FaultScore

Toyota Corolla window and wiper problems

334 of the 14,546 complaints filed about the Toyota Corolla are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2003.

334

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

5

Crashes

6

Fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year

1986 Corolla 1 0.3%
1987 Corolla 1 0.3%
1988 Corolla 1 0.3%
1989 Corolla 1 0.3%
1990 Corolla 1 0.3%
1991 Corolla 3 0.9%
1992 Corolla 3 0.9%
1993 Corolla 9 2.7%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

1994 Corolla 10 3.0%
1995 Corolla 5 1.5%
1996 Corolla 9 2.7%
1997 Corolla 4 1.2%
1998 Corolla 5 1.5%
1999 Corolla 9 2.7%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

2000 Corolla 7 2.1%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2001 Corolla 1 0.3%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2002 Corolla 8 2.4%

Median failure at 79,893 miles

2003 Corolla 34 10.2%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2004 Corolla 30 9.0%

Median failure at 49,422 miles

2005 Corolla 16 4.8%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2006 Corolla 4 1.2%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

2007 Corolla 11 3.3%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

2008 Corolla 7 2.1%

Median failure at 38,165 miles

2009 Corolla 22 6.6%

Median failure at 8,500 miles

2010 Corolla 26 7.8%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2011 Corolla 6 1.8%

Median failure at 36,000 miles

2012 Corolla 5 1.5%

Median failure at 8,200 miles

2013 Corolla 5 1.5%

Median failure at 9,500 miles

2014 Corolla 16 4.8%

Median failure at 17,200 miles

2015 Corolla 7 2.1%

Median failure at 177 miles

2016 Corolla 7 2.1%

Median failure at 15,000 miles

2017 Corolla 6 1.8%

Median failure at 13,500 miles

2018 Corolla 1 0.3%

Median failure at 1,100 miles

2019 Corolla 2 0.6%

Median failure at 6,209 miles

2020 Corolla 18 5.4%

Median failure at 1,600 miles

2021 Corolla 15 4.5%
2022 Corolla 8 2.4%

Median failure at 7,000 miles

2023 Corolla 5 1.5%
2024 Corolla 3 0.9%
2025 Corolla 1 0.3%
2026 Corolla 1 0.3%

What owners said

2025 Toyota Corolla Daytona Beach, FL Crash 2 injured

VISIBILITY/WIPER

It was heavy rain traffic came and when I slowed down the anti lock breaks effected me from stopping fast enough and were made me just slid into back off vehicle in front off me giving me injury's to my kneck due to the air bags did NOT deploy.

NHTSA complaint #11752771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Toyota Corolla Poinciana, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I have mcas/ CIRS this new car triggered chest pain, muscle weakness, swelling, etc FTS REPORT CONFIRMED high off gassing. I'm in 3 mast cell stabalizers a day. I'm w out a car i put down 3500 a month ago. They left me, knowing all this. I'm 9 miles from a bus stop, from shopping, can't make money w out a car. 40 min from drs. I Already have lung nodules. Single mom, just want a safe reliable car odi XXX, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Corolla Springdale, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

During the lower interval settings, wipers will not work in proper order. Sometimes you may get three quick wipes and them the wipers will stop in middle of windshield for about 5-8 seconds. Sometimes the wipers are inconsistent with proper timing and will not properly work all the time.

NHTSA complaint #11740462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Corolla Woodbridge, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield Wiper Intermittent setting stopped working, and wipers no long return to their home position. This appears to be a common issue with Toyota. When driving in the rain, the wipers will freeze in the up setting, which is very dangerous for it to occur during heavy rain on the highway causing visibility issues. No warnings of any kind given, the wiper switch appears to just go bad, or wear out over time.

NHTSA complaint #11736152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Toyota Corolla Boca Raton, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Component: VISIBILITY / SUN VISOR Vehicle: 2023 Toyota Corolla Both the driver-side and passenger-side sun visors in my 2023 Toyota Corolla have failed within approximately two years of normal use. The visors no longer remain in their intended position and instead fall downward unexpectedly. When this occurs, the visor drops directly into the driver’s field of vision, creating a significant safety hazard by obstructing forward visibility while driving. This condition can happen without warning and requires the driver to physically move the visor out of the way, causing distraction and increasing the risk of an accident. The vehicle has not been modified, damaged, or subjected to abnormal conditions. The visors were used only as intended. Sun exposure is a normal and expected condition for this component, and failure under these circumstances indicates a potential defect in materials or workmanship. Both visors failing in the same manner suggests a systemic issue rather than isolated wear and tear. The vehicle was taken to a Toyota dealership, where I was initially told the repair would be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. However, the claim was later denied and classified as “wear and tear” due to sun exposure. Given the function of sun visors, this explanation is not reasonable. This issue presents an ongoing safety concern due to impaired driver visibility. I am submitting this complaint so that this defect can be reviewed and tracked for potential broader impact.

NHTSA complaint #11729300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Toyota Corolla at 124,000 miles Long Beach, CA

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla. The contact lowered the front passenger’s side window; however, while attempting to raise the window, the window failed to respond. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V162000 (Visibility). The contact called a local dealer and was informed of the recall; however, the recall had been repaired in 2008, and the VIN was not eligible for a second repair. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact was informed that any additional repairs would be out-of-pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Corolla Tampa, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The wipers are turning on randomly by themselves, even when the control switch is set to the “off” position. This has occurred multiple times and happens without any input or activation from me. The issue appears to be intermittent but persistent, and it raises concerns about a potential electrical or control system malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11720827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Corolla Mobile, AL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

when I use blinker windshield wipers turn on and sometimes when I call or somebody calls my cell phone I can hear them, but they cannot hear me. does not happen all the time, but I was concerned since there was a recall on certain toyota corolla that says a short circuit may develop in the OCS sensor, preventing front passenger air bag from deploying and my son who is a mechanic said both of these could be a problem with the wiring in the column and I thought it may be connected to the same recall as the air bags? the wipers coming on is happening more often these days and that is why I mentioned it to my son who is a mechanic. he will not touch it since it is still under my extended protection but he is concerned about it getting worse since the blinker is attached to the column. as far as using not being heard by callers or when I call I am concerned if I need to call in an emergency the ones I call cannot hear me. as far as when this started I do not remember but I know it's been at least 6 months if not longer, it just seems to be doing it more often lately

