2013 Toyota Corolla Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Corolla, 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
- Airbags7228.8%
- Steering3915.6%
- Brakes249.6%
- Driver assistance228.8%
- Engine197.6%
- Seat belts124.8%
- Electrical114.4%
- Body & structure104.0%
- Powertrain (other)93.6%
- Suspension72.8%
- Other / unspecified62.4%
- Visibility52.0%
- Fuel system52.0%
- Tires & wheels52.0%
- Interior & seats31.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.4%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V024000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V005000 (AIR BAGS) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
On Monday, [XXX], I was at the CVS pharmacy drive through when the failure occurred. There was no accident and otherwise no warning before it happened. I attempted to pull out when I noticed the car was drifting and the steering was extremely stiff. I looked down to see that the airbag light and BRAKE light were both on. I coasted into a spot I happened to be aligned with. As I did, I felt the brakes and steering stiffen even more until they were almost 100% seized. (Kind of felt like I was fighting hydraulic fluid.) You guys are welcome to request to inspect the vehicle. I haven't been able to get it inspected, because the Toyota dealership wants me to pay a diagnostic fee to prove the airbag light came on due to the airbag assembly for them to be able to cover the work under the extended warranty for the airbag system. There was no accident. I thankfully didn't have any speed behind me. So, I just barely had enough brakes to stop. This also means that I didn't make an insurance claim or call the police. I did get a tow truck to come out with State Farm roadside assistance, though. The vehicle is at my father's house. We far as how this has affected us, I'm never buying a vehicle with electric steering again. At least with traditional power steering, if there's a failure, you can still steer the vehicle, even if it is difficult. If I had been coming down the winding, 6% grade from Lake Tahoe to Carson when it occurred a few nights ago, I wouldn't have been able to stop or steer; I probably would have went into the ravine. Had we been on the highway or even coming down the hill in Carson from[XXX] when I lost controls, we could both be dead right now. What's worse is I saw a forum where a bunch of people were talking about this happening to them: losing brakes and steering randomly, while actively driving. A few of them were only at 40k miles. In each case, airbags did not deploy. I think the sensor is causing the crashes sporadically. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose while making left and right turns. As a result, the vehicle overturned without warning No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer where the alignment was replaced. Additionally, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to several dealers where the cause of the failure could not be determined and the contact was informed that nothing was wrong with the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
On Monday, [XXX], I was at the CVS pharmacy drive through when the failure occurred. There was no accident and otherwise no warning before it happened. I attempted to pull out when I noticed the car was drifting and the steering was extremely stiff. I looked down to see that the airbag light and BRAKE light were both on. I coasted into a spot I happened to be aligned with. As I did, I felt the brakes and steering stiffen even more until they were almost 100% seized. (Kind of felt like I was fighting hydraulic fluid.) You guys are welcome to request to inspect the vehicle. I haven't been able to get it inspected, because the Toyota dealership wants me to pay a diagnostic fee to prove the airbag light came on due to the airbag assembly for them to be able to cover the work under the extended warranty for the airbag system. There was no accident. I thankfully didn't have any speed behind me. So, I just barely had enough brakes to stop. This also means that I didn't make an insurance claim or call the police. I did get a tow truck to come out with State Farm roadside assistance, though. The vehicle is at my father's house. We far as how this has affected us, I'm never buying a vehicle with electric steering again. At least with traditional power steering, if there's a failure, you can still steer the vehicle, even if it is difficult. If I had been coming down the winding, 6% grade from Lake Tahoe to Carson when it occurred a few nights ago, I wouldn't have been able to stop or steer; I probably would have went into the ravine. Had we been on the highway or even coming down the hill in Carson from[XXX] when I lost controls, we could both be dead right now. What's worse is I saw a forum where a bunch of people were talking about this happening to them: losing brakes and steering randomly, while actively driving. A few of them were only at 40k miles. In each case, airbags did not deploy. I think the sensor is causing the crashes sporadically. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
ABS and Traction Control not functioning. Indicator light on. Air bag recall due to metal possibly killing driver or passenger is more likely to happen because the ABS and Traction control not working.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Trunk Trunk lid Trunk latch Rear bumper cover Rear bumper brackets Both rear head lights Both rear head light Rear trunk lid cover Rear trunk trunk support Are broken, my safety was put at risk because I was hit in the back of my car at a stoplight. The vehicle has not been inspected by the police but it is currently at the mechanic.
