Toyota Corolla Engine Problems
Owners have filed 609 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Toyota Corolla across 29 model years. The 2020 model year has the most (111). The words owners use most often: “bypass valve” (20% of reports).
- 609engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 40mention a crash
- 18mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $870typical repair cost reported by owners
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Bypass valve: mentioned in 122 of 609 complaints (20%)
- Engine maintenance required: mentioned in 75 of 609 complaints (12%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Toyota Corolla at $870, and half of them between $730 and $1,250.
Based on 35 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2013–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 321 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 609 complaints, 40 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 18 an injury.
Toyota Corolla engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Corolla | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2025 Corolla | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2024 Corolla | 6 | 9% | 27,000 |
| 2023 Corolla | 13 | 18% | — |
| 2022 Corolla | 14 | 14% | 53,500 |
| 2021 Corolla | 41 | 22% | 17,900 |
| 2020 Corolla | 111 | 36% | 10,000 |
| 2019 Corolla | 39 | 19% | 9,590 |
| 2018 Corolla | 16 | 12% | 18,945 |
| 2017 Corolla | 10 | 6% | 26,096 |
| 2016 Corolla | 13 | 6% | 60,000 |
| 2015 Corolla | 17 | 8% | 11,606 |
| 2014 Corolla | 18 | 7% | 26,339 |
| 2013 Corolla | 16 | 8% | 20,650 |
| 2012 Corolla | 4 | 1% | 38,000 |
| 2011 Corolla | 19 | 3% | 15,175 |
| 2010 Corolla | 33 | 3% | 62,523 |
| 2009 Corolla | 91 | 6% | 77,899 |
| 2008 Corolla | 21 | 7% | 70,000 |
| 2007 Corolla | 33 | 4% | 74,000 |
| 2006 Corolla | 24 | 3% | 95,667 |
| 2005 Corolla | 29 | 3% | 100,000 |
| 2004 Corolla | 9 | 2% | 102,000 |
| 2003 Corolla | 16 | 2% | 158,000 |
| 2002 Corolla | 5 | 4% | 74,047 |
| 2001 Corolla | 2 | 2% | 123,000 |
| 2000 Corolla | 3 | 2% | 121,500 |
| 1999 Corolla | 1 | 1% | 135,000 |
| 1998 Corolla | 2 | 1% | 235,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ecm) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.
Risk: There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the production number of the ecm and replace the ecm if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
schedule a service appointment at AutoNation Toyota Hayward for October 14, 2026, at 8:40 AM. I arrived before 8:37. At that time, I was told it would only take three hours to complete. The car hadn't moved at 11:37. At that time I asked when it could be completed. I was told there's no estimated…
I am reporting a severe, recurring safety hazard on my 2020 Toyota Corolla. The vehicle suddenly displays 'Drive-Start Control Malfunction' and completely cuts off engine power in motion, leaving the car stranded in active traffic. This happened after accelerating from a STOP sign on a main avenue…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned: complete slave cylinder failure resulting in loss of braking and ability to shift. Luckily I was traveling at a low rate of speed when this happened, but if this happens to anyone on the freeway or while turning against traffic for example they…
"Engine maintenance required" light is coming up constantly, only when i turn on the AC and doesn't let me view my dash at all. Ive determined it's the Engine coolant bypass valve. Many models have had this same exact issue and there needs to be a recall/repair at no cost to the owners.
My Engine Maintenance light came on around 59,400 miles for my Coolest Control valve !! Needed it to be replaced! Light wonât go off just had it serviced for an oil change before this started!!
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toyota Corollas have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 609 owner complaints about engine for the Toyota Corolla. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Toyota Corolla engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Toyota Corolla?
Owners report a typical cost of $870 (half paid between $730 and $1,250), from 35 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Toyota Corolla?
The most frequent phrase is “bypass valve”, in 122 of 609 complaints, followed by “engine maintenance required” (75).
Other Toyota Corolla problems
- Air Bags problems (4,560)
- Steering problems (1,169)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (1,127)
- Electrical System problems (828)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (656)
- Power Train problems (637)
- Structure problems (417)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (385)
See all Toyota Corolla problems.