Research · Compact Cars

2007 Toyota CorollaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 883 owner complaints for the 2007 Toyota Corolla. Most complaints involve air bags (473) and vehicle speed control (96). The EPA rates it 29–31 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
29–31mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Oct 2019
Owner complaints
883
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Oct 17, 2019NHTSA 19V741000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.

Air bagsReported Aug 28, 2019NHTSA 19V627000

Air bags

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

Air bagsReported May 13, 2015NHTSA 15V285000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

883 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2007 – Jul 2026
  1. Air bags473
  2. Vehicle speed control96
  3. Electrical system92
  4. Engine and engine cooling71
  5. Steering44
  6. Engine33
  7. Power train27
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic27
  9. Structure20

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

By model year

Complaints for each Corolla model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996133
1997138
1998233
1999157
2000156
2001138
2002144
2003769
2004506
2005943
2006904
2007883
2008345
20091,533
20101,264
2011590
2012446
2013202
2014271
2015220
2016215
2017189
2018136
2019206
2020313
2021188
2022104
202374
202466
202532
Crashes reported
132
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
89
Deaths reported
3
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

473 reports55 crashes
“The contact's mother owned a 2007 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at approximately 35 - 45 MPH, she rear-ended another vehicle. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's mother was transported by ambulance to the hospital with a broken vertebra and fractured sternum. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2022Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11448044

Vehicle speed control

96 reports47 crashes
“Uncontrolled maximum acceleration after shifting into gear. Occurred after shifting gears such as parking. It represents a definite safety issue. There is no warning of occurrence. It has happened about 6 times in the past 4 years. I do not drive often. I contacted Toyota who referred me to the dealer. I had it checked by the Toyota dealer, who denied there is a problem. I would welcome a independent inspection. I have notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in April but have heard nothing from them since.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2025Vehicle speed controlODI 11667454

Electrical system

92 reports5 crashes3 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact's aunt purchased a 2007 Toyota Corolla. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 180,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 195,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2025Electrical systemODI 11701578
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Corolla
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283731$2,000287
Corolla
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263529$2,150306
  • Corolla
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    28 city · 37 hwy · $2,000/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Corolla
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    26 city · 35 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Toyota Corolla as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 2174
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2007 Corolla questions

How many recalls does the 2007 Toyota Corolla have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2007 Toyota Corolla problems?

Owners filed 883 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (473), vehicle speed control (96), electrical system (92). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2007 Toyota Corolla get?

The EPA rates the 2007 Toyota Corolla at 29–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026