2020 Toyota Corolla recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Corolla and 312 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (111), unknown or other (79), power train (40). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 31–35 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2020 ranks #13 of 14 Corolla model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (189). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.4 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Toyota Corolla. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Problem: 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: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Problem: 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: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Seat belts · rear/other · buckle assembly
Problem: 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: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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
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. This is an inherent manufacturing defect present since delivery. In total, this…
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 would have no control of their car and could be seriously injured. I took it to th…
I am unable to lock or unlock the driver’s side door of my 2020 Toyota Corolla using the key fob because the door lock actuator is no longer functioning properly. I must manually use the physical key to lock and unlock the driver’s door. I consider this a significant safety concern because the power locking system is no longer functioning as intended, potentially affecting my a…
Safety ratings
2020 Toyota Corolla 5 HB FWD
2020 Toyota Corolla 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Toyota Corolla.
Corolla
Auto (AV-S10) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Corolla
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Corolla Hatchback
Auto (AV-S10) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Corolla Hatchback
Man 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Corolla, most recently for air bags · sensor · occupant classification (12/20/2023). 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 2020 Toyota Corolla?
Based on 312 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (111), unknown or other (79), power train (40).
Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla safe?
The 2020 Toyota Corolla earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Toyota Corolla?
The 2020 ranks #13 of 14 Corolla model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (189). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Toyota Corolla get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Toyota Corolla range from 31 to 35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 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.