Owners have filed 196 complaints
about the 2018 Toyota Corolla with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the Toyota Corolla. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
80% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1211.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2625.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3028.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2120.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
65.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
54.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11.0%
150,000+ miles
32.9%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2018peak 12Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2018 Toyota Corolla
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2018 Toyota Corolla
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 2020514126,597 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls SRC R95/SRC R96 and SRC RA2/SRC RA3 (Transport Canada Recall Numbers 2020-005 and 2020-088). Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
Recall 2020088111,835 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall SRC R95/SRC R96 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-005) Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
Recall 2020013407,318 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the circuits within the airbag control module could be damaged in a crash. This could cause the airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in certain crashes. Safety Risk: Airbags or seat belts that do not work properly in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install an electrical noise filter to prevent damage to the airbag control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
West Deptford, NJCrash
TIRES
A whole new set of 4 tires were purchased and installed on the vehicle on 10/10/2024. While driving at highway speed 3 weeks later the rear driver side tire, in quick succession, went flat and almost instantaneously disintegrated causing the car to spin out and crash off the road. The car airbags deployed- saving the driver from injury or worse. Since the incident occurred out of home state and far from home and the car was totaled - it was sold as junked and not available for inspection. The accident could have involved other vehicles if the road was more crowded. Since only a single vehicle was involved - Maryland police would not write or provide a report. We believe that the tire failed on its own and wasn’t caused by an external object.
NHTSA complaint #11627042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nesconset, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
My brother was driving his car and it was involved in a hard right front impact yesterday after a young girl pulled out in front of him. None of the airbags went off, severe front end damage on the right side to the fender, wheel, axle, radiator, hood, oil pan, and other front end components.The right front wheel is completely bent and the right front tire blew out. Front right headlight completely missing. Incident happened going approximately 30-40 MPH. Thankfully he’s okay, but the car is most likely totaled. The steering wheel airbag did NOT deploy and the right curtain airbag did NOT deploy. My brother could have gotten killed. Thankfully he’s only complaining about leg pain and chest pain, but the steering wheel airbag would’ve mitigated his injuries. A few years ago, he got sideswiped very hard on the left side and the vehicle needed 2 new doors and a rear bumper. The left side curtain airbags did not deploy in this scenario either. I’m very disappointed in Toyota that they built a death trap such as the 2018 Corolla.
NHTSA complaint #11557369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesAvon, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the driveway, approximately 12 hours later while the contact was sleeping, a sound woke the contact and it was discovered that the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and the fire also caused damage to the garage door, the side of the home, and the concrete driveway. The contact mentioned that the battery was replaced by AAA 3 weeks after the incident. No injuries were reported. A fire report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was later towed away. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the fire. The failure mileage was 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11554139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,500 milesBristol, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated without any warning causing the vehicle to drive over the curb and crash into a 7 eleven store building. The air bags did not deploy, and no one was injured. The contact was unsure if there was a police report filed. The vehicle was towed, and it was deemed for total loss. The dealer was contacted and stated they were unsure of the cost of the repairs because the vehicle had an anti-lock brake feature. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 16,500.
NHTSA complaint #11490000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesMobile, ALCrash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake warning and the master warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic reader was used, however, the mechanic was unable to locate a failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that after restarting and refueling, the vehicle was stalling and although she depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle delayed accelerating. The contact referenced failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, VIN was not included in the recall. The contact then stated that after the vehicle was refueled and she came to a left turn to make a U-turn, the vehicle was stalling and then jerked forward independently, causing her to crash into the back of an attached trailer. The airbags failed to deploy. There was an additional passenger in the vehicle, however, the contact stated that there were no injuries and that a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,555 milesKansas City, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH in inclement weather, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle and she lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into the median and was spinning before another vehicle crashed into the contact's front end. The air bags were not deployed upon impact. The contact suffered soreness in her arms, legs, and back; however, no medical attention was received. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 100,555.
NHTSA complaint #11467754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ann Arbor, MI
POWER TRAIN
CV axle making clicking noise when turning with all CV axle boots in good condition.
NHTSA complaint #11741358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
SEATS
Each travel driver seat belt become tight I try pull down for loose and I have notice the driver seat become level low.
NHTSA complaint #11734961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, NJ
SEAT BELTS
Each travel driver seat belt become tight I try pull down for loose and I have notice the driver seat become level low.
NHTSA complaint #11734961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,099 milesRancho Cucamonga, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the tachometer was raised to high levels while exiting the highway. While at a stoplight, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. An OBD2 scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle, and DTC: P0741, P075B, P1604, P2757, P2820(X4) were retrieved, which were related to the torque converter. The contact was informed that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced, and the contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 76,099.
NHTSA complaint #11723306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
POWER TRAIN
My 2018 Toyota Corolla has problems with acceleration and a very large noise in the front bar that guides the wheels. It also accelerates by itself, which is why I have had to change the brakes many times. It also shakes a lot at the bottom
NHTSA complaint #11717239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My 2018 Toyota Corolla has problems with acceleration and a very large noise in the front bar that guides the wheels. It also accelerates by itself, which is why I have had to change the brakes many times. It also shakes a lot at the bottom
NHTSA complaint #11717239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
SUSPENSION
My 2018 Toyota Corolla has problems with acceleration and a very large noise in the front bar that guides the wheels. It also accelerates by itself, which is why I have had to change the brakes many times. It also shakes a lot at the bottom
NHTSA complaint #11717239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamarac, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Due to recent reports of fuel pump recalls, my daughter bought a 2018 Toyota Corolla almost a year ago. Right now that is problem and her car will not start. I need a free replacement of her fuel pump. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11709551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Orleans, LA
AIR BAGS
On October 17, 2025, a 2018 Toyota Corolla LE was delivered to an authorized Toyota dealership for an airbag recall repair. The recall involved the airbag electronic control unit (ECU), which, according to Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), may fail to deploy the airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners during certain types of crashes due to inadequate protection against electrical noise. The vehicle was picked up on October 18, 2025, after the dealer reported the recall repair as completed. Before the recall, the vehicle displayed a clear and consistent safety issue: the “Passenger Airbag OFF” indicator stayed illuminated even when a full-size adult occupant (approximately 208 lbs) was seated in the front passenger seat. After the recall repair, the exact same issue persisted with no improvement. The repair was ineffective, as the system still failed to recognize an occupied seat, and the passenger airbag continued to show “OFF.” When this was reported to the dealership immediately after pickup, staff incorrectly stated that the recall concerned metal fragments inside the airbags. This is inaccurate. The official recall documentation from Toyota and NHTSA clearly identifies the defect as non-deployment of airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, not metal fragments. The dealership then advised that a diagnostic inspection would be needed for a $175 fee. However, since this issue directly involves the same safety components addressed by the recall and remains unresolved after the recall repair, it should be re-inspected free of charge under recall coverage. Charging a diagnostic fee in this case is unreasonable, given that the recall repair did not correct the problem as intended. This ongoing malfunction presents a serious safety risk, as the airbag may fail to deploy in a crash. The problem likely involves a defective occupant detection sensor or an improperly functioning ECU/noise filter following the recall service.
NHTSA complaint #11694365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After having no indication of any issue, my 2018 Toyota Corolla has stopped re-starting after fueling. The only light that appeared was regarding my battery. My battery is brand new and tested.
NHTSA complaint #11694221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After having no indication of any issue, my 2018 Toyota Corolla has stopped re-starting after fueling. The only light that appeared was regarding my battery. My battery is brand new and tested.
NHTSA complaint #11694221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After having no indication of any issue, my 2018 Toyota Corolla has stopped re-starting after fueling. The only light that appeared was regarding my battery. My battery is brand new and tested.
NHTSA complaint #11694221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 85,000. The contact later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 200,095.
