2023 Toyota Corolla Cross engine problems

ENGINE

While stopped at a red light, the auto stop/start system shut the engine off and it failed to restart automatically. The dashboard showed "Low Power Steering" and "Engine Stopped - Press Brake Firmly to Restart." Pressing the brake did not work. I had to shift to Park and manually restart the vehicle. This has happened twice.

NHTSA complaint #11747982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am reporting Certification Fraud and severe safety violations by Central Florida Toyota. This vehicle was sold as "Toyota Gold Certified" on March 28, 2026, while having an active safety recall (NHTSA 26V203) with no available remedy. Furthermore, a professional inspection revealed a high-voltage hybrid system leak and structural damage (bondo/rust) on engine mounts, indicating a hidden prior collision. The 160-point inspection was falsified to mask these defects. Although the contract was eventually unwound, this vehicle was sold in a lethal condition, violating federal safety standards.

NHTSA complaint #11737204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was driving on a cold day. When I stopped at a stoplight seeking to make a left turn, the car would not accelerate when I pressed the gas pedal. I looked down and saw the following warning sign "Engine Stopped, Steering Power Low" appear on the dashboard. However, since the car was not in park, it had rolled forward and was close to the being in the nearest lane of oncoming traffic. It was also difficult to steer to avoid creeping closer to oncoming traffic. Although it did not cause an accident, it easily could have. I took the car to several mechanics, because the car is under a CarMax warranty. However, none of the diagnostics revealed anything of concern (no weak battery, lack of power steering fluid, etc.). The mechanics said they had heard about this happening, but were unable to pinpoint any reason for it occuring. This seems like a serious flaw.

NHTSA complaint #11731777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Colant bypass valve

NHTSA complaint #11688933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I purchased a brand-new 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross LE on [XXX], in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, selling price, $31, 500.00 Early July 2025, I started the vehicle, and unexpectedly, multiple lights emerged on the dashboard screen per below, Exhibit 1 - Check Engine - Visit your dealer Exhibit 2 -Drive Start Control Malfunction - Visit your dealer Exhibit 3 - Parking Brake Malfunction Exhibit 4 - Secondary Collision - Brake System Malfunction Exhibit 5- Parking System Malfunction The vehicle was taken to Island Toyota on July 5th. The codes were cleared by removing the battery terminal. Two days later, the warning lights reappeared. After the technician performed diagnostic testing, I received a phone call to pick up the vehicle. The total cost of the ordered parts exceeds $2,000, which includes a computer. This vehicle is under warranty, particular vehicle IS NOT TWO YEARS OLD. This vehicle is a LEMON. I spoke with Carlos Rivera, a Customer Service Agent at Toyota of Puerto Rico. I notified him of this matter via phone calls, and he responded. He stated that his department is the warranty department, solely responsible for ordering parts for vehicles with warranties. He advised me to speak Ms Charla Green, the General Manager for Toyota St. Croix. Not quite sure why she never returns calls and is virtually unfeasible to speak with customers is atrocious. The front desk agents seems to be programmed to let you know Ms Green is not available and the supervisor, Ms Francis, seems uninterested in the daily chronicles with ones vehicle. The Entire department running blind while upper management is collecting hefty salaries. When the poor man cries out in distress, it’s a deep yearning for help and reassurance from the workers getting paid to help. While traversing on the [XXX], with a passenger in the vehicle, approximately, on [XXX], the instrument cluster display went BLANK, the vehicle lost power, slowed down, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

