2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine10332.6%
- Electrical6721.2%
- Steering4413.9%
- Visibility268.2%
- Exterior lighting154.7%
- Driver assistance154.7%
- Brakes134.1%
- Powertrain (other)113.5%
- Airbags103.2%
- Fuel system72.2%
- Body & structure20.6%
- Other / unspecified10.3%
- Interior & seats10.3%
- Tires & wheels10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Gauge Cluster Glare during the day. Reflection from the steering columns makes the gauge cluster completely obstructed. Known issue, many complaints across all the Corolla Cross groups. This is effecting Vehicles from 2023 models to current.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The contact stated that while driving 68 MPH, there was an abnormal sound like a gunshot coming from the sunroof. The contact stated there was a huge hole formed in the middle of the sunroof, and air was rushing into the vehicle. The contact discovered a large piece of glass behind her right ear; however, the contact was not injured because of the failure. The contact pulled over at the next rest stop and cleaned out the vehicle. Upon inspecting the glass, the contact discovered several hairline fractures and cracks around the edges of the glass. The contact believed that the failure was caused by excessive pressure and stress placed on the vehicle after extensive hours of driving. The contact stated that while driving for an extensive period at high rates of speed, the contact had to clear her ear passages because her ears were frequently filled with air. The contact notified the dealer and an independent mechanic about the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
SAFETY HAZARD! TAILLIGHTS ARE POORLY DESIGNED: NOT CLEARLY VISABLE AT NIGHT(BAD WEATHER) FOR THE VEHICLES BEHIND. I WAS ALMOST REARENDED AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THIS; AS THE PERSON BEHIND ME, TOLD ME. THEY NEED TO BE ON THE BACK OF VEHICLE FOR PROPER VISUALIZATION FOR VEHICLE BEHIND. YOU CAN ONLY SEE THE BACK TAILIGHTS AT NIGHT IF YOUR ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THAT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MOTORISTS.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the driver’s side headlight failed to provide adequate illumination. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the driver’s side headlight assembly. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 6.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle displayed a “power brake loss” on the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid instrument cluster upon trying to start it. After not being able to turn the vehicle on, I exited the vehicle to ensure my key fob was in my pocket. All electronics worked. After roughly 4 minutes of being in the car all power was loss - battery drained. Towing company that my Toyota Dealership Provides had a number out of service so a different towing service came out and jumped my car - my warranty couldn’t be used since the towing company didn’t answer. The towing technician let me know that Toyota put in an extremely low voltage battery in my Hybrid. He expressed how the standard for these vehicles is AGM or high performance batteries to ensure stable voltage for hybrid management, and compatibility with regenerative systems - using the right part prevents electrical issues. My brakes are connected to my electrical system. By putting in weak batteries and below standard expectation is putting their consumers at many risks with electrical malfunctions. I was informed by the dealer after getting it replaced this is the Toyota Manufacturer issue and I had a technician even agree the weak batteries will only help in getting consumers back to a dealer quicker.
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the messages "System Malfunction - Contact Dealer" and "Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction" were displayed. The contact stated that the messages were not displayed while starting the vehicle, but later were displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure, and the codes were cleared. Shortly after retrieving the vehicle, while driving, the messages were displayed. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 2,800.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle stalls or shutdown while my foot is on brake or waiting at a red light.Unexpectedly and randomly. On rainy weather days it is more extreme.Sometimes your foot doesn’t have to be on the brake for it to happen.But when if you’re slowing down,before you brake, it will stall. A message will come on the dashboard about a system not being available. Vehicles will nearly rear end me sometimes because the vehicle is stuck. I would have to shut the vehicle off and restart it. Sometimes it is not fast enough to start. I address this issue to the dealership in the past and brought it in for a repair. They said they found No problem with the vehicle. I was never given paperwork for that repair like I usually receive when I check the vehicle for other issues. Most of my complaints were verbally on the phone. I gave up pressing the issue due to multiple reasons which included financial issues. This year I informed NJ Consumer Affairs and the dealership to help me with the ongoing issue.