HI SIR I HAVE PROBLEMS IN ADJUST THE ANGLES THAT AFFECT TO MY STARING AND SPEED THE MECHANICAL SAID I HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR SUP FRAME THAT WILL COST ABOUT 900$
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that when the outside temperature was hot, the vehicle was not working correctly. The vehicle was difficult to start, and there was an abnormal ticking sound while starting the vehicle. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down before the vehicle would run smoothly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC code: P1604 (Startability Malfunction), and the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, IGNITION COIL. Code P219A BANK 1 AIR-FUEL RATIO IMBALANCE. Code P0302 CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE DETECTED. While in motion will shake, jerk, self-fluctuate speed, and lose power up to 100 % if the gas pedal is pressed past a certain point. I have no doubt it is a matter of time and consequence before great damage and bodily injury to myself and others occur. Yes twice been to the repair shop for this issue. Yes. Vehicle was sent by and from a dealership. First, the maintenance required light blinks then is solid. Then the check engine light and track off light are bright and solid. Vehicle first had this issue febuary 28th. Vehicle exact issue but a month later and is currently in the same state. Vehicle has been in the repair shop two times and will need to go again if I keep it.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN
FOR THE LAST MONTH, MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAS TAKEN EFFORT TO CLICK ON PLACE. AS OF TODAY, IT WILL NOT CLICK INTO PLACE AT ALL. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY RECENT ACCIDENT.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,509 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 197,151.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that when the outside temperature was hot, the vehicle was not working correctly. The vehicle was difficult to start, and there was an abnormal ticking sound while starting the vehicle. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down before the vehicle would run smoothly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC code: P1604 (Startability Malfunction), and the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Blue color paint on hood and trunk of vehicle peeling off.The vehicle only has 29,000 miles and is parked in garage. Toyota needs to repaint car and absorb the cost.
the white paint is peeling off
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION LEAK AT CV AXLE SEAL CAUSING LOSS OF COMPRESSION ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN A FAILED TRANSMISSION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON WOOD TOYOTA (900 E STATE ST, ATHENS, OH 45701, (740) 593-6641) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 11/19/20 THE CAR ACCELERATED AND BRAKES STUCK WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT ABOUT 5-10 MILES TO THE PARKING SPACE AT JALAPENOS RESTAURANT, 450 E 1ST ST TUSTIN CA 92780. CAR STOPPED BECAUSE THE BAR ON THE GROUND PREVENTED THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD! IT SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME, IT LEFT ME SHACKING!
I BOUGHT MY VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY AT AROUND 7000 MILES. BEFORE 36000 MILES I HAD TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES WITH COMPLAINTS OF BAD FRONT WHEEL BEARING. THEY GAVE ME THE RUN AND AROUND AND I ENDED UP REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE BEARING NOW 3 TIMES. NOW I AGAIN HAVE TO REPLACE THE BEARING ON THE BACK WHICH COMES NOW COMPLETE WITHOUT HAVING TO BE PRESSED IN. I HAVE HEARD FROM OTHERS THAT THIS CAR IS ANONYMOUS FOR THIS PART BEING DEFECTIVE WHICH I THINK IT'S UNFAIR FOR THE CONSUMER. THIS PART IS CLOSE TO OVER 200$. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE DEALER ON FIRST OCCURRENCE THAT IT WAS MY TIRES CAUSE THE VEHICLE WORE THEM UNEVENLY. THE CONSUMER IS NOT BEING INFORMED, PROTECTED AND SOLD BAD QUALITY PARTS ON VEHICLES AND THE PRODUCER IS NOT BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE.
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
ABS and Traction Control not functioning. Indicator light on. Air bag recall due to metal possibly killing driver or passenger is more likely to happen because the ABS and Traction control not working.
