RoadVitals

2005 Toyota Corolla Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
853
Latest Jun 15, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
118
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
6
Reports on file since Jul 28, 2004

What this page shows

Our database holds 853 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Toyota Corolla. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 853 · page 1 of 35

Electrical
Filed Jun 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving, the odometer failed to exceed 299,999. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 299,999.

NHTSA ID
11744134
Incident
Jun 14, 2026
Mileage
299,999 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 4, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11742121
Incident
Apr 13, 2026
Airbags
Filed Apr 20, 2026
Crash reported

Was in a wreck where I ended up rear ending a truck. I dont know how fast I was at after putting on the brakes. But originally it was 60 mph speed limit. The air bags did not deploy at all

NHTSA ID
11732299
Incident
Apr 18, 2026
Airbags
Filed Dec 21, 2025

I was in the middle lane and a car came into my lane so I swerved and a car came up on me in the right lane and my car did a 360 and ended up in a ditch

NHTSA ID
11706410
Incident
Dec 21, 2025
Airbags
Filed Nov 9, 2025
Crash reported

The location of the collision sensors are positioned too low to allow consistent deployment of the airbags in the event of a collision with newer generation pickup trucks. The bumpers on the pickup trucks are too high, so a rear end collision results in the Toyota Corolla passing underneath the truck, and the air bag sensors do not sense the collision. The collision is only stopped when the windshield of the Toyota makes contact with the bumper, or the front of car impacts the axle of the pickup trucks.

NHTSA ID
11698418
Incident
Aug 10, 2024
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Sep 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated after an air bag recall repair was performed on the vehicle, the front passenger's seat belt warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11685086
Incident
Sep 4, 2020
Airbags
Filed May 23, 2025

My son drove the car to the store less than 2 miles from the house and the airbag light came on and stayed while he was driving. He looked up the light in the owners manual and it said take vehicle to the Toyota dealer immediately! I know multiple cars we have owned in the past have had airbag recalls. I can not remember if this one has ever been recalled and repaired in the past. I attached the photos of the light and the manual.

NHTSA ID
11662700
Incident
May 22, 2025
BrakesSteering
Filed Mar 11, 2025

Complaint Against Ben Nielsen Skyline Automotive – Faulty Repairs & Lack of Response I am filing a complaint regarding incomplete and faulty repairs performed on my household’s 2005 Toyota Corolla CE at Ben Nielsen Skyline Automotive on November 22, 2024 (Invoice #1 attached) and January 3, 2025 (Invoice #2 attached). During my first visit, the mechanic identified an oil leak, added dye to locate the source, and instructed me to return after 100 miles for further repairs. I followed these instructions and returned on January 3, 2025, when the shop also adjusted the tie rod and installed new rear brakes. At the time, I trusted that the work had been completed to a professional standard and that my vehicle was safe to drive. However, during a visit to Shirlington Shell on February 22, 2025, for an unrelated inspection (Invoice #3 attached), their mechanic raised serious concerns about the quality of repairs done by Ben Nielsen Skyline Automotive: - The tie rod adjustment was not completed properly, which the second mechanic stated made the car potentially unsafe to drive (video evidence available upon request). - The fluid leak was not fully resolved. - The rear brakes installed by Ben Nielsen Skyline Automotive are making noise, suggesting they were not installed correctly. These issues indicate that the repairs I paid for were either incomplete or improperly performed, leading to safety concerns and additional costs to diagnose and correct the problems. After discovering these faults, I made multiple attempts to contact Ben Nielsen Skyline Automotive via phone and email to request a resolution, including a full reimbursement for the tie rod adjustment, fluid leak repair, and rear brake installation. Unfortunately, my email messages and calls have gone unanswered, leaving me no choice but to escalate this matter.

NHTSA ID
11647693
Incident
Jan 3, 2025
Filed Nov 30, 2024

Odometer on 2005 Corolla S stopped working at 299,999 miles. Will not roll over to 300,000. This has been a topic of discussion on many Toyota vehicle online forums and has been an ongoing issue for many similar makes/years/models. There were no prior warnings/messages related to the odometer not working any longer when it reaches any certain number. Several mechanics I have spoken to, including Toyota service advisors, have told me they are aware of this issue. No inspections have been done. Why would Toyota place an odometer in any of their vehicles that will stop working after reaching any specific number? They have prided themselves as cars that will go many miles. Why would they not disclose this to any Toyota owner? Why should the owner be liable for repairs on this issue when we did not install the part? Why has no recall been issued over this matter?

