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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
25
42
20
14
21
31
11
17
6
1
1
6
6
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
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
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.”
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…”
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.”
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$”
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.”
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.”
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.