2020 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 308 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 22 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 23 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 20, 2023
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 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
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. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Campaign 23V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 4, 2020
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, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/other, buckle assemblyDec 11, 2019
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. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.
Campaign 19V877000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
79 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2026
Replace Heater Control Valve - Diagnostic code P2681 indicates an internal electrical failure within the heater control valve assembly, a condition commonly seen on Toyota vehicles. Testing showed the electrical portion of the valve is open and no longer maintaining proper circuit continuity, requiring replacement of the heater control valve assembly.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2026
Coolant water control valve short circuit. Causes dealer message that won't clear and dealer wants $600 to replace a $30 part. Part is extremely difficult to get to and should not be a wear item.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 8, 2026
Car shows the below message when A/C is turned on: Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2026
Message on dashboard that says, "Engine Maintenance Required. Visit Dealer." This message came on at around 31,000 miles and I was told it was three different things all different prices at my dealer. So, I looked into it and found out it was the Coolant Bypass Valve, and asked the dealership about it and they said 700 dollars to replace. I did not want to pay that much especially since I saw online others were having the same problem. Message still pops up to this day when I turn on my A/C. Car now has around 205,000 miles on it and is six years old.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 30, 2026
when I use blinker windshield wipers turn on and sometimes when I call or somebody calls my cell phone I can hear them, but they cannot hear me. does not happen all the time, but I was concerned since there was a recall on certain toyota corolla that says a short circuit may develop in the OCS sensor, preventing front passenger air bag from deploying and my son who is a mechanic said both of these could be a problem with the wiring in the column and I thought it may be connected to the same recall as the air bags? the wipers coming on is happening more often these days and that is why I mentioned it to my son who is a mechanic. he will not touch it since it is still under my extended protection but he is concerned about it getting worse since the blinker is attached to the column. as far as using not being heard by callers or when I call I am concerned if I need to call in an emergency the ones I call cannot hear me. as far as when this started I do not remember but I know it's been at least 6 months if not longer, it just seems to be doing it more often lately
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2026
On the morning of January 7, 2026, while I was on my way to work, I experienced a dangerous incident involving my vehicle. As I arrived at the first stop on the street, I suddenly heard a loud explosion. Immediately afterward, pieces of glass began falling onto my windshield. I pulled over and exited the vehicle to assess the situation. Upon inspection, I discovered that the sunroof of my car had completely shattered. Glass was scattered across the roof, windshield, and interior of the vehicle. Prior to the explosion, there were no visible signs of damage to the sunroof. The incident occurred without warning and posed a serious safety risk. I am submitting this complaint to formally document what happened and to request that the matter be investigated and addressed appropriately.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2025
I was driving normally to work and the vehicle stalled without warning and became difficult to steer. The dashboard displayed “engine stopped, steering power low”. The vehicle was stalled in the middle of the roadway and could not be restarted for 10 minutes. This was a very dangerous way to stop and then not be able to restart. People had to get out of their vehicles and help me push it out of the roadway. After 10 minutes the vehicle started and drove normally without any issues. The battery and alternator tested good. The mechanic can not find anything wrong. I am scared to drive the vehicle now and have an accident due to this incident.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2025
I’m getting ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED VISIT YOUR DEALER, And it has to do with the A/C It only comes on when I turn on the A/C which has to work the “Coolant Bypass valve” I’ve looked online and many others have had issues it’s the 2020 and onward year Toyota, I’m not the only one Many have mentioned they reach out the dealer & state this is not a recall and need to pay out of pocket to fix, but with some many people having same issue, doesn’t seem right that it wouldn’t be a recall with its MULTIPLES of people having this same issue
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 11, 2025
Engine Maintenace required light came on. I was told that my coolant bypass valve needed to be replaced. This is happening on all Toyota vehicles from 2018-2024 common issue but the repair to fix something that should be covered under warranty.