NHTSA ID
11628081
Incident
Nov 11, 2024
Airbags
Filed Sep 9, 2024

The warning lamp for the airbag came On and it has been On for about two weeks now. No issues with the airbag, though. Have not been to a dealer or repair shop for check up. Have not been inspected by any agency.

NHTSA ID
11613645
Incident
Aug 18, 2024
AirbagsFuel system
Filed Jun 25, 2024
Crash reported

Unknown - The airbag light has been on for a while. Check engine light is also on, and after a few repairs/replacements of diagnosed issues the light remains. A Texas vehicle inspection report shows a P0420 fault code that will not go away, as well as a P0741 fault code about a torque converter clutch circuit underperforming or is stuck/off. I have a technical service bulletin from the inspection station that reads as follows: 10051865 Date: 04/16/2013 Toyota: In a collision, to help reduce injuries, with seat belt pre=tensioner and supplemental restraint systems (srs), it's possible that the devices may or may not perform as expected with unintended deployment.

NHTSA ID
11596407
Incident
Apr 16, 2013
Airbags
Filed Jun 10, 2024

Passenger air bag has been recalled and replaced twice. Drivers air bag light has been on quite some time. Has it or will it be recalled?

NHTSA ID
11593465
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Airbags
Filed Feb 19, 2024

My 2005 Toyota Corolla airbags have been recalled AT LEAST TWICE already(?) and I have been to the dealer at least twice, for airbag recall repairs. Guess what? The red dashboard airbag light came on AGAIN! I took the 2005 Corolla to the Toyota dealer and the dealer announced that I have to pay for the latest airbag warning ⛔️ dashboard light problem. Since the airbag is an obvious “problem area” for Toyota, and I never have used the airbags…I feel this latest “airbag problem” should be fixed, by Toyota for free. Toyotas infamous and repeated “airbag problem’” has reappeared… yet again! I don’t have the exact date and time the airbag warning light reappeared (again) and there was never an accident where the airbags were deployed, or a certain speed at which the warning light suddenly comes on. The airbag warning light is on 99% of the time. I also don’t have the mileage at which the airbag warning light reappeared (again) but there is currently approximately 146,000 miles on the 2005 car. Since I have NEVER USED the 2005 Corollas airbag and Toyota has a systematic, widespread, & REPEATEDLY fixed problem with this airbag, I wonder why should I have to pay for airbag repairs?

NHTSA ID
11572750
Incident
Feb 19, 2024
Filed Feb 2, 2024

Unknown

NHTSA ID
11569411
Incident
Feb 1, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Jan 30, 2024

Paint on my vehicle is changing on the roof and trunk is like the paint coating has worn off and the vehicle roof and trunk are peeling off.

NHTSA ID
11568722
Incident
Jan 26, 2022
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Dec 28, 2023

My airbag light stays on and I heard if the air bag gis off it could have metal in it..that don't sound like something I want to happen...also this cars power go's out and back on its scary when your driving down the road.it only has 141k miles something is wrong...

NHTSA ID
11562431
Incident
Oct 25, 2023
Airbags
Filed Jan 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the passenger's side air bag under an unknown recall; however, the air bag warning light illuminated after the recall repair was performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that she needed to pay out-of-pocket for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11501224
Incident
Aug 1, 2022
Electrical
Filed Dec 13, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 73 MPH, the contact became aware that the odometer mileage was not changing. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 299,999. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID
11497339
Incident
Nov 4, 2022
Mileage
299,999 mi
AirbagsBody & structureDriver assistance
Filed Nov 16, 2022

I had the airbag repaired during the recall. However, the airbag warning light remains on. In addition, the speedometer has stopped at 299,999 although the trip meter still works. The paint is peeling and the roof is rusting which is classic for toyota.

NHTSA ID
11493829
Incident
Oct 28, 2022
Suspension
Filed Sep 10, 2022

I purchased my vehicle in May 2020. Since that time, there has been a noise that occurs when I apply the brakes. In March of 2021 I took my car to American tire shop where they charged me $1900 to supposedly fix an issue with the rear suspension 'arm,' but also stated it required more work and suggested it was a safety issue. The noise is still there and I fear potential safety issues but can not afford thousands of dollars in 'supposed' repairs.