Vehicle displayed a “power brake loss” on the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid instrument cluster upon trying to start it. After not being able to turn the vehicle on, I exited the vehicle to ensure my key fob was in my pocket. All electronics worked. After roughly 4 minutes of being in the car all power was loss - battery drained. Towing company that my Toyota Dealership Provides had a number out of service so a different towing service came out and jumped my car - my warranty couldn’t be used since the towing company didn’t answer. The towing technician let me know that Toyota put in an extremely low voltage battery in my Hybrid. He expressed how the standard for these vehicles is AGM or high performance batteries to ensure stable voltage for hybrid management, and compatibility with regenerative systems - using the right part prevents electrical issues. My brakes are connected to my electrical system. By putting in weak batteries and below standard expectation is putting their consumers at many risks with electrical malfunctions. I was informed by the dealer after getting it replaced this is the Toyota Manufacturer issue and I had a technician even agree the weak batteries will only help in getting consumers back to a dealer quicker.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
My brand new car will shut off when coming to a complete stop to save energy as designed. However, when I step on the gas to go, the car shuts completely off, forcing me to put my car in park and restart the engine. It will make a strange noise and all the dash lights will go on. I brought my car in and was told the problem was fixed. It was not. This is the 2nd time I have brought my car back for shutting off. It is very frighting for your car not to move when you are pressing on the gas pedal.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I noticed that the police report does not mention or investigate the issue of the car’s airbags. This was a major accident, and the vehicle was completely totaled—yet not a single airbag deployed. I would like to know what action your department can take to address the sale of such vehicles in our country, and who will be held responsible when airbags fail to operate in serious accidents. I have great respect for the police department—like the military, it is one of the most disciplined and critical services in our society. However, I kindly request that you report the issue of the non-functioning airbags to your supervisors or the concerned department, and, if possible, bring it to public attention or initiate corrective action with Toyota car suppliers. Thank you very much for your service and understanding.
On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I was involved in a major collision in Northridge, California, while driving my 2023 Toyota [Model], VIN: [XXX] . While making a left turn from [XXX] to [XXX], my vehicle was struck on the driver’s side/front area. I was wearing my seatbelt. Despite the severity of the impact and heavy vehicle damage, the airbags failed to deploy. Component/System Failed: Airbag system (sensors and/or deployment mechanism). Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My safety was compromised because the airbag system did not activate to protect me from the crash forces. This left my head, neck, and torso unprotected, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. Injuries Sustained: Lightheadedness, neck pain, middle back pain, and episodes of forgetting words when speaking. Currently being evaluated in the Emergency Department. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. UNKNOWN if this is a recurring defect. Inspections: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Toyota or a dealer. Police documented the incident, and insurance will inspect. The vehicle is available for manufacturer, NHTSA, or other inspections. Warnings/Prior Symptoms: No warning lamps, error messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. UNKNOWN if sensors or control module registered the crash but failed to deploy. Evidence: Videos and photos show this was a major crash with heavy damage, yet airbags did not deploy. I request a full investigation, disclosure of similar reports, and corrective action/recall if warranted. My legal counsel will also follow up with Toyota INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The roof rack is “attached” to the vehicle with glue. The entire back half of both sides of the roof rack are completly separated from the roof of the vehicle, I can stick my hand under it. I have had them replaced 4 times and they continue to not be adhered. They say there is no solution.
Exploding Sunroof Issue: I was driving to work in my 2023 Toyota Cross on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] and I was traveling approximately 25 miles per hour when I heard what sounded like grinding glass and then wind noise quickly started coming in, although at the time I didn't know where it was coming from so I looked around to see if the windows were all rolled up. I slid the cover of the sunroof partially back and glass rained down and at that time I realized the sunroof exploded. I took photos and a video of the sun roof and it looked like it blew outward. Nothing struck the sunroof and it seemed to have just spontaneously blew up and outward. I had only 2,950 miles on my car and I assumed it was a defect in glass or installation so my husband took it to the Toyota dealership service center in Carlsbad Ca where we purchased the car and they informed him it was not covered under warranty. They gave him an 800 number to call to find out why the warranty was denied and when he called they told them they would get back to him and that they would not put the denial in any written form as he requested. As of today March 17th, no one has called back so now we start the difficult process of trying to get answers from Toyota. Since we needed the car back and couldn't wait from Toyota's response, we were forced to turn it in to the insurance company and pay the deductible. After doing some research, I'm finding out exploding sunroofs is a known issue on Toyotas. I believe this is an extreme safety hazard and am surprised the company was quick to deny it as a warranty issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Roof racks are secured with double sided tape. Tape on both racks failed causing both racks to become up secured from roof of vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drivers seat side plastic panel where the control knobs are, the clips keep breaking from sitting. I’ve got it replaced once already and it has happened again
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
There was no warning lamp, my tire got bursted in the middle of highway
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .