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
308 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 3, 2025
The windshield wipers stop in the middle of the windshield at times when set to intermittent. Sometimes they will not shut off when they are turned off. This can be a hazard while you are driving and you never know when it will happen.
Visibility/wiper, May 29, 2025
While driving with the windshield wipers on during a rain storm , the wipers would stop working suddenly. The Car was taken to dealer and windshield motor was replaced. Without working wipers, it was dangerous to drive.
Engine, May 22, 2025
I have an error that appeared displaying “Engine Maintenance Required” after some investigation snd research, I have noticed that this is a common issue associated with the OEM Engine Coolant Bypass Valve. This occurred as I was driving home from work when I was driving down the freeway, I did not run into any obstacles or have an accident, it appeared out of thin air.
Engine, May 19, 2025
unknown. i know that my car was doing fine and then randomly the coolant was low and my car was overheating on my way to work. i have yet to get it fixed, as i dont know how much it could cost me. but i read that 2020-2021 toyota makes were having issues with their coolant.
Air bags, May 17, 2025
ocs sensor recall. the potential of this recall makes me very nervous to drive the car. they haven't tested or inspected the part until the remedy is in. no lights on dash at this time.
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.
Forward collision avoidance, May 15, 2025, crash
The automatic emergency breaking and forward collision warning failed to alert and turn on and I wrecked into an object. My life was put at risk and I wrecked my car. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the independent service center. The vehicle is currently being inspected by insurance estimator. There was no other alerts or messages to alert prior to collision.
Other or unspecified, May 12, 2025
Engine Coolant Bypass Valve
Engine, May 6, 2025
I received a "voluntary Customer Support Program" letter from Toyota saying that a small engine coolant leak can occur that "can allow coolant to drip on other parts of the vehicle. This can cause 'Engine Maintenance Required' to be displayed or cause the A/C not to function normally." Then it concludes that repair with a new "flow shut-off valve" will fix the problem, "under the terms of this Customer Support Program." I thought this was a recall and took my car in only to find that they wanted nearly $700 for the repair, because I did not have an extended warranty. When asked whether this could cause a safety problem if unfixed the reply from the Service Advisor was yes -- the coolant leak could potentially cause the engine to seize up on the highway. I was shocked that a defective part in the car I purchased new for $20,000 plus would not be replaced free of charge. I have put less than 16,000 miles on the car and now I find the resale value is essentially zero. And I now may be driving a potentially risky vehicle that could crash or leave me stranded somewhere. I feel there should be a repair at no charge.
Air bags, Apr 29, 2025
It’s been almost 2 years with this recall been waiting for a fix. I am feeling in safe in the vehicle, I’m driving.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2025
after shortly pumping gas, I received a alert on my car that I needed to check my fuel cap, after checking fuel cap I proceeded to drive on the highway during this time a multitude of sensors started to go off on my car, and it started to drive weird there were light such as my interlock, being deactivated, parking, brake, deactivated, malfunction of VSC, collision deactivated. Then suddenly while driving at an accelerated speed, and trying to slow down, my engine turned itself off, and I was not able to re-crank my car. There is an active recall with Toyota for the fuel pump, which I was told by Toyota was the issue, but due to my VIN not being associated they would not repair as a recall
Engine, Apr 26, 2025
Car is currently at 56k miles and the "Engine maintenance required" popped up on my dashboard I'm pretty sure this is the engine coolant bypass valve which I read is a constant problem for new toyotas like mine
Power train, Engine, Apr 25, 2025
Drive start control malfunction occurred when turning the car on. Second time this has happened. First time was a charcoal canister and engine coolant valve. It was replaced under warranty at 50k miles but now at 96k miles the dealer says it is not covered under the extended warranty. Not sure how this problem happened.
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.
Power train, Apr 15, 2025
The "Engine Maintenance Required" message on a 2020 Toyota Corolla SE keep coming on after I have reset numerous time. The "Engine Maintenance Required" message on a 2020 Toyota Corolla SE typically indicates a problem with the coolant bypass valve, not the regular maintenance schedule. This message is distinct from the "Maintenance Required" light that usually prompts oil changes. The coolant bypass valve issue often results in a DTC code and may require replacement.
Engine, Apr 4, 2025
I own a 2020 Toyota Corolla, and without any prior warning, the “Engine Maintenance Required” message appeared on my dashboard at approximately 79,575 miles. There were no unusual symptoms—no overheating, strange noises, or performance issues—before the light turned on. I had my vehicle inspected by Golling Toyota of Warren, where they diagnosed the issue as a faulty Engine Coolant Bypass Valve. I was informed that the valve needed to be replaced and flushed. The total cost of the repair was $932.21, which I had to pay out of pocket. Because the message specifically said “Engine Maintenance Required,” I was concerned that it could be a serious engine issue. Out of caution, I avoided driving the vehicle until it was inspected, as I didn’t know whether it could result in engine damage, performance failure, or a sudden breakdown while on the road. The fear of an unknown engine-related malfunction created a genuine safety concern for me and others —especially since the warning came without any prior symptoms. I later learned that the problem was tied to the Engine Coolant Bypass Valve, which is known to fail prematurely in Toyota vehicles. This failure can affect engine performance and temperature regulation, increasing the risk of engine damage or failure while driving. There is already a class-action lawsuit concerning this issue, yet Toyota has not issued a recall. Owners like myself are being left to pay out of pocket for a known defect that poses real safety risks. I’m submitting this complaint in hopes that Toyota will be held accountable and that the NHTSA will take appropriate action to protect consumers from this recurring and potentially dangerous defect.
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
“Engine maintenance required” alert received, related to a faulty coolant bypass valve which will need replacement. Vehicle is currently at 51,049 miles. Alert message can’t be dismissed from the dashboard. It obstructs a significant portion of the speedometer.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 25, 2025
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) malfunctioned when the vehicle was still very new, with only 25,000 miles. Diagnostics from two independent service centers confirmed that the ABS electronic control unit is failing due to an external failure. Both specialists stated that such a failure is highly uncommon and is a clear quality issue related to the electronic components. A critical system like ABS should not fail this early, raising serious concerns about the durability and reliability of the vehicle’s braking system.
Engine, Mar 15, 2025
Coolant bypass valve broken dealers are charging $800, class action lawsuit pending
Engine, Mar 6, 2025
Engine Maintenance Required displays see dealer displays in Panel. I have taken to my local shop Engine coolant bypass valve replaced. Still having same issue.
Power train, Mar 6, 2025
Approximately one month ago the clutch pedal on my manual 2020 Corolla went all the way to the floor and stuck in place. Had it towed to my mechanics shop and it took them nearly 2 weeks just to get a slave cylinder to replace the defective part with. Fast-forward a week later and exactly the same thing happened. According to several different threads I have read online, this seems to be a problematic situation with the manual Corollas. Hopefully I will not experience any further problems however it appears that the defective slave cylinder part is to blame.
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
Air bags, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.