2023 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 73 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 24th highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2023 reports, 8 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, columnJan 29, 2025
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Campaign 25V040000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringNov 21, 2024
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles. Due to cracks developed during the manufacturing process, the steering intermediate shaft assembly may fracture and possibly result in the shaft detaching from the steering column.
A steering shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TB13/24TA13.
Campaign 24V878000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnJul 12, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Campaign 23V480000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
73 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Engine, Back over prevention, Nov 19, 2024
Multiple malfunctions causing the engine to misfire and eventually seize completely. Toyota never found out the issue but the engine failed. The suspect poor build quality. The engine, brake collision system, fuel pump all went out. Car was rough idling for about two weeks before the engine completely failed. Toyota has lemoned it.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 13, 2024
Since purchasing this vehicle new, I've had several occasions (not on just the most recent date noted in this case) where the car will issue a false Pre-collision Alert and apply the brakes for about 1 second while using the Adaptive Cruise Control. However, this happens while me and the drivers around me are driving "normally" and there are no vehicles in front of me nor attempting to merge into my lane. There does not seem to be a particular set of conditions that cause this false alert and they happen randomly, but it is startling when they happen since there is no observable reason for it. Fortunately, there has not been anyone tail-gating me when this happens because this could easily cause a rear-end collision if someone were following too close. I've notified my local dealer about this issue more than once, but they cannot find anything wrong.
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 8, 2024, crash
To start, on [XXX], I was going through an intersection on a country road and my automatic emergency braking engaged for no reason. My car stopped despite no other vehicle or object being in my way or anywhere close to me. I found it really weird but did not think much about after the fact. I have also heard a rattling noise under my hood since [XXX] and have reported this to Toyota and tried to have it fixed multiple times (and showed them videos) but they were never able to duplicate the noise so it has not been remedied. On [XXX] I was traveling on a highway during rush hour and the traffic in front of me came to a sudden stop. I braked as hard as I could; my automatic emergency braking did not engage and I rear ended the car in front of me (minimal damage to that car). We both immediately pulled partway onto the narrow left berm (we had both been in the left lane to get onto another highway). My car then turned off by itself and gave me an engine warning (I believe low engine oil- I had just had it serviced 3 days prior). The other car owner and I exchanged information quickly and decided to drive away because we were blocking rush hour traffic and it was dangerous. However, my car would not start back up. I called 911 and they came to use their vehicle to push me to the right side of the highway onto an exit where I was no longer blocking traffic. During the wait, I felt like I was going to die with traffic honking and swerving to avoid me. When the police officer was moving my car, the parking brake engaged when I put the car in neutral and would not turn off, so the smell of burning rubber was strong since the tires would not roll. Once the tow truck driver arrived he was able to use jumper cables to disengage the parking brake but the car still would not start. There were no prior warning lights. The car not starting was confirmed by the dealer- they are holding off doing maintenance to have an engineer check out the car and figure out what happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 2, 2024, crash
On [XXX], around 7:45 PM, My husband and I were driving on [XXX] from Atlanta to visit family at John’s Creek. We were driving at a steady speed of approximately 70mph on the second lane from the left when all of a sudden, the vehicle displayed a 'malfunction' alert and began swerving uncontrollably. Despite our attempts to regain control, the car swerved right, striking another vehicle three lanes away. We had no control over the steering or bringing the car to a safe stop. After colliding with the other vehicle, it then returned to its original lane and came to a sudden stop with a message displayed stating 'Shifting to P'. During this incident, an SOS call was automatically placed to Toyota, and we were subsequently connected to 911 through them. Our vehicle got damaged due to this and so did the other vehicle that got hit. The vehicle not only endangered our lives but was also a potential harm to others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2024
On10/19/2024, the driver was driving down a road that was coming down from a slope and the road curves to the left. As the driver was braking to decrease the speed down to 30mph or below (she was going around 35mph from what she remembers) and turning the steering wheel left, all the curtain air bags deployed, the seatbelt locked and she was unable to turn the steering wheel. She couldn't see due to the airbags and the seatbelt locking her back so when she felt/heard scraping on the right she feared she was going to crash into trees so she yanked as hard as possible to the left and the car then stopped. She remembers that the screen flashed something like an SOS but then it faded. Bystanders helped her out of the car as she was still in the car (she was very shaken) and they tried to put the car in neutral as it was blocking the road to push it but they were unsuccessful as the wheels had locked. The police and a tow truck was called by a bystander. Other than a small scrape on the right fender of the bumper, there was no damage to the car. Nothing was in the road. The bystanders asked her if she had a stroke or some medical issue since there was no collision, no damage notable on the car and the car just stopped on the road. Inside all the curtain bags are deployed. The police officer and the tow truck driver thought that the sensor for rolling might have gotten triggered but there was nothing that they could see that would have triggered it. Toyota was contacted and the insurance company was unsure if this was considered a collision. Toyota wanted to investigate the car themselves and we signed a letter giving them permission to download data and information from the car. We were told they would be sending someone to physically look at the car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2024
When using built in carplay navigation the gps will start drifting 10-20 feet from the highway into field or other highways causing it to reroute constantly. When phone is disconnected from CarPlay during the gps drifting current location will go back to right location on the phone. We tried connecting different phone to Corolla all had the same issues. My other two cars Don’t have this issue using the phones. Dealers won’t address the issue
Exterior lighting, Sep 12, 2024
I would like to raise a concern regarding the headlight shadow issue in the 2023 Toyota Corolla. Specifically, there are noticeable dark spots or shadows when using the low beams, which significantly obscure portions of the road during night driving. I believe this is a design flaw in the vehicle’s lighting system. My parents, aged [XXX] and [XXX] , have found this shadow effect to be particularly challenging, making it difficult and unsafe for them to drive at night. Additionally, I understand that many other 2023 Toyota Corolla owners have expressed similar complaints, which further suggests this issue is widespread and deserves attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Aug 12, 2024
Recall fixed 8/10/24. Please update NHTSA system.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 12, 2024
Volume of media from certain apps can't be adjusted. The vehicle says that if media is not playing, the volume can't be adjusted. This can cause distraction while driving and increase risk of a crash. Specific application where this is the case: Youtube audio through an Android Auto connection. Yes it is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others is at risk, because all Toyota models with this infotainment system function the same way. Drivers may choose to become distracted by their mobile device while trying to adjust the media volume, risking a crash. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by dealer, however it would be very easy for me to do so. The vehicle has not been inspected by any party outside of the Toyota dealership. When attempting to adjust the volume, the volume level will appear as a numerical value in the infotainment screen ONLY IF there is currently "audio" playing. If there is no "audio" playing, an error message will appear telling the occupant to begin playing audio to adjust the volume. This becomes an issue when using an app like YouTube to play audio. With YouTube Premium, you can set a playlist of music, videos, or podcasts to listen to with the screen of your mobile device off. However, the infotainment system will not detect the audio the speakers is playing AS AUDIO, and will not adjust the volume. This leaves the driver with no choice but to pay for a Spotify, Sirius XM or Youtube Music subscription in order to listen to music or media and adjust the volume safely. Reproduction: Start vehicle. Start Android Auto. Start playing media through YouTube. Attempt to adjust media volume using the dial or buttons in the vehicle. Error message should appear. Only way to adjust volume is to switch to FM/AM Radio, play Spotify or other app to adjust volume and then resume YouTube media (REQUIRES TOUCHING PHONE), or don't use Android Auto and pay for Toyota GPS. HOW TO FIX: Allow volume adjustment at all times.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2024
Fuel Injector failed, causing the engine to run extremely rich, misfire, and cause severe drivability issues. Issue occurred just outside vehicle base warranty. Problem was verified and confirmed by vehicle dealership. MIL was illuminated when drivability issue and malfunction started.
Air bags, Jul 18, 2024, crash
I was in a extremely bad accident, I was parked waiting for the light to turn green, when i felt a massive bang from the back and glided me to the next car, car was totaled and the car was saying the airbags deployed and none deployed at all. There was 4 passengers in total and at the very least one should have deployed.
Electrical system, Apr 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Steering, Lane departure, Apr 8, 2024, crash
I was Useing the lane keeping assist and steering assist. i was driving down the hyw and parts of the solid white line to the right of me was faded or missing with no sholders. a wide truck that was about to pass me going the opposite direction had crossed over the center lane line and the stearing assist jolted me to the right where there was no visible line as i tryed to turn the steerting wheel to the left the assist jolted me to the right as the line became visible again causing us to go in to a big ditch
Steering, Jan 8, 2024
The contact rented a 2023 Toyota Corolla from Avis Car Rental Company located at 6520 McNair Cir, Sacramento, CA 95837. The contact stated that while renting the vehicle, she became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V480000 (Steering). The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that upon returning the vehicle, she informed Avis Rental Company that the VIN was included in a recall; however, the recall repair was not performed on the vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2024
I purchased this car new from Toyota. The first time I drove it at night the lights were not bright enough. You don't test drive them at night. They are OK if you are driving in the city where it is all lit up. On darker freeways and roads, the lights are horrible, even if the bright lights are on. I live in East San Diego, Blossom Valley, it is dangerous! I paid cash for this car, I took it to the dealership right away. They were rude to me, They said they were new led lights, bulbs can't be changed. When I'm turning it is dark. I've had a new car every 3 years, and never had horrible lighting. Toyota doesn't care.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 27, 2023
Brake booster failure and lost power due to malfunctioned battery . Car could not start and had to be transported by road assistance to dealer for repair. Dealer had to replace Brake Booster as well as replace battery with a new one. Car was purchased brand new in March 2023. Only 10700 miles on it.
Steering, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V480000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Lane departure, Nov 9, 2023
The Lane Departure System works poorly on county 2 lane roads. It is constantly obtaining and losing track of the left/right hand sides of a lane. (For reference, my 2017 Toyota RAV4 has no issues tracking the edges of these same roads.) The issue is that when it obtains tracking just before entering a curve, the system jerks the steering wheel in the direction that it thinks the vehicle needs to go. This happens suddenly and forcefully with no warning and I have had several instances where the system has steered the vehicle into the opposite lane or almost sent me into the ditch. System works fine on well lined interstate roads.
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 9, 2023
The Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning DO NOT work in the rain. I have had 2 instances when using ACC where the vehicle would continue the set speed even though vehicles in front of me have slowed down. I have had to manually brake to avoid rear ending the vehicle in front of me. I have had 1 instance where a vehicle merged into my lane and barely missed the front of my vehicle although my vehicle continued at the set speed and I came within what appeared to be inches of that vehicle and had to manually brake to avoid a collision. This always happens when cruising on the interstate in the rain...system works fine when dry. This is apparently an issue with all Corollas or Toyota Safety Sense 3 because the dealer told me they have had several complaints about this.
Air bags, Seat belts, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 18, 2023, crash
Coming home from work at 9:40pm a deer hit my car. I got no notification from my car about an object near my vehicle. I stopped my car lights were flashing and the operator on my car assist came on about detecting an accident. My cab filled with smoke and a funny smell. I thought the car was on fire. So I jumped out ambulance and cops showed up. My car got towed to Clifton collision in Clifton Texas. Later I found out that the air bags should have deployed . All my seat belts are locked up in the front and back. But no air bag deployment. The air bag light is on. After 4 months of my vehicle in the shop with me making payments and insurance payments still no vehicle back for me. My car sits at Toyota in Waco. Jeff hunter toyota waiting on emcu for the air bags with no eta. All the seatbelts had to be cut out of the car and the air bags replaced. I have called Toyota advocate to try to resolve my problem and still no help from them. This is a major safety concern that could take someone’s life.
Steering, Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V480000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Oct 16, 2023
My car has a recall from the driver airbag maynot deployed. I scheduled an appointment with the dealership for fixing my car, I dropped off my car. 20 minutes later they call me and said it’s not available to get fix. I asked them what should I do, they said they don’t know. I called to the Recall center, they asked me to call to Toyota Brand. Then the girl at Toyota brand told me to call to the dealership. I don’t feel safe when my car has a recall on driver airbag has a problem. What if I got into the accident? Who will be the one has a responsibility for that? Also it’s a brand new car. And they said they don’t know anything or even tried to help me with another safer car. I feel unsafe when I driving within knowing that my driver airbag might not be able to help me of I get in a crash!
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2023
Problem with driver airbag poses a serious risk to life. Toyota does not have a repair for it
Steering, Oct 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V483000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Exterior lighting, Oct 5, 2023
Low beam lights have a shadow that moves as car turns or goes up/down hills. When driving in dark back roads I see a line of shadow about 30’ ahead of me blacking out entire view. When high beams are on the shadow disappears. Bought car yesterday. Advised salesman. Will make appt to have it looked at. I have a video but it is failing to download.