RoadVitals

2020 Toyota Corolla Visibility Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the visibility system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Visibility reportsComplaints 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.
17
Latest May 6, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
6%
of 304 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Toyota Corolla submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 17 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming visibility

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Visibility
Filed May 6, 2026

Windshield Wiper Intermittent setting stopped working, and wipers no long return to their home position. This appears to be a common issue with Toyota. When driving in the rain, the wipers will freeze in the up setting, which is very dangerous for it to occur during heavy rain on the highway causing visibility issues. No warnings of any kind given, the wiper switch appears to just go bad, or wear out over time.

NHTSA ID
11736152
Incident
May 6, 2026
Visibility
Filed Feb 26, 2026

The wipers are turning on randomly by themselves, even when the control switch is set to the “off” position. This has occurred multiple times and happens without any input or activation from me. The issue appears to be intermittent but persistent, and it raises concerns about a potential electrical or control system malfunction.

NHTSA ID
11720827
Incident
Nov 1, 2025
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Jan 30, 2026

when I use blinker windshield wipers turn on and sometimes when I call or somebody calls my cell phone I can hear them, but they cannot hear me. does not happen all the time, but I was concerned since there was a recall on certain toyota corolla that says a short circuit may develop in the OCS sensor, preventing front passenger air bag from deploying and my son who is a mechanic said both of these could be a problem with the wiring in the column and I thought it may be connected to the same recall as the air bags? the wipers coming on is happening more often these days and that is why I mentioned it to my son who is a mechanic. he will not touch it since it is still under my extended protection but he is concerned about it getting worse since the blinker is attached to the column. as far as using not being heard by callers or when I call I am concerned if I need to call in an emergency the ones I call cannot hear me. as far as when this started I do not remember but I know it's been at least 6 months if not longer, it just seems to be doing it more often lately

NHTSA ID
11714511
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
Visibility
Filed Jan 18, 2026

The windshield wiper switch assembly (column stalk/switch) malfunctions intermittently, sending unintended signals that activate the wipers despite the stalk being firmly in the OFF position. The component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. Suspected part numbers include 84652-06400 or similar variants. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden, unexpected wiper activation (typically 1-2 wipes, occasionally more) while driving creates a serious distraction and safety hazard. It can startle the driver, cause momentary loss of vehicle control or focus (especially at highway speeds or in traffic), and briefly obstruct vision. This risk is heightened during rain, when wipers are needed but behave erratically, or during acceleration/turns where vibration triggers it—potentially leading to accidents. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, the Toyota dealership has not reproduced or confirmed it during short test drives, as the issue is highly intermittent and occurs mainly after warmup from extended driving (20+ minutes), on hot days or after parking off for ~1 hour in heat/vibration. Similar cases reported by other 2020 Corolla owners on Reddit (r/COROLLA) and Toyota Nation forums were eventually diagnosed and fixed by replacing the wiper switch due to worn internal contacts/PCB from heat/vibration. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was brought to a Toyota dealership, but no detailed inspection or repair occurred due to lack of replication. No inspections by police, insurance, Toyota corporate (manufacturer), or others have taken place. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lamps, messages, dashboard indicators, or prior symptoms

NHTSA ID
11711699
Incident
Jan 1, 2022
Visibility
Filed Sep 26, 2025

Windshield wipers stop mid wipe. This seems to be a common issue with this car. It poses a serious hazard when driving in inclement weather.

NHTSA ID
11689995
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
Visibility
Filed Jun 3, 2025

The windshield wipers stop in the middle of the windshield at times when set to intermittent. Sometimes they will not shut off when they are turned off. This can be a hazard while you are driving and you never know when it will happen.

NHTSA ID
11664726
Incident
May 31, 2025
Visibility
Filed May 29, 2025

While driving with the windshield wipers on during a rain storm , the wipers would stop working suddenly. The Car was taken to dealer and windshield motor was replaced. Without working wipers, it was dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ID
11663778
Incident
May 23, 2025
Visibility
Filed May 8, 2024

The wipers keep stopping during use. I have to switch speeds to get it running again. Very dangerous when raining.

NHTSA ID
11587741
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
Visibility
Filed Apr 16, 2024

The windshield wipers seize up. On the intermittent setting, instead of wiping every few seconds they sometimes wipe 3 times in a row and then stop in the middle of the windshield sometimes obstructing my view. They sometimes start back up on their own and sometimes are stuck there until I switch to a higher speed and lower speed for the windshield wipers. It becomes a game of trying to restart them while driving while it's raining. It's dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11583285
Incident
Apr 14, 2024
Visibility
Filed Mar 11, 2024

Wipers randomly stall mid-cycle when in use, speed settings are inconsistent and sometimes fail to function at all.

