING IT. 01/17/2020 TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, USA, INC. MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALL ISSUED NHTSA #20V024 RECALL #20TA03 SAFETY RECALL 20TA03 (REMEDY NOTICE) - MULTIPLE MODELS AND MODEL YEARS - INCOMPLETE OR NONDEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS AND/OR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS MAY OCCUR STATUS: REMEDY AVAILABLE HTTPS://VINRCL.SAFERCAR.GOV/VIN/VINLOOKUP RECALLS RESULTS BY VIN - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER PRINT SHARE VIN: [XXX] YEAR: 2016 MAKE: TOYOTA MODEL: COROLLA NUMBER OF OPEN RECALLS: 1 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS NEW WINDOW TAKES AWAY FROM VIN LOOKUP SECTION>20V024RECALL DATE: JANUARY 17, 2020 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 20TA03 SUMMARY: THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FROM A SPECIFIC SUPPLIER THAT IS DESIGNED TO RECEIVE SIGNALS FROM CRASH SENSORS AND DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS. THE ECU MAY NOT HAVE ADEQUATE PROTECTION AGAINST CERTAIN ELECTRICAL NOISE THAT CAN OCCUR IN CERTAIN CRASHES, SUCH AS SEVERE UNDERRIDE CRASHES. THIS CAN LEAD TO INCOMPLETE OR NONDEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS AND/OR SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS. SAFETY RISK: AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS THAT DO NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH. REMEDY: ANY AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALER WILL INSTALL A NOISE FILTER BETWEEN THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE AND ITS WIRE HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE MANUFACTURER NOTES: IF THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED OR IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER, PLEASE CONTACT THE NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT: 1-888-327-4236 OR TTY: 1-800-424-9153 OR FILE AN ONLINE COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC
Power train, Nov 2, 2020
VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY WORE OUT ON THE CAR AT 98,000 MILES AFTER A COMPUTER PATCH WAS APPLIED TO CORRECT AN ISSUE WITH EARLY WEAR ON THE PART VIA A TOYOTA RECALL
Visibility/wiper, Oct 6, 2020
REAR VIEW BACK UP CAMERA GETS BLURRY WITH AGE. HARD TO SEE ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT.
Air bags, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 6, 2020
FRONT BUMPER/GRILL AREA PAINT NOT ADHERING TO FRONT AREA FACTORY COLOR BLIZZARD PEARL WHITE. THIS AREA IS THE FACTORY ORIGINAL PAINT. NO HISTORY OF DAMAGE OR REPAINT. AIRBAG RECALL?