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Model reliability

Toyota Corolla reliability

The Toyota Corolla fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 39.1% of 66,900 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Up to 5 years old
12.1% failed their MOT
About average
From 17,501 MOT tests of Toyota Corollas this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 71% more oftenWipers3.6% vs 2.1%
Over 10 years old
39.1% failed their MOT
About average
From 66,900 MOT tests of Toyota Corollas this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 43% more oftenHeadlamp aim7.7% vs 5.4%Fix about £30
Fails 67% more oftenHeadlamps6.5% vs 3.9%Fix about £30
Fails 31% more oftenStop lamp5.1% vs 3.9%Fix about £30
Fails 65% more oftenWipers4.3% vs 2.6%
Advised 78% more oftenRigid brake pipes14.8% vs 8.3%Fix about £120
Advised 3× as oftenHeadlamps12.5% vs 3.7%Fix about £30
Advised 73% more oftenSprings10.9% vs 6.3%Fix about £150
Advised 2× as oftenBrake performance9.6% vs 4.6%
Safety recalls

28 DVSA recalls for the Toyota Corolla

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/27024 Nov 2025Built 2022–2025Combination Meter Reprogramming on Multiple Models

For certain vehicles equipped with the combination meter system (where various information is displayed) that due to an improper programming of the combination meter unnecessarily repetitive data is written to a memory device. This may cause the memory device to deteriorate and the monitor to not display during the meter at start up and remain in this state permanently.

Fix: Reprogram or replace the combination meter.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 30,141 vehicles

R/2024/51420 Jan 2025Built 2018–2022High-Pressure Fuel Pump replacement on multiple models

For certain vehicles that were affected by a previous campaign announced in October 2023 for high-pressure fuel pump a further check is required to confirm if the correct pump is fitted.

Fix: A check of the high-pressure fuel pump and replace if necessary.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 180 vehicles

R/2024/46317 Jan 2025Built 2023–2024Brake actuator Skid control ECU reprogram on Certain Toyota Corolla 24SD-146

For certain vehicles there is an issue involving the skid control software of the skid control Electronic Control Unit (ECU) where a hard brake pedal feel cannot be ruled out.

Fix: The remedy for the concern will be to reprogram the Brake Actuator (Skid control ECU)

Recalled models: COROLLA · 31,809 vehicles

R/2023/29820 Nov 2023Built 2018–2022Affected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire.

Affected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire.�

Fix: Check and replace high pressure fuel pump if necessary.�

Recalled models: COROLLA · 5,440 vehicles

R/2023/27912 Oct 2023Built 2020–2023On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.

On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.

Fix: The software of the DCM (Data Communication Module) will be updated via an Over the Air (OTA) wireless update.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 27,327 vehicles

R/2021/31515 Nov 2021Built 2020–2021THE EMERGENCY CALLING SYSTEM (eCall) MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN REQUIRED

The emergency calling system (eCall) may not function when required.

Fix: Inspect the emergency calling system and update DCM software. If the DCM is found to be damaged replace it with updated software.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 26,575 vehicles

R/2021/18528 Jun 2021Built 2018–2019The inside of the high pressure fuel pump may be worn or damaged over time during operation

The inside of the high-pressure fuel pump may be worn or damaged over time during operation.

Fix: Inspect* and if necessary replace the high-pressure fuel pump. (*Based on engine variant and/or pump manufacturer/pump serial number.)

Recalled models: COROLLA · 5,440 vehicles

R/2021/10431 May 2021Built 2015–2017There is a possibility that the exhaust gas recirculation cooler could develop an internal coolant leak

A possibility that the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler could develop an internal coolant leak

Fix: Replace the EGR cooler in all involved vehicles and if necessary replace the inlet manifold.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 24,241 vehicles

R/2020/33714 Dec 2020Built 2019–2020A possibility that a bolt of the brake pedal bracket may not have been torqued correctly

A possibility that a bolt of the brake pedal bracket may not have been torqued correctly.

Fix: Tighten the bolt of the brake pedal bracket to the appropriate torque.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 9,751 vehicles

R/2019/12419 Jun 2019Built 2019The panoramic glass roof deflector may not be secured correctly

The panoramic roof deflector may not be secured correctly.

Fix: Inspect and repair the panoramic roof deflector as necessary.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 19 vehicles

R/2019/12211 May 2019Built 2018–2019The emergency calling system may not be enabled

There is a possibility that the emergency calling system has not been activated.

Fix: Inspect and activate the emergency call system if necessary.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 3,484 vehicles

R/2018/34021 Jan 2019Built 2007–2010A potential crack could develop in the fuel evaporative emission control unit mounted in the fuel tank

Possible fuel leak from fuel tank.

Fix: Replace the fuel tank emission control Canister.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 85,909 vehicles

R/2018/30617 Dec 2018Built 2002–2004Air bag control module for the supplemental restraint system could be susceptible to internal shorting

Possible inadvertent air bag deployment.

Fix: Replace the airbag sensor assembly.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 131,435 vehicles

R/2018/30717 Dec 2018Built 2000–2007Front passenger air bag inflators containing degraded propellant may result in an inflator rupture

Passenger air bag may cause injury if activated.

