2020 Toyota Corolla problems, complaints & recalls

2020 Toyota Corolla recalls (3)

• Recall 23V865000Dec 20, 2023999,901 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

  Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

• Recall 20V682000Nov 4, 20201,525,742 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

  Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

• Recall 19V877000Dec 11, 20199,468 vehicles
  SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER · SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

  Risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Recent 2020 Toyota Corolla complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026CABrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned: complete slave cylinder failure resulting in loss of braking and ability to shift. Luckily I was traveling at a low rate of speed when this happened, but if this happens to anyone on the freeway or while turning against traffic for example they would have no control of their car and could be seriously injured. I took it to the dealership and they diagnosed it as a slave cylinder failure at only 70k miles. This is incredibly…

   NHTSA complaint #11769934 · source
2. Filed Oct 5, 2026CABody & StructureElectrical System

   I am unable to lock or unlock the driver’s side door of my 2020 Toyota Corolla using the key fob because the door lock actuator is no longer functioning properly. I must manually use the physical key to lock and unlock the driver’s door. I consider this a significant safety concern because the power locking system is no longer functioning as intended, potentially affecting my ability to quickly secure or access the vehicle, particularly in an emergency. I have contacted…

   NHTSA complaint #11768984 · source
3. Filed Oct 3, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngine

   My Engine Maintenance light came on around 59,400 miles for my Coolest Control valve !! Needed it to be replaced! Light won’t go off just had it serviced for an oil change before this started!!

   NHTSA complaint #11768781 · source
4. Filed Sep 18, 2026SCBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   The concentric slave cylinder in my vehicle is a big issue with these cars. There has been so many reports of issues happening with these cars manual transmission Corolla's. This can cause fluid to spew, brakes to stop working, and no longer able to drive the vehicle safely. This part should be recalled and covered by Toyota.

   NHTSA complaint #11765259 · source
5. Filed Sep 15, 2026SCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The CV joint, there is a clicking sound when sharp turns are make to include U-turns. Spoke with a mechanic and was instructed to reach out to the dealership and check for recall on it. I did see any but I see a Technical Service Bulletin ( TSB-0106-20) for 2015- 2021 Corolla models regarding a potential clinking noise during sharp turns and u turns. This may have started three months ago. It is more noticeable now that I am driving more.

   NHTSA complaint #11764378 · source
6. Filed Aug 6, 2026CAElectrical System

   DESIGN FLAW & SAFETY RISK: Toyota critically mismatched the standard battery to the vehicle's electrical charging profile; an AGM battery should be specified from the factory. Engine programming drops alternator voltage during cruising, deeply discharging the battery, and forces high-voltage surges (15V+) into it during deceleration. Because standard batteries cannot handle these rapid recharge loads during deceleration, the internal thermal load routinely overheats and…

   NHTSA complaint #11755366 · source
7. Filed Aug 6, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   FAILED COMPONENT & AVAILABILITY: The manual transmission Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) failed internally. Due to caustic hydraulic fluid contamination and severe system pressure loss, I had to replace the internal CSC unit, the clutch disc, the pressure plate, the flywheel, the master clutch cylinder, and the hydraulic clutch lines. The failed components have been retained and are available for inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: The plastic housing of the OEM slave…

   NHTSA complaint #11755364 · source
8. Filed Aug 6, 2026CAEngine

   Part is the coolant bypass valve. Toyota has been taken to court but dealership claims now that I’m over 100k miles I can’t do it. There was also a second part about 10 years but I wasn’t clear on the details of the outcome. Toyota has acknowledged this issue in court but failed to do so at the customer level in my case. engine light came on at 97k and now I’m at 104k which is over that 100k mark. Issue is I’ve only take my car to Toyota for repairs. They have known about…

   NHTSA complaint #11755244 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology