2016 Toyota Corolla: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 212 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving on the highway and the transmission gave completely out!! with no warning! No check engine light no error message. Car only has 160000 miles on it, if i wasn't calm as I was that could've been lethal!!!!”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
“I have super white (040) paint and it's flaking off due to original manufacturer paint defect. Paint is flaking off my passenger back door and a large piece/area of roof. flakes of paint will come off at highway speeds, creating a vision hazard for drivers behind me or a distraction when flakes hit the windshield.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2026
“Radio will constantly reset as well as the in-dash clock, and the Tire Pressure light will illuminate and flash. I found this appears to be a consistent issue with 2014, 2015, and 2016 Toyota Corolla's on YouTube.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel seized with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering module and the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
“In 2024, my 2016 Toyota Corolla was involved in a collision. The airbags did not deploy. I went to the emergency room following the crash and later required additional medical treatment, including rehabilitation.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2024
“The roof of my car started peeling. It's been progressing quickly. Also starting a small little part in the back as well.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2024
“A knocking noise is coming from the front of car. Noise correlates with car motion. Worn parts in suspension were replaced by Euro Car Doctor in Costa Mesa. One problem complies with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin. Noise continues. The electronic invoice has photos of worn parts. Euro Car Doctor documents concern. I do not trust the local Toyota dealer service department to properly inspect the vehicle.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2024
“I have been driving my car since 2016, however since Nov 24, 2023. Incidents that alarm me have happen. I have filed a police report but don't have the funds to get vehicle swept. All of these events occur while I am driving. Passenger windows goes up in and down a lot. Static in my speakers. Steering wheels lock. somethings draining my battery. though I have ensured nothings on or there isn't any short fuses. Doors unlock. Door beeps though someone has had access. Trunk pops open. I am reaching out to NHTSA because my safety is at risk. Is any other Corolla owners reporting this. Please assist me.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2024
“The contact's daughter owned a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the vehicle was stolen, and while being chased by the police, the suspect crashed into a supporting beam located on the expressway. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact was unaware of any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot for the city. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed to be a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The manufacturer was not notified of the failre. The failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2024
“The CVT transmission on my 2016 Toyota Corolla initially suffered a complete mechanical failure and was repaired on 01/08/2024, forcing me to pay $3,696 out of pocket for a replacement at an independent shop. Last week, the transmission experienced issues again, and this time a certified Toyota dealership serviced it for free under an active factory recall. This proves the vehicle has a documented factory defect. However, Toyota is currently refusing to reimburse me for the original $3,696 repair expense incurred due to this exact defect.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 66 of these complaints and injuries in 56 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Corolla by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla reliable?
NHTSA has 212 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2016 Toyota Corolla. The most complained-about area is air bags (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota Corolla problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 29,500 miles or less.
Does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags: air bag/restraint control module. 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.