NHTSA complaint #11714511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Corolla Mission Viejo, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wiper switch assembly (column stalk/switch) malfunctions intermittently, sending unintended signals that activate the wipers despite the stalk being firmly in the OFF position. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. Suspected part numbers include 84652-06400 or similar variants. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden, unexpected wiper activation (typically 1-2 wipes, occasionally more) while driving creates a serious distraction and safety hazard. It can startle the driver, cause momentary loss of vehicle control or focus (especially at highway speeds or in traffic), and briefly obstruct vision. This risk is heightened during rain, when wipers are needed but behave erratically, or during acceleration/turns where vibration triggers it—potentially leading to accidents. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, the Toyota dealership has not reproduced or confirmed it during short test drives, as the issue is highly intermittent and occurs mainly after warmup from extended driving (20+ minutes), on hot days or after parking off for ~1 hour in heat/vibration. Similar cases reported by other 2020 Corolla owners on Reddit (r/COROLLA) and Toyota Nation forums were eventually diagnosed and fixed by replacing the wiper switch due to worn internal contacts/PCB from heat/vibration. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was brought to a Toyota dealership, but no detailed inspection or repair occurred due to lack of replication. No inspections by police, insurance, Toyota corporate (manufacturer), or others have taken place. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps, messages, dashboard indicators, or prior symptoms

NHTSA complaint #11711699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Toyota Corolla Bakersfield, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Subject: Vehicle safety complaint — dashboard/windshield reflection severely impairing visibility on 2014 Toyota Corolla (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my 2014 Toyota Corolla, VIN [XXX] . Under certain daylight conditions, the dashboard (or a component of it) reflects sharply on the windshield, producing a glare so intense that it significantly impairs my ability to see the road ahead. Vehicle details: Make: Toyota Model: Corolla Year: 2014 VIN: [XXX] Approx. current mileage: [insert mileage] Problem description: - At specific times of day — when sun angle, interior lighting, and windshield geometry combine — the dashboard reflection becomes very pronounced. - The reflected dashboard elements (vents, panels, interior contours) appear on the windshield glass and overlap the driver’s forward view. - This glare regularly blocks or obscures pedestrians, other vehicles, road signs, or hazards ahead. - The issue is not cosmetic; it directly reduces visibility and increases risk while driving. - The vehicle remains stock — no aftermarket modifications have been made to dashboard or windshield that could cause this reflection. Impact on safety: - I frequently struggle to see clearly under these lighting conditions, compromising my ability to react properly to traffic, obstacles, or sudden changes — especially when approaching intersections or dealing with glare. - This defect endangers not only me and my passengers, but also other road users: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Request: I request that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) review this issue for the 2014 Toyota Corolla (and possibly other model years) to assess whether dashboard materials, interior design, or windshield geometry create a widespread visibility defect. I am willing to provide additional documentation — such as photographs or videos showing the reflection INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA complaint #11704177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Toyota Corolla Feasterville-Trevose, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wiper blades only going fast. Fuse and moter are fine however wiper blades goes real fast.

NHTSA complaint #11700452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Toyota Corolla Pewaukee, WI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The problem of windshield wipers going off either once, or at varying speeds has not been able to be reproduced by my Toyota dealership. It goes off right when I turn the car on 50% of the time and is very inconsistent. Wipers typically go off after using the turn signal, making long turns (such as into a parking spot), and driving on long curved roadways. It has been inspected and nothing has been found. There are no warning lights or messages.

NHTSA complaint #11695133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Toyota Corolla Shickshinny, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Exterior headlight design is a big safety issue when driving at night. The low beams do not offer enough lighting when going around turns or hills. Even on flat roads it is not enough and very dangerous. The high beams help but are also not providing the visibility needed at night . When raining and using low beams at night it’s like driving in the dark! Please redesign!

NHTSA complaint #11693023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Corolla Aurora, CO

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield wipers stop mid wipe. This seems to be a common issue with this car. It poses a serious hazard when driving in inclement weather.

NHTSA complaint #11689995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Toyota Corolla Baton Rouge, LA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Front Windshield wipers abruptly pause during operation causing extreme danger when driving during rain. Wipers do not resume motion unless manually prompted, only to get stuck again immediately after.

NHTSA complaint #11671494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Corolla Akron, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wipers stop in the middle of the windshield at times when set to intermittent. Sometimes they will not shut off when they are turned off. This can be a hazard while you are driving and you never know when it will happen.

NHTSA complaint #11664726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Toyota Corolla Lehi, UT

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I simply was driving on the freeway in the slow lane about to get off my exit and my passenger window exploded, glass went everywhere.

NHTSA complaint #11663823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Toyota Corolla Apple Valley, MN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

While driving with the windshield wipers on during a rain storm , the wipers would stop working suddenly. The Car was taken to dealer and windshield motor was replaced. Without working wipers, it was dangerous to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11663778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Toyota Corolla Lexington, SC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING RAINY EVENT RESULTING IN LOW VISIBILITY CONDITIONS

NHTSA complaint #11653413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Toyota Corolla Lompoc, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield brittle / easily fractured. Small pebble fractured windshield, needs to be replaced.

NHTSA complaint #11646857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Toyota Corolla problems