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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine104
- Electrical system70
- Steering44
- Visibility/wiper26
- Exterior lighting15
- Service brakes11
- Power train11
- Forward collision avoidance10
- Air bags10
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Lane departure5
- Structure3
- Vehicle speed control2
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
115
35
15
12
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 115 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 12 |
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.
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…”
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…”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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…”
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.