What are the worst Toyota Corolla years?

Q: What are the worst Toyota Corolla years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Toyota Corolla years are 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2020 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1990, 1991, 1992, 2002.

Toyota Corolla: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2020

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1990, 1991, 1992, 2002

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2026too new to judge17 complaints · 1 recalls 2025too new to judge33 complaints · 1 recalls 2024too new to judge65 complaints · 3 recalls 202373 complaints · 4 recalls 2022104 complaints · 0 recalls 2021185 complaints · 1 recalls 2020worst year309 complaints · 6 recalls 2019204 complaints · 6 recalls 2018134 complaints · 3 recalls 2017178 complaints · 3 recalls 2016214 complaints · 1 recalls 2015220 complaints · 1 recalls 2014269 complaints · 2 recalls 2013201 complaints · 5 recalls 2012worst year446 complaints · 5 recalls 2011worst year584 complaints · 9 recalls 2010worst year1,244 complaints · 17 recalls 2009worst year1,459 complaints · 13 recalls 2008314 complaints · 6 recalls 2007worst year836 complaints · 6 recalls 2006worst year840 complaints · 10 recalls 2005worst year853 complaints · 10 recalls 2004worst year477 complaints · 13 recalls 2003worst year720 complaints · 13 recalls 2002solid year117 complaints · 5 recalls 2001133 complaints · 4 recalls 2000145 complaints · 5 recalls 1999155 complaints · 4 recalls 1998225 complaints · 4 recalls 1997135 complaints · 6 recalls 1996129 complaints · 6 recalls 1995176 complaints · 7 recalls 1994172 complaints · 8 recalls 1993130 complaints · 6 recalls 1992solid year63 complaints · 2 recalls 1991solid year71 complaints · 1 recalls 1990solid year27 complaints · 1 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.