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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle became difficult to operate. The contact was informed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,600.
Structure, Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the front driver's side fender liner above the tire detached while driving at approximately 55 MPH. After inspection, the liner was missing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fender liner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 38,650.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2023
On three occasions this car was parked in an attached garage and remained running when parked resulting in potential CO exposure. This is a known hazard which NHTSA is aware of in cars with keyless start system in hybrid vehicles. Toyota is well aware of this issue (first acknowledged death in 2016 was in a Toyota Avalon) and was supposed to equip 2020 models with auto shutoff [XXX] I thought my 2020 Hybrid Corolla had this feature when purchased, but it does not. Toyota has not responded to multiple requests to retrofit my vehicle. This is a serious safety issue with many CO deaths reported. Its my understanding this will be required soon of new vehicles but its important that all existing hybrid vehicles be required to be retrofitted with auto shutoff to prevent continuing deaths. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Aug 10, 2023
Engine maintenance light came on and found out I had replace coolant bypass valve. Apparently this is an issue many 2020 corollas and RAV4 have issues with and need replacement. There’s no reason or rhyme as to why it becomes faulty but should be recalled as many people have the same issue and dealership are aware of this issue.
Structure, Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that after rainy weather, the front driver's and passenger's doors leaked water while opened. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, 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 30,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2023, crash
Issue with unlocked driver's door after the collision reported on 6/25/23 # 11528724 Additional concern: After the accident, my car engine was not turned off automatically; even after automatic speaker announced collision and that 911 was informed. After I got out of the car ( # 1152874) I was standing by the car, drivers door I left opened and at one point I realized that my car was still running ( Gear shift was left in P). I manually switched off the car and I removed the key from ignition.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 25, 2023
Just bought a used 20 Corolla SE and put less then 500 miles on it and got a "maintenance required return to dealer" notification on the dash and a warning message in my information screen via infotainment system. Dealer said they got nothing via a scan. The issue is the Coolant Bypass Valve. I reset the light on the dash and restarted my car with air off and it did not come back on. The second you turn on the air (the A/C in particular) the light immediately popped back on along with a new warning message. I've looked around and there's literally THOUSANDS of people reporting the same issue all on vehicles between 15k and 100k miles. The dealers also charge at least $600-$1100 to remedy this all too common issue as they will tell you it is not covered under warranty. I'm unsure of what promised damage to the vehicle could be but I know for a fact it's not nothing. Everyone is dumbstruck with how many people have this issue and there is still no Recall on this clearly terribly made Coolant Bypass Valve. It seems to apply of us that this is just a cash grab for Toyota
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2023, crash
As a driver I was involved in frontal collision with my Toyota Corolla LE 2020 properly serviced. ([XXX]) . Air bags were deployed followed by smoky air that made me difficult to breathe. I opened the windows, but I could not open the door to get out; it was locked. A passer -by could not open the door from the outside either. He told me to move gear shift to P; I did that and he was able to open the door and I got out. There was on loud automatic message informing about collision…. Certain safety steps must be automatically activated after collision. I am very surprise to experience that the driver’s door could not be opened after collision from inside or outside. I had to move gear shift from D to P myself for the door to be opened. I could not breathe properly inside the car even with open windows with air bags deployed. The door should be automatically unlocked after the collision. Driver may be unconscious, the car is in the fire or may be nobody to help the driver. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jun 17, 2023
Coolant bypass valve problem. Engine maintenance required light has come on. This part affects several other components of the vehicle. Toyota dealership wants to charge $800 to fix it. It is a very common issue faced by many customers of 2020+ Corollas and 2019+ Rav4s. All dealerships with service departments are aware of this issue.
Seat belts, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt buckle failed to lock as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V877000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 74,500.
Electrical system, Structure, May 30, 2023
I was driving on the road and I heard something like an explosion, I turned the emergency lights on and stopped to find out what had happened. I saw the sunroof completely broken, fortunately I didn’t get hurt but I got so scared and I don’t know if I will feel comfortable driving my car again.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2023
Driving regularly from work and sunroof exploded and glass went everywhere.
Engine, Apr 25, 2023
Coolant leak due to engine defect from manufacture.
Seat belts, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact stopped and the seat belt failed to restrain as designed, causing the contact to lunge forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 5,000. The VIN was not available.
Carry handle, Shell, Base, Tether, Lower anchor (on car seat or vehicle), Mar 19, 2023
The car seat base does not install properly with the seat belt method nor the anchor method. The edge of the base still flips up if the part secured by the seat belt is properly tightened. No level infication
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 17, 2023, crash
I was going to work on 12/15/2022. There was a stop sign and I needed to take a right turn in order to join the freeway-10 east highway to head on to work. it was about 6: 40 am approximate time. There were too many cars ahead of me at the stop sign. My brakes failed to hold on while I waited for my turn. There were at least 3-4 cars ahead of me. Therefore I did not want to hurt anyone or any other car ahead of me. Therefore I veered off to my right-hand side where there was some space and tried to stop the car but it did not do so. Therefore, My car had to hit the high-way pole to come to a stop. The airbags deployed and hit me more to my right side. The car got totaled as per California casualty insurance information. I am glad to be alive. I went later to the hospital as there were no direct visible injuries.
Service brakes, Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a right turn, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she shifted to park(P) and heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to move forward until reaching the curb. The contact stated she had experienced the failure two times. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2023
There was a recall for vehicle shutting down when driving it was suppose to be taking care of back in October of 2022 and it continued to happen once in a while now it is happening more often and it is dangerous in the middle of traffic the engine just shut off with no warning now they are saying nothing is wrong and it out of warranty it is dangerous to drive there is going to be a accident
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2023
The latch around the front passenger tire was off when I bought the car and findley Toyota would not fix it and stated every time I wen in that there was a rattle on the front passsenger tire. They knew there was a problem and they wouldn't fix it and told me that it wouddl cast me $2,500
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2023
While operating our 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid at a slow speed in a parking lot, we began to apply the brakes as we pulled into a parking stall. As the brakes were applied , the vehicle suddenly lunged forward with abrupt force. Both tires left acceleration marks on the painted concrete curb and the vehicle struck a large concrete pillar with such force that the pillar was partially dislodged from the ground. The vehicle was brought to a Toyota dealership and the sales management was notified of the incident. We also filed complaint with the Toyota Corporation. We were contacted by a Toyota Corporation representative and were told that they would conduct the vehicle inspection. Several weeks later we received a letter from the Toyota Corporation legal department which informed us of their findings. The letter conveyed that no defect was discovered and the incident had not been captured in the vehicle's computer. We informed the Toyota dealership of the results. The only assistance offered was their willingness to sell the vehicle at auction, which we adamantly declined. At this time we are making arrangements to have the vehicle towed to a recycling lot for destruction.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2022
I have only had the car for a year and a half, and I have already had to replace the battery which was less than 2 years old, all 4 tires (2 at 40000 miles and 2 at 48000), and now the engine wiring harness somehow got severed and has to be replaced which is almost $6k repair!
Wheels, Dec 16, 2022
I have a manufacturer defect on my car. The piece of the car's body which goes around the tire and connects to the bumper does not connect right because there is not connector on the bottom of this piece, like there is on the rest of this piece. It often comes lose and it separates, which is very scary when I get out of my car and see that I have a piece of my cars' body separated from the body of the car. I'm scared when I take the freeway or bit a bump on the road. Please help me with this problem. Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 11, 2022
1. First problem I had with my 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE: SAFETY RECALL 20TA07 (Backup LampsMay Become Inoperative) - 10.29.2020 2. Second problem was with the software draining the battery way too rapidly, which made me unable to start my car. I had to have a tow truck come by and he was able to recharge the battery (he knew to do that with my car instead of towing it away, because he was seeing this type of issue with this type of car a lot). I took it to my local toyota dealership and had them inspect it. They told me that they need to update the software of the vehicle and that I should not be having this problem again after. *EL1934 FIRMWARE UPDATE (5.21.2021)* 3. Third problem I had was with the temperature gauge. The needle pointer in the dash did not go up and stay in the middle between C & H. It stayed closer to C (cold). It took longer than it should have to heat up the interior of the car when I turn the heat on in the morning. I took it to my local toyota dealership and after they inspected this issue, they told me that they needed to replace the thermostat unit. *MA001 THERMOSTAT ASSEMBLY* (3.19.22) 4. Fourth problem is with the transmission. I felt jerking motions from the car when accelerating and when braking-coming to a stop. **26312 CAR JERKING UPON ACCELERATION /FOUND TRNSMISSION CODE /NEED NEW TRANS ASSY UPON INSPECTION AND HEATLH CHFCK FOUND CODE P07457F AND PO7757F SOLENOID A B BOTH STUCK OFF /REST MEMORY /NO CHANGED /FOUND NEED NEW TRANS MISSION ASSY /REMOVE AND REPLACE TRANMISSION ASSY AND PERFORM RESET AND INITIALIZATION/PERFORM HYDRULIC AND ELECTRICAL TEST /NO PROBLEM FOUND /PROBLEM AT THE TRANSMISSION ITSELF CAR JECKING UPON ACCELERATION** Transmission, Automatic - Replace* (12.10.2022) I found out online that the transmission problem was known for 2018-2020 corolla hatchbacks, but Toyota did not replace it immediately. There should be a general recall for the transmissions for these vehicles ASAP!
Steering, Nov 29, 2022
The steering makes a thumping noise. The car also veers off to the left or right while driving. I had a front-end alignment performed by the dealer. It still does the same thing. I did take it to the Dealer, twice and they claimed there was no issue. I've never heard a thumping noise in any other car that I've owned. I have not had an accident but there is something going on with the steering of the car. I'm not sure if the steering column was broken or attempted to be stolen. There are scratches around the ignition switch that were there when I bought the car.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2022
RE: Front bumper issue Toyota case The car comes with a front bumper that is not good for CA road conditions When I purchased the new car, and tried to leave the dealership, its front bumper came off slightly, a man stopped me and told me, I asked the selling man, who put it back and told me "its design for easy way, you can put back.". I also showed him there is no tight lock, both sides missed two locks too, the selling man said that is the way. About 200 miles, this happened again, I put it back. It happened again and again. Finally I felt this is not right. I contacted Toyota for warranty service 2021. Toyota sent me to a dealership. They did not have any body shop, but a service dept. He put it back for me, and said "you got a scratch that made it". The CA driveway always have curve, the tiny scratch is common. It will not make the bumper off. I showed him two cars in the dealership with more serious scratch but bumper is not off at all. This now happened to my other side, I contacted Toyota again, They sent me to dealership again, the service man said "Your scratch made it. " I told that I showed two body shops and both told "This kind car comes with this issue, not good for design and for CA road conditions". I gave body shop numbers to him, he did not call and ask me to get a letter from them, and said :"We are service, not good for body". Then I asked :How can you say the scratch made it if you are not the body shop, and not good at that? The car was just 9500 miles now. I got 5 new Honda, one was 2012 now, they got the similar scratch and bumper is good. The Honda was 39000 miles now. This car design is not good for CA road conditions, and a tiny scratch will make the front bumper off, in fact its back bumper also up and down, I need put too. All above happened in the local driving. If it is on the highway, it is not safe. Also if Toyota put this information on ads, who will buy this kind car? Thanks,