1990 Toyota Corolla: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2010

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Corolla years (#37 of 37 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Specs Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 27 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Tires6 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)6 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)5 complaints

Seat Belts4 complaints

Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)1 complaint

Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)1 complaint

“Consumer not happy with service. *nm the consumer purchased a custom hangar for her muffler. The consumer felt like the service was rendered in a false and misleading manner. *tc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2004

“I have a 1990 toyota corolla. Although I have not had an accident, the seat belt (which attached to the door) does not retract at all. It has been like this for some time and would not protect me in an accident. I think this sort of seat belt device is defective and should be looked into!*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2004

“While driving down the road car jerked. Then it jerked again, and soon as consumer was able to get it off the road, transmission locked and vehicle stopped completely. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2000

Show 6 more owner reports

“While driving on highway at 65mph heard a loud noise ,transmission locked up. Car skidded to halt on roadway. Had vehicle towed to a repair shop, and a rebuilt transmission was replaced. Mechanic said it was caused by the differential running out of fluid. The dip stick for the transmission fluid showed full. There was no dip stick for the differential. So there was no way to check the fluid, it was a design flaw. *ak *ml”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1999

“Exhaust manifold is defective, driver can smell carbon monoxide in cab of vehicle. *ak consumer stated this is the 4th manifold, each one had cracks in the same place.*slc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1999

“While driving there was a tire blowout. Dealer stated all the tires were dry rot. Consumer indicated that was a safety defect. Had tires installed two years ago. Goodyear tires stated tires were dry rot since being installed, and the tires were sitting in the warehouse for two years and became dry rot. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jan 1999

“Sudden blow out, thread damage but sustained two sections of wall damage and had cracked inwall at bead area, second tire cracks in bead area”Owner report · Tires · Oct 1998

“Consumer was slowing vehicle down, then suddenly couldn't steer the vehicle, lost control and vehicle just wandered all over the road. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jun 1997

“Exhaust manifold cracked down the middle allowing fumes to possibly enter passenger compartment when the outside vent was opened. Kt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1995

When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SUSPENSION10E002000 · Feb 2010

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines2.0L

Cylinders4

FuelGasoline

Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 · 4x2

Body stylesCoupe · Sedan/Saloon · Wagon

How other years compare

1990 (this page)27 complaints · 1 recalls 199171 complaints · 1 recalls 199263 complaints · 2 recalls

Check your exact Corolla by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Toyota Corolla reliable?

NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Toyota Corolla. The most complained-about area is tires.

Does the 1990 Toyota Corolla have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.