NHTSA complaint #11682844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardena, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CVT transmission is making a loud noise and undrivable due to jerking motion every time I accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11669267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oviedo, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2018 Toyota Corolla has ongoing fuel pump-related issues that mirror those in the official recall, yet my VIN is not included. Every time I refuel, my car shuts off and will not restart for 1–2 hours. I’ve brought the vehicle to five different mechanics, including two full inspections with electronic diagnostics—none could find a fault except one who identified the fuel pump as the likely cause. Even Toyota-certified dealerships could not determine the issue. Additionally, any time I drive over 70 mph, the car displays a message telling me to take a break, then it begins to jerk and drive erratically, clearly a safety hazard. This problem has occurred repeatedly and poses a serious risk of accident on the highway. This issue is widely reported among 2018 Corollas and matches symptoms from Toyota’s known fuel pump recall. I’m shocked that Toyota has refused a goodwill repair and won’t inspect it under the recall. If the fuel pump is failing, it puts drivers and passengers at serious risk of being stranded or worse—losing power at high speeds. Please investigate this and consider expanding the recall to cover more 2018 Toyota Corolla VINs before someone is injured or killed due to this known and dangerous defect.
NHTSA complaint #11660381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,750 milesLa Crosse, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, or upon approaching a stop, the engine sounded very weak, almost as if the vehicle would shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle had shut off previously while driving through a drive thru. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The contact also stated that after refueling the vehicle, the accelerator pedal had to be pumped while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed and DTC: P0171 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the EVAP valves and system were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) as possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,750. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11653942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Deptford, NJCrash
TIRES
A whole new set of 4 tires were purchased and installed on the vehicle on 10/10/2024. While driving at highway speed 3 weeks later the rear driver side tire, in quick succession, went flat and almost instantaneously disintegrated causing the car to spin out and crash off the road. The car airbags deployed- saving the driver from injury or worse. Since the incident occurred out of home state and far from home and the car was totaled - it was sold as junked and not available for inspection. The accident could have involved other vehicles if the road was more crowded. Since only a single vehicle was involved - Maryland police would not write or provide a report. We believe that the tire failed on its own and wasn’t caused by an external object.
NHTSA complaint #11627042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
The bumper on this car has been replaced two times and my husband noticed that it’s coming apart AGAIN. It’s brand new and was just replaced in July. It could come apart on the road or cause serious injury if hit. These bumpers are not stable at all.
NHTSA complaint #11618292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSpring, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the loss of power and a failing fuel pump. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11613928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSpring, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the loss of power and a failing fuel pump. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11613928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No accident everythink working perfect
NHTSA complaint #11611740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Lorenzo, CA
AIR BAGS
A car was going to hit my car, I went to hit the horn and the horn doesn't work a few days later a airbag light went on. Went to the dealership and they said it's a know malfunction in toyota corolla. They are not sure if the airbags will work or not. They recommend that I put a notice in for recall since there are still no recalls. This is a huge safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11589473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Lorenzo, CA
STEERING
A car was going to hit my car, I went to hit the horn and the horn doesn't work a few days later a airbag light went on. Went to the dealership and they said it's a know malfunction in toyota corolla. They are not sure if the airbags will work or not. They recommend that I put a notice in for recall since there are still no recalls. This is a huge safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11589473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moody, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving down the highway and I heard a tapping noise thought it might have been a piece of trim loose on the car so I pulled over and stopped. Immediately the engine died would not restart. I looked under the hood and the radiator cap had blown off and all of the coolant was gone The engine had overheated when I put compression test was done there was water shooting out of the valve cover. It was diagnosed as a blown head gasket The car never gave any warning lights or the thermostat never showed any temperature problem at all. I was sitting on the side of the highway for 12 hours trying to figure out what to do with the car because I didn't have money for a tow truck. Fortunately nothing terribly bad happened as a result However had I not heard the trim loose and pulled over and the car had died in the highway it could have been way worse.
NHTSA complaint #11577085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moody, TX
ENGINE
I was driving down the highway and I heard a tapping noise thought it might have been a piece of trim loose on the car so I pulled over and stopped. Immediately the engine died would not restart. I looked under the hood and the radiator cap had blown off and all of the coolant was gone The engine had overheated when I put compression test was done there was water shooting out of the valve cover. It was diagnosed as a blown head gasket The car never gave any warning lights or the thermostat never showed any temperature problem at all. I was sitting on the side of the highway for 12 hours trying to figure out what to do with the car because I didn't have money for a tow truck. Fortunately nothing terribly bad happened as a result However had I not heard the trim loose and pulled over and the car had died in the highway it could have been way worse.
NHTSA complaint #11577085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.