NHTSA ID
11483817
Incident
Sep 10, 2022
Airbags
Filed Sep 10, 2022

I took my vehicle to the shop on 3/31/21 as I received a recall notice for the airbags. I am currently trying to pass inspection for registration renewal but have several warning lights; one of them being the airbag system. Obviously the problem has not been fixed.

NHTSA ID
11483813
Incident
Aug 23, 2022
Airbags
Filed May 6, 2022

I submitted my 2005 Toyota Corolla to Priority Toyota in Springfield, VA where they replaced my airbag on 9/05/2019 per the initial recall notice. The airbag light subsequently came back on after installation. When I returned it to the same dealer, they told me it was not related to the recall and that I’d have to pay to get it fixed. I took my vehicle to another certified mechanic for a second opinion. That mechanic determined it is a defect in the recall replacement airbag mechanism installed or the installation itself and advises me to take it back to the recall servicer dealer. Priority of Springfield has refused to honor the recall or acknowledge the defective equipment or improper installation on the 9/05/19 recall and remedy the defective recall equipment or service warranty they performed. The defective airbag replacement installed by the recall dealer Priority of Springfield is defective, inoperable and must be replaced or installation corrected OR be provided new equipment and installation at no charge per the 11/15/19 Safety Recall E04 - For Areas of High Absolute Humidity - UPDATE . I was told by NHTSA when I called to request my vehicle be added to the subsequent recall list for replacement again. It is not in the best interest of consumer safety that owners should be forced to bear the cost of replacing defective recall replacement airbags or Re installation of recall replacement airbags improperly or negligently installed by authorized Toyota dealers. Additionally, my vehicle is subject to Safety Recall E04 - For Areas of High Absolute Humidity - UPDATE published 11/15/2019 applicable to owners of vehicles originally sold in, or currently/previously registered in, areas of High Absolute Humidity, including Alabama and Georgia, both states in which my car was previously registered. I need NHTSA assistance in obtaining compliance by a local Toyota dealer in honoring this recall update pertinent to my vehicle. VIN [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F

NHTSA ID
11463690
Incident
Apr 13, 2021
Airbags
Filed May 3, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V741000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DOLAN TOYOTA (2100 KIETZKE LN, RENO, NV 89502) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,248.

NHTSA ID
11415036
Incident
Sep 25, 2018
Mileage
92,248 mi
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 3, 2021

MY TOYODA CORROLLA HAD TWO RECALLS ONE IS THE DEFECTIVE ECM WHICH CAUSES THE CAE TO BE UN RISK OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT CAN STALL WHILE DRIVING, THIS PROBLEMAS DAMAGED MY CAR TRANSMISIN AFTER THEY SUPPOSEDLY CHANGED THE PART, THEY EITHER DIDNT FIXED IT OR REPLACED IT WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART, NOW MY CAR HESITATES ABD CHEK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON DUE TO THE ECM AGAIN NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, I CONTACTES TOYOTA CORPORATE AND AL THEY DID WAS TO GIVE ME THE RUN AROUND I CONTACTES THE CEO AND HE REJECTED MY EMAILS, I WANT THIS TO BE REPORTES UN CASE ME ABD MY CHILD CAN GET INJURED DUE TO THAT DEFECT TOYOTA DIDNT FIXED PROPERLY.ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED.

NHTSA ID
11399018
Incident
Feb 21, 2021
Mileage
150,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 19, 2020

I RECEIVED MULTIPLE RECALL LETTERS FROM TOYOTA AND CONTACTED A LOCAL DEALER AVONDALE TOYOTA IN AVONDALE ARIZONA ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER PARTS AND WOULD NOTIFY ME WHEN THEY RECEIVED THEM. I CHECKED BACK SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT MONTH AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. I CONTACTED TOYOTA RECALL AND THEY SAID THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I HAVE BEEN CONTACTING THE TOYOTA RECALL PEOPLE WITH NO SUCCESS. WHAT ACTIONS CAN BE TAKEN TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED?

NHTSA ID
11384178
Incident
Sep 15, 2020

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.

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