Twelfth generation (E210)
2020 Toyota Corolla
The most reported problem on the 2020 Toyota Corolla is overheating, with 89 complaints, usually around 55,000 miles.
- 306owner complaints
- 3recalls
- 22involved a crash
- 36,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 18, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Corolla doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2020 model year.
Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla reliable?
The 2020 Toyota Corolla has 306 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.5 times the median of 201 for 2020 sedans on this site. Of the 13 Corolla model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2019 and 2021
- At 44 complaints for each year on the road, the 2020 runs above both the 2019 (25) and the 2021 (31).
- Top problem
- Overheating leads with 89 of the 306 complaints (29%), ahead of brake wear at 23. A quarter of the 32 owners who gave a mileage for overheating saw it by about 40,000 miles, and half by about 55,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 24 of the 306 complaints (8%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 22 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 23 people were hurt. The reports record 1 death. The most crash reports, 9 of 22, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as overheating. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2024, with 114 complaints, 2.0 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 23 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine overheats or leaks coolant, 89 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
306 complaints is 1.4 times the median 2020 model on this site and 1.5 times the median 2020 sedan. Among the 10 Corolla model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2020 Toyota Corolla
Toyota filed 201 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2020 Toyota Corolla. 27 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car, 5 of those a warranty extension. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 9 bulletins · 89 complaints
Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience.
The specific condition covered by this program is for a small engine coolant leak that can occur from the flow shut-off valve that can allow coolant to drip on other parts of the vehicle.
7 more on this problem
Some 2018 – 2021 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, or M20A-FKS engine may exhibit a condition in which an “Engine Maintenance Required” message is displayed in the Multi-Information Display (MID).
CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 24TE04 Multiple Model & Model Year Toyota Vehicles Coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak Frequently Asked Questions
In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Toyota is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak on multiple Model & Model Year Toyota Vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 24TE04 Multiple Model & Model Year Toyota Vehicles Coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak
This Customer Support Program provides coverage as it applies to Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak on Certain 2019-2021 Avalon & Avalon HV, 2018-2021 Camry & Camry HV, Certain 2020-2021 Corolla, Certain 2019-2021 Corolla HB, 2020-2021 Highlander, Certain ...
This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 23 complaints
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 8 bulletins · 18 complaints
Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/discolored engine oil.
Some 2018 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, or M20A-FKS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/Discolored engine oil.
6 more on this problem
TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle.
Some 2019 model year Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio Plus (version 1002) or Entune? Premium Audio (version 1002) or earlier may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Incorrect GPS date and time.
TT: The microphone circuit passes through the DCM before reaching the radio/navigation system. To simplify the diagnosis of the microphone, Safety Connect SOS button lights, and DCM (Data Communication Module/telematics transceiver) inoperative conditions, ...
TT: Some 2020 model year vehicles may display abnormal Safety Connect operation during PDS or after replacement due to DCM activation issues.
TT: Some vehicles equipped with Dynamic Navigation may experience a pop-up message notifying them that their map update service will end soon. The date that is shown could be more than one year in the future.
TT: Some 2020 model year vehicles may display abnormal Safety Connect operation during PDS due to DCM activation issues.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 2 bulletins · 17 complaints
DL: Due to certain programing in the engine ECU, under certain conditions, the vehicle may stall at low speeds when accelerating from a stop.
RL: Due to certain programing in the engine ECU, under certain conditions, the vehicle may stall at low speeds when accelerating from a stop.
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 17 complaints
Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 3 bulletins · 15 complaints
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks
1 more on this problem
TT: In certain cases of leaking air conditioning systems, the root cause of the leak is inadvertently overlooked, causing a repeat repair.
Windshield cracks or distorts 1 bulletin · 13 complaints
Some 2018 model year Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2019 model year Avalon and Avalon Hybrid, 2020 ? 2021 model year Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Corolla, and 2021 model year Sienna Hybrid vehicles may exhibit decreased front windshield defroster performance ...
Seat belt or seat problems 2 bulletins · 8 complaints
Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
Some 2010 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
Complaints filed by year
114 complaints came in 2024, 4.4 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2020 Toyota Corolla
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.
All 3 recalls on the 2020 Toyota Corolla, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
Overheating, with 89 of the 306 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 55,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2020 Toyota Corolla problems start?
Of the 115 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 8,000 miles and half by about 36,000.
Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla better or worse than the 2019 and 2021?
Counted per year on the road, the 2020 has more complaints than both the 2019 and the 2021: 44 a year against 25 and 31.
How many 2020 Toyota Corolla complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
24 of them (8%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for overheating on the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
No recall on file for the 2020 Toyota Corolla is on the same system as overheating. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.