2016 Toyota Corolla problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 214 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Corolla, filed between 2015-10-14 and 2026-09-11. The most common problem areas are the air bags (65, 30%), service brakes (29, 14%) and seat belts (26, 12%). Owners reported 66 crashes, 1 fire and 56 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 1 recall for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Toyota Corolla complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 65 | 30% | 45 | 1 | 47 |
| Service brakes | 29 | 14% | 13 | 0 | 15 |
| Seat belts | 26 | 12% | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Unknown or other | 24 | 11% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 22 | 10% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 22 | 10% | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 10% | 9 | 0 | 4 |
| Structure | 15 | 7% | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 7% | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Engine | 13 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Suspension | 11 | 5% | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 8 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 7 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 65 complaints
- 65 complaints of 214 (30%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 18 of them also name the seat belts; owners reported 45 crashes, 1 fire and 47 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Toyota Corolla; the recall, campaign 20V024000, says: “During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.”
Service brakes: 29 complaints
- 29 complaints of 214 (14%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 6 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 13 crashes and 15 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Seat belts: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 214 (12%) name the seat belts — belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
- 18 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 11 crashes and 11 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Power train: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 214 (10%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Steering: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 214 (10%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 5 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 5 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 214 (10%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 4 of them also name the power train; owners reported 9 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 26 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 6 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names COROLLA, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Toyota Corolla recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Corolla?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Toyota Corolla's most common problem areas are the air bags (65 of 214 complaints), service brakes (29 of 214 complaints) and seat belts (26 of 214 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have?
NHTSA has 214 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Corolla, including 66 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla's problems?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.