LATELY ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE COMING HOME FROM GROCERY SHOPPING CAR SUDDENLY SHOWING THE SIGNALS AND STEERING WHEEL GETTING JAMMED. I WAS PULL OVER TO THE CURBSIDE AND CHECKED NOTHING ABNORMAL IS FOUND. IT WAS HARD TO STEERING WHEEL TO MANEUVER RIGHT AND LEFT, SPECIALLY AT THE PARK POSITION AND SLOW SPEED TURNING. I WENT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS, MECHANIC EXPLAIN MIGHT BE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK IN PINION. I WAS INSTALLED BUT STILL SHOWING THE WARNING SIGNS AND NOTHING GOT BETTER.. MECHANIC FAILED TO FIXED THE PROBLEM AND REIMBURSE THE MONEY.. QUEENS JAMAICA NY. CITY STREETS.*DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wiper blades only going fast. Fuse and moter are fine however wiper blades goes real fast.
FRONT WINDSHIELD DISTORTES THE DRIVERS VISION. WINDSHIELD APPEARS TO HAVE A WAVE OR WAVY EFFECT TO DRIVERS VISION WHILE MOVING ON HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS OR STATIONARY OR TURNING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fiel Pump Not working.
MY VEHICLE STALLED OUT ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND WAS ALMOST HIT AS A RESULT. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS TO FIND THE CAUSE, THE FINAL ANSWER WAS THE FUEL PUMP, $2900 LATER. I JUST HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL AND TO MY SURPRISE MY VEHICLE WAS NOT LISTED FOR THE FUEL PUMP RECALL. TOYOTA SERVICE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP BUT I'M NOT SURE THEY DID IT CORRECTLY BECAUSE I AM STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I'VE OWNED 4 COROLLAS BUT THIS ONE I'VE HAD TO PUT THE MOST MONEY IN BECAUSE OF ISSUES I'VE NEVER HAD TO DEAL WITH PRIOR.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL400-02 TIRES, SIZE: P205/55R16. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE LIKE ONE OF THE TIRES WAS FLAT. SUDDENLY, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO CONSTANTLY PLACE AIR IN THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (DRACUT TIRE SHOP, INC., 1269 LAKEVIEW AVE, DRACUT, MA 01826 (978) 957-0782), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NO RECALL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL400-02 TIRES, SIZE: P205/55R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY AND HAD DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,900.
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 REAR SEAT WAS ALWAYS TOUGH TO GET IT TO STAY LOCKED IN PLACE AFTER FOLDING THE SEAT DOWN. AT 70,000 MILES, ONE HALF OF THE 60/40 SEAT WOULD NOT STAY LOCKED IN POSITION, AFTER BEING FOLDED DOWN. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE WHOLE SEAT LOCKING MECHANISM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $300. FURTHERMORE, THE PART IS ON A 'NATIONAL BACKORDER', AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS PART WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSTALLATION. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD LAST WELL BEYOND THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, AND IS A VERY ODD PART TO FAIL. THIS PART HAS BEEN TROUBLE FOR SOME TIME, AND FAILED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, BUT MEANS I CAN'T HAVE ANYONE IN THE AFFECTED PART OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, UNTIL THIS PART IS REPLACED.
2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RENTAL VEHICLE DOOR BECAME STUCK AND WINDOW SHATTERED. CONSUMER WAS DISSATISFIED WITH ACTIONS TAKEN BY RENTAL COMPANY. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE HIS WIFE WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR TO EXIT, SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT, BECAUSE THE DOOR WAS STUCK AND WOULD NOT OPEN COMPLETELY. WHEN SHE TRIED OPEN THE DOOR FURTHER, THE ENTIRE GLASS FROM THE WINDOW JUST FELL AND SHATTERED INTO SMALL PIECES. THE GLASS DID NOT CRACK, IT JUST SHATTERED AND FELL, NOR DID SHE TOUCH ANY PART OF THE WINDOW MECHANISM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACK OFF MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER DAMAGE WAS DUE TO AN AIR CONDITIONING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
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 .