NHTSA complaint #11688637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

ATTACHMENTS OF PICTURES FOR COMPLAINT NUMBER 11688637. [XXX] [XXX] . 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross The scanned pictures shows all the warning lights displayed on my vehicle. A NEW COMPUTER WAS INSTALLED YET IT CONTINUES TO REFLECT THESE LIGHTS. A NEW SWITCH ASSY, HOSE VENTILATOR, VALVE ASY, OI AND COMPUTER ASSEMBLY. CURRENTLY THE DEALER ORDERED INJECTOR SET, ALONG WITH SWITCH, PUSH. HONESTLY, THE PROBLEM CANNOT BE FOUND, PARTS WILL BE ORDERED CONTINUOSLY. THE DANGER WAS WHEN THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD WENT BLANK, WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE TRANSMISSION STALLED TO SHIFT GEAR. I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED THE CEO OF TOYOTA IN PUERTO RICO. I EXPLAINED TO THEM MY LIFE IS AT RISK. THEY DECIDED TO GIVE ME A RENTAL UNTIL THE NEW PARTS COME IN. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. MY VEHICLE HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND TOYOTA DOES NOT CARE IF I DIE OR LIVE. WHO KNOWS IF OTHER INDIVIDUALS IS HAVING THIS ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS IMPERATIVE MATTER. THIS VEHICLE WILL BE TWO YEARS IN NOVEMBER 2025. VEHICLE COMPUTERS LAST IN EXCESS OF TEN YEARS. ALL THE LIGHTS BELOW STAYED ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. THE TECHNICIAN KEEP REMOVING THE BATTERY FOR RESETTING PURPOSES, WHEREAS ALL WARNING SIGNALS DISPLAYED ONCE MORE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11688649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11685969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On [XXX], and again on [XXX], vehicle began beeping while driving on the freeway and flashing the following warning messages: 1) 12-Volt Battery Charging - System Malfunction - Stop in a Safe Place - See Owner's Manual 2) AWD System Malfunction - 2WD Mode Engaged - Visit your Dealer 3) Voltage Abnormality - Steering Power Low - Visit Your Dealer Vehicle shut down and lost power steering while driving on the freeway. My safety was put at risk as I could not easily pull my car over to a safe place due to the car losing power, not turning back on, and power steering turning off. This may have resulted in severe injury or death if I had not been able to eventually pull over. Additionally, the safety of others was put at risk as we were travelling at freeway-level speed, which may have resulted in other vehicles being unable to stop, and consequently crash, if my car had stayed in the freeway lane. Both times I had the vehicle towed to Beaverton Toyota Dealership (Address: 4300 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005 / Phone: (503) 626-7200) to be inspected and serviced. The first time I was told it was a bad battery cell, which was replaced on 07/26/25. However, the same situation happened after this replacement on 07/27/25. Currently, vehicle is at Beaverton Toyota dealership being inspected. Vehicle was purchased at Wilsonville Toyota (Address: 9155 Boeckman Rd, Wilsonville, OR 97070 / Phone: (503) 582-9040). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11676618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

If raining you stop in red light the engine is shut off need to wait about 10 minutes and start again why they no recall this problem that dangerous

NHTSA complaint #11664769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was at a red light with my windshield wipers on. I then heard several warning beeps with messages stating "steering power low", battery low, and then the steering locked. I tried to turn the wheel after the last message came up but the steering wheel was locked. I couldn’t accelerate. I had to park the car and turn it off and on again. This has happened twice now and Toyota says it is “fine”.

NHTSA complaint #11641201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

As I stopped at the stoplight the vehicle enter the automatic shut off pause as it should when the brake is firmly pressed. when I released the brake the engine did not restart. instead the following message showed on the vehicle information center in the dash: ENGINE STOPPED, STEERING POWER LOW. then it prompted me to restart the car. I have to put the car in PARK, depress the brake and press my start button to restart the car. This happen in an intersection! This is the third time and it seems it happens in wet conditions. to temporarily remedy the problem I have deactivated the gas saving automatic engine stop. The manufacturer and dealer have been contacted.

NHTSA complaint #11624092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After the first issues with start stop car would just shut off in the middle of driving, came a new issues In august 2024 When all these lights came on car had been park over night and not driven so it was a fresh start . Warning lights included parking brake system, Drive start control, check engine, vehicle stability control and secondary collision brake system. Corolla cross would not back nor move this time . Took to dealership with no findings or solutions. Again September 2024 same warning lights and car had just been driven 8 miles and was in park. These warning lights are very much a safety concern. Have taken to dealership with no resolution or findings

NHTSA complaint #11616474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving in the rain with my windshield wipers on, my car suddenly stopped and the message on the car said “engine stopping, steering slowly” and after that it said “press on brakes slowly, engine stopping , steering slowly” and then it started to cut off. I forcibly put it in park and then the engine came back on and the car started to drive fine. An hour later, I turned my car back on and started driving and my screen went black. I turned the car off and turned it back on and it started working again. I think it could be an electrical issue but I don’t know for sure. I bought this car used with a little over 30k miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11614344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car would not restart after auto stop/start engaged and wipers on. I had to put car in park, turn off the engine then restart. Third time this has happened.

