2020 Toyota Corolla transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

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 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed Jul 31, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   Design issue: The 12th-generation (E210) Corolla manual transmission utilizes a CSC unit containing plastic/ABS components that owners and forum communities frequently cite as a weak point prone to premature leakage and mechanical failure. This occured to my corolla on a roadway and presented a severe safety hazard.

   NHTSA complaint #11754045 · source
6. Filed Jun 29, 202690,330 miGATowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the clutch failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the clutch seized, and the RPM increased. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11747193 · source
7. Filed May 13, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   "On 04/09/26, I took my vehicle for regular maintenance and an oil change; no potential issues were reported. I operated the vehicle in good faith, trusting its safety. However, on Sunday, 05/03/2026, while driving at highway speeds, the clutch pedal failed and [stuck to the floor / slipped severely]. This caused an immediate loss of power to the wheels in high-speed traffic, creating a life-threatening situation and a high risk of a rear-end collision. No warning lights…

   NHTSA complaint #11737720 · source
8. Filed Feb 23, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   The clutch slave cylinder failed at 48,000 miles. On the freeway, I had difficulty shifting into gear and I had cars passing me at high speeds, putting my life and others' lives at risk. This part defect is due to the plastic clutch slave cylinder failing. This common issue is well-documented by numerous other owners, with the part failing before the routine clutch maintenance cycle. My car was inspected by an independent mechanic, who said the lack of clutch pressure is due…

   NHTSA complaint #11719864 · source
9. Filed Jan 15, 2026AZBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   Clutch slave cylinder started leaking leading to a sticking clutch pedal, making it difficult to engage the transmission with the engine, and a lower brake/clutch fluid level which could have caused braking issues if the fluid got too low.

   NHTSA complaint #11711259 · source
10. Filed Dec 11, 2025GATransmission & Drivetrain

    Clutch Slave Cylinder at 51,000 miles failed causing vehicle clutch to not return and loss of fluid. Brake fluid and clutch fluid are used in the same reservoir and could cause issues causing vehicle to not be able to stop. Vehicle has been inspected by shop and has been replicated. The part exploded and leaks fluid inside of transmission housing. This also causes the clutch to fail as-well. Vehicle has always been serviced and maintained and this is a common issue with all…

    NHTSA complaint #11704423 · source
11. Filed Nov 29, 2025CATransmission & Drivetrain

    Faulty hydraulics in the transmission system. Faulty slave cylinder leaking fluid and potentially causing vehicle to become "stuck" in gear while driving or unable to shift into gear while parked. Not an uncommon issue with these models.

    NHTSA complaint #11701983 · source
12. Filed Nov 22, 2025TXBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Beginning on April 18, 2025, my 2020 Toyota Corolla LE began experiencing repeated failures involving multiple safety systems while driving. Without warning, several lights illuminate at the same time, including: Brake System Malfunction, Pre-Collision System, Parking Brake System, Vehicle Stability Control, Check Engine, and Secondary Collision Brake System. These warnings appear suddenly during normal driving, then sometimes disappear, then return again unpredictably.…

    NHTSA complaint #11700972 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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