Years to avoid
Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid
The 2023, 2020, 2019, 2018 model years stand out as the weakest in this Toyota Corolla dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2023
- Model average
- 81/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 243
- Recalls, weakest year
- 15
73/100 reliability
21-point range
14 crash · 3 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2023 Toyota Corolla ranks last
The 2023 scores 73/100, rated good, versus a model average of 81/100. NHTSA data contains 243 owner complaints and 15 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Steering (60), Electrical System (45), Engine (29), Exterior Lighting (25). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2023 Toyota Corolla record →Evidence by year
The weakest Toyota Corolla model years compared
2023 Toyota Corolla
- Complaints
- 243
- Recalls
- 15
- Crash reports
- 14
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Steering (60), Electrical System (45), Engine (29)
View 2023 details →2020 Toyota Corolla
- Complaints
- 290
- Recalls
- 7
- Crash reports
- 22
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Engine (82), Unknown Or Other (62), Power Train (32)
View 2020 details →2019 Toyota Corolla
- Complaints
- 190
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 22
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Power Train (46), Engine (23), Unknown Or Other (22)
View 2019 details →2018 Toyota Corolla
- Complaints
- 137
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 27
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Air Bags (32), Fuel System, Gasoline (15), Electrical System (13)
View 2018 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Toyota Corolla years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Toyota Corolla data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Toyota Corolla research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Toyota Corolla research FAQ
Which Toyota Corolla years should I avoid?
2023, 2020, 2019, 2018 score materially below the strongest Toyota Corolla years in this dataset. The 2023 is the weakest at 73/100, with 243 owner complaints and 15 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Toyota Corolla year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Toyota Corolla year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (94/100), 2025 (84/100), 2021 (83/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Toyota Corolla you are considering.