Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Toyota Corolla problems

Owners filed 202 complaints about the 2013 Toyota Corolla with NHTSA between Jan 2013 and Jan 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (73).

Complaints
202
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
46
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
51
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags73
  2. Steering39
  3. Service brakes23
  4. Vehicle speed control18
  5. Engine16
  6. Seat belts12
  7. Electrical system11
  8. Structure10
  9. Power train9
  10. Suspension7
  11. Wheels5
  12. Tires5
  13. Fuel/propulsion system4
  14. Electronic stability control (esc)4

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 3, 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
201325
201442
201520
201614
201721
201831
201911
202017
20216
20221
20231
20246
20256
20261

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

Air bags

73 reports31 crashes1 fire5 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V005000 (AIR BAGS) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2025Air bagsODI 11640478

Steering

39 reports2 crashes
“On Monday, [XXX], I was at the CVS pharmacy drive through when the failure occurred. There was no accident and otherwise no warning before it happened. I attempted to pull out when I noticed the car was drifting and the steering was extremely stiff. I looked down to see that the airbag light and BRAKE light were both on. I coasted into a spot I happened to be aligned with. As I did, I felt the brakes and steering stiffen even more until they were almost 100% seized. (Kind of felt like I was fighting hydraulic fluid.) You guys are welcome to request to inspect the vehicle. I haven't been able to get it inspected, because the Toyota dealership wants me to pay a diagnostic fee to prove the airbag light came on due to the airbag assembly for them to be able to cover the work under the extended warranty for the airbag system. There was no accident. I thankfully didn't have any speed behind me. So, I just barely had enough brakes to stop. This also means that I didn't make an insurance claim or call the police. I did get a tow truck to come out with State Farm roadside assistance, though. The vehicle is at my father's house. We far as how this has affected us, I'm…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2024Steering, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11615296

Service brakes

23 reports5 crashes
“ABS and Traction Control not functioning. Indicator light on. Air bag recall due to metal possibly killing driver or passenger is more likely to happen because the ABS and Traction control not working.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 13, 2021Electrical system, Wheels, Service brakesODI 11432779

Vehicle speed control

18 reports8 crashes
“HI SIR I HAVE PROBLEMS IN ADJUST THE ANGLES THAT AFFECT TO MY STARING AND SPEED THE MECHANICAL SAID I HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR SUP FRAME THAT WILL COST ABOUT 900$”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 12, 2020Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Service brakesODI 11308864

Engine

16 reports2 crashes
“ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, IGNITION COIL. Code P219A BANK 1 AIR-FUEL RATIO IMBALANCE. Code P0302 CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE DETECTED. While in motion will shake, jerk, self-fluctuate speed, and lose power up to 100 % if the gas pedal is pressed past a certain point. I have no doubt it is a matter of time and consequence before great damage and bodily injury to myself and others occur. Yes twice been to the repair shop for this issue. Yes. Vehicle was sent by and from a dealership. First, the maintenance required light blinks then is solid. Then the check engine light and track off light are bright and solid. Vehicle first had this issue febuary 28th. Vehicle exact issue but a month later and is currently in the same state. Vehicle has been in the repair shop two times and will need to go again if I keep it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 9, 2024EngineODI 11587931

Seat belts

12 reports3 crashes
“FOR THE LAST MONTH, MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS TAKEN EFFORT TO CLICK ON PLACE. AS OF TODAY, IT WILL NOT CLICK INTO PLACE AT ALL. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY RECENT ACCIDENT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 14, 2020Seat beltsODI 11328779
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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