2015 Toyota Corolla

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

There was a recall for the paint on this vehicle and over the past 4 years the paint has peeled off exposing under the clear coat putting the body of the vehicle at risk for futher rust and damage. When contacting the manufacturer they agreed that the paint was recalled and they were fixing vehicles but I missed the deadline.

NHTSA ID

11752948

Incident

Jul 6, 2023

Drivers seat belt won’t lock and back up cam intermittently does not activate when shifted into reverse mode.

NHTSA ID

11745497

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

I own a 2015 Toyota Corolla with Super White paint. The vehicle has experienced widespread paint peeling and delamination consistent with Toyota's known Super White paint defect. The paint is peeling in multiple locations across the vehicle, including along numerous body panel edges and on the exterior surface of the trunk. The condition has continued to worsen and now affects a substantial portion of the vehicle. In affected areas, the white paint has separated from the vehicle and exposed the underlying gray primer. The paint failure is not the result of an accident, collision, or improper maintenance. A professional body shop inspected the vehicle and advised that the paint failure is consistent with Toyota's known Super White paint defect. After learning today that Toyota had previously established a Customer Support Program for vehicles affected by this defect, I contacted Toyota and requested assistance. Toyota declined coverage because the program had expired. I never received notice of the program while it was active and therefore had no opportunity to have the vehicle inspected or repaired under the program. I am filing this complaint because Toyota previously acknowledged this paint defect through its Customer Support Program, yet owners who did not receive notice of the program may be left responsible for significant repair costs caused by what appears to be a known manufacturing defect.

NHTSA ID

11741509

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

I purchased a vehicle that was represented as having approximately 92,000 miles. I have since discovered the actual mileage is approximately 260,000 miles, which indicates odometer tampering. This is a violation of both federal and California law. I have documentation supporting this claim.

NHTSA ID

11733445

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

After the car is warmed up after driving for a few minutes, I stop at a red light and the car's RPMS dip from 700 rpm idle to 500ish rpm, when it starts shaking. Then the RPM would go back up to 700 rpm. This only ever happens when in Drive and foot is on the brake. If I shift to neutral or park it goes away and idles normally at 700 or higher RPM. A/C on or off has no effect on this. Oddly enough, if I turn on the DRLs or full headlights, the RPMs don't dip. I feel like it will only be a matter of time before the RPM will dip low enough to the point where the engine will die on me. This is a safety concern. No check engine lights. I have cleaned the MAF sensor, changed engine air filter, cleaned throttle body, changed PCV valve, cleaned injectors, run fuel injector cleaner through the gas tank, replaced my engine mounts. Still, the issue persists. I have no idea why.

NHTSA ID

11728079

Incident

Mar 30, 2026

Blizzard pearl paint is peeling all over the vehicle. Large chips of paint are coming off. I took it to the dealer and called the Toyota corporate office and was told that the recall had expired and I would have to pay out of pocket. The exposed metal is now starting to show signs of rusting that will impact the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11727057

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Factory paint on my 2015 Toyota Corolla is delaminating and peeling in sheets down to primer on multiple body panels (hood, fender, and door area). There is no impact damage, scratches, or external cause. This appears to be a factory paint adhesion failure. Exposed metal creates corrosion risk and loss of vehicle value. The condition has been confirmed visually by a Toyota dealership, but Toyota corporate denied assistance stating the extended paint program expired. I was never notified of any paint defect program. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11715076

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

The contact owned a 2015 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a front-impact collision, and the air bags had failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries and received medical assistance from a chiropractor. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was driven from the scene. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH approximately a year later, another vehicle making a left turn at an undisclosed speed crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, causing the left side of the contact's head and shoulders to hit the driver's side window, and the contact's chest to hit the steering wheel. The contact was knocked unconscious for a moment. Upon regaining consciousness, the contact noticed that the vehicle was on top of a hill. The contact's husband arrived at the scene and transported the contact to the hospital. A police report was filed. The contact sustained spinal injuries from the cervical spine to the lumbar spine. The contact sustained whiplash, body soreness, and swelling on the right side of the hairline and temple. The contact was in the process of undergoing an MRI. The contact was currently receiving assistance from the chiropractor and the pain management Doctor. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, and was then towed to an auto collision repair shop, where it was deemed a total loss by both the shop and the insurance company. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised that she would receive a call back later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,108.

NHTSA ID

11714547

Incident

Dec 5, 2024

Mileage

100,108 mi

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.