Fix: Replace affected air bag assembly.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 99,588 vehicles

R/2018/15131 Jul 2018Built 2010–2016Replacement airbag inflator installed in an incorrect orientation

Affected vehicles received a recall remedy in which the replacement inflator may have been installed in an incorrect orientation.This may prevent the front passenger air bag from inflating as intended during deployment as designed.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the inflator checked and corrected if it is necessary.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 12,182 vehicles

R/2017/08724 Mar 2017Built 2001–2004Airbag inflator may rupture

It has been identified that vehicles equipped with a single stage inflator driver�s front air bag then there is a possibility that the density of the propellant in the inflator could be reduced over time from the effects of high temperature cycling and moisture within the propellant and its sealed container. This may cause the propellant to degrade which if this occurs then the inflator could rupture in the event of the deployment of the driver�s front air bag.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicle to replace the driver's front air bag.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 56,143 vehicles

R/2016/2369 Jan 2017Built 2002–2003Driver's side airbag inflator may rupture

It has been identified that in the subject vehicles there is a possibility the container of the inflator of the driver�s side may rupture. Toyota has not been able to establish the cause of the failure and is conducting a safety recall to recover the relevant parts to enable them to investigate the cause of the failure.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles to replace the driver's side airbag inflator.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 1,248 vehicles

R/2015/2061 Dec 2015Built 2005–2010Risk of fire

Affected vehicles are equipped with a driver�s side Power Window Master Switch (PWMS) containing sliding electrical contact modules. These modules may not have been incorrectly coated during the manufacturing process. This may cause a short circuit which could cause the switch to overheat and melt

Fix: Inspect switch and apply coating. If switch indicates signs of malfunction it should be replaced.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 123,306 vehicles

R/2015/09615 Jun 2015Built 2001–2008Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 542,751 vehicles

R/2014/1607 Jan 2015Built 2008–2014Risk of fire

Oil may accumulate in the turbo charger and in certain circumstances flow into the combustion chamber. This may cause engine damage. In extreme cases oil can be ejected from the engine and if it comes in contact with an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: Depending vehicle diagnosis modify intercooler layout to improve air flow; upgrade ECU software; upgrade turbo charger and/or vacuum pump

Recalled models: COROLLA · 7,884 vehicles

R/2013/04817 Apr 2013Built 2001–2003Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly

The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the airbag.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 85,405 vehicles

R/2012/1453 Dec 2012Built 2001–2008Loss of steering

It is possible that the splines of the extension shaft on vehicles equipped with Electric Motor assisted Power Steering (EMPS) may not have received the correct hardness treatment. This can cause the spline to distort and wear and eventually result in loss of steering.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check and if necessary replace the shaft.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 61,910 vehicles

R/2006/10313 Sept 2006Built 2001–2002Steering may fail

It is possible that the connections at the intermediate shaft and sliding yoke of the steering column may become loose and if the symptoms are ignored steering control can be lost.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering intermediate shaft. In addition inspect the sliding yoke and intermediate shaft extension and replace if necessary. This recall is staggered starting with Prius and Corrolla. Avensis customer letters will be sent out over the next three months

Recalled models: COROLLA · 39,372 vehicles

R/2004/16825 Apr 2005Built 1999–2000Brake fluid may leak

Due to an improper washing process of a metal part within the brake master cylinder there is a possibility that the groove for installing the rubber seal ring which is located at the end of the master cylinder may be corroded. In this condition brake fluid may leak from the seal or a small amount of air may enter the master cylinder which could lead to an increase in vehicle stopping distance.

Fix: Vehicles that are likely to be affected will be checked and a quality assured part fitted if necessary.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 6,936 vehicles

R/2003/04118 Feb 2003Built 2000Passenger front air bag concern

The front passenger airbag inflator module check valve pin is missing in the affected vehicle. In the event of airbag activation the partition which separates the inflator and the bag may not be properly broken resulting in insufficient pressure to properly deploy the airbag. This could result in injury to the front seat passenger in the event of a frontal impact.

Fix: Replace the inflator module.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 1 vehicles

R/2002/17116 Dec 2002Built 2002Two gears may be selected at the same time

Transmission output shaft critical dimension may be shorter than the specification. In the worst case this could result in two gears being selected at the same time and cause the gearbox to lock up.

Fix: Check transmission serial number and replace any gearbox found to be within the affected range.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 50 vehicles

R/2002/09811 Jul 2002Built 2002Brake pedal stroke may increase

Certain brake master cylinder reservoir cap air vents are blocked. If the vehicle is driven in this condition for long term a vacuum is created in the reservoir tank as brake pads wear. There is a possibility that this vacuum may cause the brake pedal stroke to increase.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace reservoir cap if faulty.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 4,025 vehicles

R/2002/05220 May 2002Built 2001–2002Rear brake and hub security concern

It is possible for the bolts to be loose that join the rear brake and hub assembly to the rear axle carrier due to insufficient tightening. 1 or more of the 4 bolts could come loose causing an abnormal noise from the rear wheel axle area. In the event that all 4 bolts loosen completely separation of the rear brake and hub assembly from the rear axle carrier may occur which in the worst case could lead to a loss of vehicle control.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check the rear brake and hub securing bolts for correct tightness.

Recalled models: COROLLA · 6,617 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Toyota Corolla before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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