NHTSA complaint #11593330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car just shuts off while driving or at stop lights or stop signs. Car won’t start , takes 10-20 minutes to cut back on after putting car in park or stopping at stop sign or light.

NHTSA complaint #11592547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2023 Corolla cross XLE, at least 5 times since ownership, has experienced a complete engine shut off at stop lights when driving in the rain with windshield wipers on. A message appears on the driver display saying that the engine shut off and the brake needs to be pressed hard and start button must be pushed to start the engine again. It seems to only occur in association with the engine stop/start capability that is engaged when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the break pedal is pushed extra to engage the engine. This may sound like the normal start/stop function to save fuel, but it is not. Normally, the capability turns the engine back on upon release of the brake pedal. This issue is very different, in that the engine shut down is not normal, and requires in real time traffic, returning the vehicle to park and starting it up again before putting the gear in drive again. This is very dangerous in traffic and needs a recall fix as soon as possible.

NHTSA complaint #11589557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The failure became persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure had not been diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer twice due to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100.

NHTSA complaint #11588094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

When I was driving, I stopped at a light, and the engine turned off. Lights, alarms went on and my car would not start. The dashboard read that there was engine failure. The car didn’t respond to pressing the brake, or shifting gears. I had to turn the car off and restart it for it to start working again. Thankfully, I was not on a hill where the car would’ve started rolling forwards or backwards. This had previously happened at another stop light. When we brought the vehicle in for a recall related to the steering column, they mentioned our car is not affected. But there seems to be an issue, and I’m concerned that it will endanger me and my passengers.

NHTSA complaint #11584232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle stalled while driving with both front and rear wind shield wipers on. It was raining when this occurred. We were in heavy traffic and vehicle would not move, putting us at risk. The dealer states that they are unaware of this failure occurring in the 2023 corolla cross model. The failure happened suddenly without any type of warning.

NHTSA complaint #11582326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car shuts off completely when I brake at a stop light. When I lifted off my foot from the brake pedal it didn't restart. It had completely shut off and I had to put the car in park and restart in order to drive. This is dangerous as when the light turned green I could not move and cars behind me are already in drive. This incident has happened 5 times and I took the car into Toyota and they said they could not diagnose the code.

NHTSA complaint #11573787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

When driving to work it’s the 4 times the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross turns on the engine light and starts beeping with the power steering low message and shuts down and I am unable to continue driving I have taken it 4 times to Toyota dealership with them continue to say no issue is found. For me to get the vehicle working again I have to completely turn it off lock it and then unlock it and turn it back on. This is unacceptable and a big hazard issue because it does this in the middle of traffic without any indication.

NHTSA complaint #11570655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Stopped at a stop light and the engine automatically shut off as expected, however warnings appeared on the dashboard indicating that the engine stopped and power steering was low. I had to turn on my hazards at a very busy intersection as the light turned green so I could completely turn off the vehicle and restart it. This happened twice in the same trip two days ago and has happened once before a few months ago. Very dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11568231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This has happened several times since I have bought the car in October 2023. Every time I am driving in the rain, stopped at a red light, with the windshield wipers engaged my car completely shuts off (no it is not the auto-start/stop feature). I receive the message stating “engine stopped, press brake firmly to restart. Power steering low.” Everytime I have been at a red light and in order to get the car to start again, I have to put my car in park, then turn it back on. This is a very dangerous issue as I worry if it will happen while I am driving with wind shield wipers engaged. So far it has happened at a red light everytime. I have already taken it into the dealer and they thought they solved the problem with a software update, but it just happened again, three times today (1/22/24).

NHTSA complaint #11567141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Rattling noise while climbing uphill and the cross is loosing engine power.

NHTSA complaint #11565696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

malfunctions of electronic control of engine, AWD system, drive-start control system codes displayed on dash all of a sudden, My vehicle is new bought it Feb 2023, Acceleration doesn't engage Change of gears is rough, Got scared on the slow road bought the vehicle back to parking lot now getting it towed to the dealer.