NHTSA ID
11576644
Incident
Mar 1, 2024
Visibility
Filed Jan 2, 2021

THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID SPRAYS OVER THE CAR ONTO CARS/ROAD BEHIND THE CAR. THE WASHER FLUID ALSO SPRAYS INTO THE CAR OF THE SUNROOF IS OPEN. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP REPORTS THAT IT'S 'OPERATING AS DESIGNED' AND DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS CONCERNING BECAUSE IT COULD DISTRACT THE DRIVER BEHIND ME WHEN I TRY TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD AND THEY COULD RUN INTO MY VEHICLE, POSSIBLE CAUSING A MULTI-CAR CRASH.

NHTSA ID
11386103
Incident
Dec 26, 2020
Mileage
1,600 mi
Driver assistanceVisibility
Filed Aug 19, 2020

DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A CHEMICAL BUILDUP ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD THAT COULD AFFECT THE SAFETY CAMERA SENSOR (THEY CLAIMED IT WAS PROBABLY WINDEX). DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT THE CAMERA ENCLOSURE IS NOT SEALED AND PARTICULATE MAY ENTER THE ENCLOSURE. SAID THE PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WHAT HAPPENS IS SOMEONE IS A SMOKER OR LIVES ON A DIRT ROAD? DOES TOYOTA EXPECT PARTICULATE IN THE ENCLOSURE TO BE ACCEPTABLE? THIS MAY IMPACT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS, ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS SUN GLARE. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCTOBER 2019.

NHTSA ID
11350340
Incident
Aug 15, 2020
Visibility
Filed Jun 3, 2020

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY DRIVER WINDOW BLEW UP. YES, IT BLEW UP INTO A MILLION PIECES ALL OVER ME AND HIT MY FACE. NOTHING HAD HIT MY WINDSHIELD. NONE OF MY WINDOWS WERE DOWN. I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING SHOT AT, THE NOISE OF IT BLOWING TERRIFIED ME! I TOOK MY CAR TO TOYOTA AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO!! MY WARRANTY WON'T EVEN COVER IT! IT'S 700 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. I KNOW THIS WAS NOT MY FAULT AND NOTHING HIT MY WINDOW IT WOULD HAVE NOT EXPLODED IF THAT WAS THE CASE. *TR

NHTSA ID
11327164
Incident
Jun 3, 2020
Mileage
3,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 2, 2020

2020 MODEL/4-MONTHS OLD: A STRESS FRACTURE OF THE WINDSHIELD OCCURRED SUDDENLY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. UPON INSPECTION THE FRACTURE STARTED AT THE POINT OF INSTALLATION UNDER THE HOOD WITH NO OTHER OBVIOUS SIGNS OF DAMAGE OR IMPACT. THE FRACTURE STARTS AT THE EDGE OF THE GLASS AND RUNS UP TO EYE-LEVEL, THEN RUNS ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ID
11323023
Incident
May 1, 2020
Mileage
5,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Mar 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED AND INFORMED NALLEY TOYOTA UNION CITY 4115 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (770) 284-8361) ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11317346
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Mileage
20 mi
Exterior lightingVisibility
Filed Jan 28, 2020

THE DRIVERS SIDE HEAD LIGHT HAS A V SHAPE "VOID" IN ITS PATTERN AND MAKES THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT EXHIBIT THIS SAME PATTERN, SO WHEN NEGOTIATING A LEFT HAND CURVE, THE VOID IS VERY NOTICEABLE AND MAKES SEEING UP AHEAD IN THE DISTANCE VERY DIFFICULT (NOT POSSIBLE). THIS HAPPENS TO FALL IN THE AREA OF WHAT I WOULD CALL MY "LOOK AHEAD DISTANCE" AND AS SUCH MAKES THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THIS "VOID" IS NOT PRESENT WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE PUT ON "HIGH", SO I FEEL IT IS A LED LIGHT BULB ISSUE MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE...BUT THE SERVICING DEALER REFUSES TO FIX THIS PROBLEM CITING A SIMILAR 2020 COROLLA DISPLAYS THE SAME PATTERN. THEY PULLED ANOTHER CAR INTO THE SHOP AND DISPLAYED IT ALONG WITH MINE AGAINST A WALL. WHILE I AGREE THE PATTERNS ON THE WALL LOOKED SIMILAR, THIS WAS NOT A GOOD TEST BECAUSE YOU NEED TO SEE WHAT PATTERN OF LIGHT IS CAST DOWN RANGE AT NIGHT. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PICTURE. IF ALL NEWER MODEL COROLLA SE EXHIBIT THIS LIGHT PATTERN, THAN THE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED ALONG WITH MINE.

NHTSA ID
11302617
Incident
Jan 6, 2020
Mileage
500 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 2, 2019

WAVY WINDSHIELD.DISORIENTING WHEN IN MOTION. DEALER SAID ALL VEHICLES HAVE THIS. I HAVE CHECK AND ALL DO NOT. THEY SAID IT IS KNOWN BUT NOT A DEFECT. I BELIEVE IT IS POOR LAMINATION AND ALONG WITH A BAD VIEW MAY NOT PROTECT IN AN ACCIDENT. I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS 'NORMAL"

NHTSA ID
11265697
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
291 mi

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .