This page covers 4 recalls, 297 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Toyota Corolla.
32–52 mpg combined
4.5–7.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate what 2020 Corolla owners report, making up the largest share of filed concerns by a wide margin. The most common pattern is unexpected engine stalling or shutoff, often at stops or low speeds, sometimes accompanied by the check engine light and other warning indicators lighting up together. Owners describe the engine restarting after multiple attempts, though the problem tends to recur. A coolant water control valve failure also shows up across several reports, with owners noting the part is difficult to access. On the powertrain side, a handful of owners report clutch pedal issues on manual-transmission models, including the pedal sticking or losing engagement at highway speeds. The electrical system draws a smaller but consistent set of complaints, with wiper malfunctions appearing across multiple reports, specifically the intermittent setting failing and wipers freezing in the raised position rather than returning to the rest position.
297
Total Complaints
22
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Toyota Corolla has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the brake system on hybrid models, where the brake booster pump can fail and cause both a loss of braking assist and the deactivation of electronic stability control, raising the risk of a crash.
The hybrid trim also carries a separate concern: a fuel pump that can fail and stall the engine while driving. On the safety equipment side, a faulty passenger seat sensor may prevent the front airbag from deploying in a crash. There is also a rear seatbelt issue on vehicles equipped with a dual-mode locking mechanism, where the buckle assembly may not properly lock during a multi-impact crash, reducing the belt's ability to restrain the occupant.
At a glance
What can fail
A short circuit in the front passenger air bag sensor may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved version at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat belt webbing sensor in the dual-mode locking mechanism may fail to lock properly, reducing restraint effectiveness in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the production date of the rear seat belt assembly and replace it if necessary at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster pump may fail, which disables the Vehicle Stability Control system and reduces braking assist power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake booster pump and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