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2025
Front windshield has bubbles on all the edges and they are getting bigger i took it to the warranty ofrece and they say it not a defect, but i hace sean more tan 100 cars With the same problem ,and i don't fiel sale wathching then grow or break. I hope You can verify , just look at any corolla and You Will see what i say on the edges of the windshield, thank
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 16, 2025
An engine maintenance required warning popped up. The pop up wasn't going away. My engine sounds louder than usual when turning my A/C on.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2025
Coolant bypass valve. Code is P2681, part will fail and vehicle will consistently display a Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer on the MID. Dealerships will try and charge 500+ to repair it when the part is under 100+. Problem started to appear since end of March. It's May 15th as of this report. Upon using an OBD tool this is the following message: "STATUS CONFIRMED / PENDING - ENGINE COOLANT BYPASS VALUVE 'A' CONTROL CIRCUIT/OPEN : CIRCUIT SHORT TO BATTERY OR OPEN". Part has NOT been inspected by Toyota, nearby service centers are scumbags and will charge a fortunate to fix it.
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2025
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 22, 2025
Once I parked my car and turned on the A/C a couple mins later I received a warning message on my car screen saying “ Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer”. After having my car for 4 years I’ve never received this message till now (04/22/25). I thought it was because I needed an oil change but I was wrong because my oil is good. I checked my car and saw that the issue is the “coolant bypass valve”. I don’t even use my car that much for this to happen. I saw this is a common issue with a Toyota Corolla 2020 but the dealership does not want to fix this issue for free.
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2025
Front is very low. Right side is tilted without anyone inside. Very unusual tire wear on inside edges of both front tires. Immediately after starting the engine the front ricked side took side and made loud noises.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2025
Coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced
Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2024
"Engine maintenance required" - Coolant bypass valve is the cause
Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2024
Engine maintenance required notification came on. Car is only 3 years old. Dealership stated that the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced and it could potentially cause a fire. Service professional at the dealership stated that this is a common issue and most of the time Toyota warranty doesn’t want to repair it, also said that it should be recalled. I have also seen hundreds of people complain about this on Rav4 forums.
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2024
I have a 2020 Toyota Corolla. "Engine Maintenance Required; Visit Your Dealer" came on the display after I brought my car to the dealership. I returned to the dealership and was told it was $250 to diagnose the problem. I waited a month later and brought my car back for an 80,000 inspection at the Longo Toyota in Prosper Texas. They diagnosed the problem this time and said they would have to replace the Coolant Bypass Valve and Hose for ~$800 plus labor costs. The risk of not repairing these parts is possible engine failure or fire. I've seen many other discussion forums where people are experiencing the same problem with Rav4, Corolla, and Camry models 2020-2023. These parts are not covered under warranty and would have to pay out of pocket for the repairs. Toyota should issue a recall since many people are reporting these same issues, creating out-of-pocket costs for the repairs for >$800.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2024
Toyota Corolla 2020 Engine Coolant Flow Control Valve
Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2024
the check engine light came so i took it to toyota dealership. i paid 300$ to get a diagnostic and they said it was my coolant bypass valve and it was 900$ to fix. warranty doesn’t cover this even tho my car qualifies for the coverages. it’s super frustrating since i bought this car brand new and im having multiple expensive problems. i need to replace the transmission, BRAKE ACTUATOR, oil replacement pan and i had to replace a brand new battery because it exploded after only using for less than a year.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 9, 2024
Got an engine maintenance required light show up, took my car to the dealer to diagnose, they stated that i need to replace my coolant bypass valve
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 7, 2024
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve has gone bad and presents a 'Engine Maintenance Required, see Dealer' error message.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 7, 2024
Coolant bypass valve. Becoming persistent in several models of Toyota 2019-2021. Dealerships claim it’s not covered under powertrain warranty because it’s part of the coolant system. Should be covered and customer should be compensated or reimbursed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2024
My family has several Toyota vehicles but for some reason my 2020 Toyota Corolla is the only one that comes up with problems. My Engine maintenance required notification came on for my 5 year old vehicle. The Dealership stated that the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced and that it was a common issue. They are saying it cost almost $1000 just to fix an issue created by them on a new car with 55,000 miles.