NHTSA complaint #11565579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

It was a snow/ rain day I had my wipers on and was stopped at a traffic light when my engine stopped and I got a message on my dashboard “ engine stopped power steering low”. This vehicle is new with less than 5000 miles. I had to turn off the engine and restart the car in the middle of traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11564463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In November, the engine stalled at a light when it was raining and the wipers were on. Warning noises were activated and the console read "steering Power Low." The car had to be pushed out of the intersection by other drivers. After a half hour the car was able to be restarted . The Car taken to dealership and they ran diagnostics on it and declared that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Yet on December 27th, it happened again. This time my daughter was driving the vehicle. It was raining, the lights and wipers were on and we stopped at a light. The engine shut off and would not restart. She pressed the brake multiple times and put the car in park. After about 5 minutes of sheer terror, she was able to restart the car.

NHTSA complaint #11562688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Driving in Bumper-to-Bumper traffice on interstate 10. It was raining and the wipers were on. The problem occurred on December 20th during frequent starts and stops to maintain traffic flow with other vehicles. During one of the stops, the engine turned off as it normally does at a traffic light or when stuck in traffic. Upon lifting my foot off the brake, the car emiited loud sounds and various lights came on the dashboard. Cars behind me started honking their horns and other cars began acclerating passed me on the adjacent lanes. I was very upset and frightened. I tried several times to try and restart the car. I finally was able to get it started and drove directly to the dealer- Toyota of the Desert in Cathedral City. The Service writer said they could not find anything wrong with the car and would not give me a loaner. I am a health care provider and use my car to take my patients for doctor visits etc. She needs 24/7 coverage, so I asked her husband to pick me up at the dealer. He called the dealer and escalated the request for a loaner which was granted. The next day I asked him to return the loaner and pick up my car. He spoke with several people at the dealership including F&I, Service Director and Sales director and no one ever heard of this problem. He did some research and found that this problem has been reported many times. ie. Auto stop/start and many times with windshield wipers on causes car to unexpectantly stall. There are multiple reports listed under several categories on this database. This needs immediate attention before something terrible happens.

NHTSA complaint #11561787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I bought my car yesterday. Was driving tonight when it was raining with my wipers on. I stopped at a stoplight and the engine stopped, the check engine light came on, a loud and long beep sounded, and messages came up on the screen saying steering power low, press brake firmly to restart. I tried multiple times to press the brake for restarting but it didn't work. I had to put on my flashers for cars to go around me because I couldn't get the car to go. I finally put it in park and had to turn it completely off and on I believe twice before I finally got it started and could drive home.

NHTSA complaint #11558866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Dear NHTSA Representative: I bought a Toyota Cross LE 2023 in April of 2023. During the first few weeks of owning and using the vehicle, seat belt alarms got activated even though all passengers were wearing their respective seat belts. Also, open door alarms got activated randomly while all of them were properly closed. On the 27 of July 2023 at a stop light the vehicle turned off in accordance with the Auto Stop Programming feature, however once the brake pedal was released, the engine failed to start while faults appeared on the instrument cluster display. When the vehicle was taken to the Toyota dealer, the manufacturer representative did not recognize the situation as a technical problem. They just advised to turn off the Auto Stop Feature as a "remedy" on August 3, 2023. Service job orders were not given when repair was requested. On November 13, 2023 the vehicle failed to engage any gear once the shift lever was moved from P to D. Malfunction faults appeared on the instrument cluster display and the engine stalled. Once again the vehicle put us on a safety risk due to manufacturer defects. The vehicle was transported to the Toyota Dealer for repair. I am a resident of Puerto Rico and this car was bought to accommodate my mother's and my needs of transportation to fulfill personal and professional necessities. Even though monthly payments are made in compliance with the financial commitment, warranty services already paid in advance are not being delivered or fulfilled. As a result of this condition, I am not able to recognize the trustworthiness of the vehicle under Toyota Brand advertising in Spanish "Maneja Confiado". It is my request for NHTSA to evaluate my complaint and investigate this defect of intermittent nature that compromises the safe use of this car by my family among traffic with other drivers. I will be seeking to cancel this purchase agreement and no longer recognize Toyota as a dependable or reliable option for transportation.

NHTSA complaint #11556116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.