Problems · NHTSA complaints

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross problems

Owners filed 177 complaints about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross with NHTSA between Jan 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (104).

Complaints
177
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine104
  2. Electrical system70
  3. Steering44
  4. Visibility/wiper26
  5. Exterior lighting15
  6. Service brakes11
  7. Power train11
  8. Forward collision avoidance10
  9. Air bags10
  10. Fuel/propulsion system6
  11. Lane departure5
  12. Structure3
  13. Vehicle speed control2
  14. Tires1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 5, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
2023115
202435
202515
202612

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

104 reports
“While driving my 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross LE, the engine unexpectedly shut off while I was stopped at a red light during heavy rain with the windshield wipers operating. A warning message appeared on the dashboard indicating that the engine had shut off and instructing me to press the brake firmly. The check engine warning light also illuminated. I shifted the vehicle into Park and pressed the engine Stop button. The vehicle took approximately 20 seconds before the dashboard indicated that the ignition was on but the vehicle was not ready to drive until I pressed the brake and pressed the Start button. After restarting the vehicle, the warnings disappeared and the vehicle appeared to return to normal operation. I am concerned that an unexpected engine shutdown could create a serious safety hazard, particularly in traffic or at an intersection, where the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly and potentially leave me unable to accelerate when needed. I am also concerned about whether the issue could recur while the vehicle is moving or in an unsafe location. The vehicle has approximately 73,000 miles. This is the first time I have personally experienced this…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiperODI 11773538

Electrical system

70 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“Vehicle: 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Mileage: Approximately 45,000 miles Relevant Toyota Bulletin: T-SB-0020-23 Rev1 Description of Safety Concern: My 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross experienced a serious safety-related malfunction involving the automatic engine Stop and Start system. While stopped in traffic with the windshield wipers operating, the engine failed to restart automatically when I attempted to proceed. This left the vehicle temporarily unable to move as expected and required me to manually restart the engine. It can sometimes takes a couple of tries. THIS IS INTERMITTENT, there are no warning lights or codes. It is almost impossible to understand what is happening as a consumer. It took me hours of research to connect it to wipers. This condition presents a significant safety concern because it can leave a vehicle unexpectedly immobilized at an intersection or in active traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other accident. Toyota had already identified the exact condition in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0020-23, originally issued April 27, 2023, and subsequently revised. The bulletin specifically addresses an intermittent failure of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11771421

Steering

44 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“I was driving on a cold day. When I stopped at a stoplight seeking to make a left turn, the car would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal. I looked down and saw the following warning sign "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" appear on the dashboard. However, since the car was not in park, it had rolled forward and was close to the being in the nearest lane of oncoming traffic. It was also difficult to steer to avoid creeping closer to oncoming traffic. Although it did not cause an accident, it easily could have. I took the car to several mechanics, because the car is under a CarMax warranty. However, none of the diagnostics revealed anything of concern (no weak battery, lack of power steering fluid, etc.). The mechanics said they had heard about this happening, but were unable to pinpoint any reason for it occuring. This seems like a serious flaw.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 17, 2026Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11731777

Visibility/wiper

26 reports
“Gauge Cluster Glare during the day. Reflection from the steering columns makes the gauge cluster completely obstructed. Known issue, many complaints across all the Corolla Cross groups. This is effecting Vehicles from 2023 models to current.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11743247

Exterior lighting

15 reports
“SAFETY HAZARD! TAILLIGHTS ARE POORLY DESIGNED: NOT CLEARLY VISABLE AT NIGHT(BAD WEATHER) FOR THE VEHICLES BEHIND. I WAS ALMOST REARENDED AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS; AS THE PERSON BEHIND ME, TOLD ME. THEY NEED TO BE ON THE BACK OF VEHICLE FOR PROPER VISUALIZATION FOR VEHICLE BEHIND. YOU CAN ONLY SEE THE BACK TAILIGHTS AT NIGHT IF YOUR ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THAT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MOTORISTS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2025Exterior lightingODI 11689146

Service brakes

11 reports2 crashes
“Vehicle displayed a “power brake loss” on the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid instrument cluster upon trying to start it. After not being able to turn the vehicle on, I exited the vehicle to ensure my key fob was in my pocket. All electronics worked. After roughly 4 minutes of being in the car all power was loss - battery drained. Towing company that my Toyota Dealership Provides had a number out of service so a different towing service came out and jumped my car - my warranty couldn’t be used since the towing company didn’t answer. The towing technician let me know that Toyota put in an extremely low voltage battery in my Hybrid. He expressed how the standard for these vehicles is AGM or high performance batteries to ensure stable voltage for hybrid management, and compatibility with regenerative systems - using the right part prevents electrical issues. My brakes are connected to my electrical system. By putting in weak batteries and below standard expectation is putting their consumers at many risks with electrical malfunctions. I was informed by the dealer after getting it replaced this is the Toyota Manufacturer issue and I had a technician even agree the weak…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11728190
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 5, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.