2016 Toyota Corolla recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla and 215 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (65), service brakes (30), seat belts (26). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 31–34 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #10 of 14 Corolla model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (189). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.4 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Toyota Corolla. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · air bag/restraint control module
Problem: 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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Safety ratings
2016 Toyota Corolla 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Toyota Corolla.
Corolla
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Corolla
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Corolla LE Eco
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Corolla LE Eco
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L · 2-mode (Normal/Eco) Transmission
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla, most recently for air bags · air bag/restraint control module (01/17/2020). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Corolla?
Based on 215 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (65), service brakes (30), seat belts (26).
Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla safe?
The 2016 Toyota Corolla earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Toyota Corolla?
The 2016 ranks #10 of 14 Corolla model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (189). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota Corolla get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Toyota Corolla range from 31 to 34 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Toyota Corolla in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: COROLLA, Corolla.