2025 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 2025 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
- Brakes821.1%
- Driver assistance821.1%
- Airbags615.8%
- Electrical37.9%
- Steering37.9%
- Engine25.3%
- Powertrain (other)25.3%
- Tires & wheels25.3%
- Visibility12.6%
- Body & structure12.6%
- Fuel system12.6%
- Interior & seats12.6%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
It was heavy rain traffic came and when I slowed down the anti lock breaks effected me from stopping fast enough and were made me just slid into back off vehicle in front off me giving me injury's to my kneck due to the air bags did NOT deploy.
I performed a search on Google for any corolla's braking problem and found an incident "EXACTLY" like my daughter experienced! Here is the link to it on Reddit - Terrifying brake failure on my new 2025 Corolla Hybrid – Pedal went to the floor with zero warning! [XXX] BELOW IS THE VERBIAGE FROM TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE SENT BACK TO ME 06/19/2026: Thank you for contacting our Brand Engagement Center regarding the incident that occurred on [XXX], and was reported to us on May 12, 2026. You reported that while your daughter was driving your 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, she experienced a brake failure incident causing a collision to occur. You stated that she was exiting to the right and applied pressure to the brake pedal. However, the brakes made a loud noise, the brake pedal went to the floor, and your vehicle collided with the rear-end of another vehicle. You also expressed concern that the front Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags failed to deploy. This is the summation. Of course they found nothing... Respectfully, [XXX] email- [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(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
I was driving west bound on I40 with the adaptive cruise control, and lane assist on at 75 MPH. It was around 8:30 PM when I seen the instrument panel flash, just drop for less than half a second, and then come back up but dimmer, like when the headlights come on, except they already were on. At that point all engine noises stopped and the car felt like it was actively braking. I literally lurched forward in my seat. I noticed that the RPM's had dropped to zero and I didn't see anything on the dash that indicated any warning. All green icons and nothing red. Stepped on the gas pedal, nothing. Tried hitting the cancel on the adaptive controls, nothing. I started turning the car from the inside lane to get to the outside shoulder while shifting the car into neutral to get more drift and tried toggling the key from off to start position and the engine. No rev, no RPM's. Car stalls in the outside lane. I turned on the flashers and then put the vehicle in park, removed the key and then re-entered the key and tried to start. Nothing. Attempted to push the car out of the lane in neutral but I wasn't able to get it to move. A couple semi's go by and I about pooped my pants. Waited for highway patrol to come by and get the car towed. Very fortunate no one was hurt or killed. I believe the automatic emergency braking activated or the electronic parking brake activated? All of the interior systems still had power.
The contact owned a 2025 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The front end of the vehicle lowered down while the rear-end rose and made an abnormal squealing sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband assisted the contact in driving, and the vehicle was able to respond after several attempts; however, the contact's husband stated that the vehicle felt like the parking brake was engaged unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, an unknown part was replaced. The contact stated that while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle in front of the contact's vehicle slammed on the brakes. The contact then depressed the brake pedal, but the pedal travelled down and rested on the floorboard. Additionally, the front end of the vehicle lowered while the rear end of the vehicle rose, and the vehicle crashed underneath the rear-end of the truck. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. Toyoya Safety Connect system automatically connected the contact to a representative. The contact was transported to the hospital by emergency units. The contact sustained a fractured sternum, three fractures on the back, and the contact was hospitalized for 3 days. The contact's husband later arrived at the hospital and received medical assistance. The contact's husband sustained headaches, neck pain, bruised stomach as the seat belt fractured. The other driver did not sustain injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was broadsided at the front end of the drivers side on Saturday 07/25/2026 by a wayward vehicle drifting into my lane. After the crash, the airbags deployed and then I could not open the driver seat door. Three other passer-bys who kindly stopped to check on me could not open the door from outside either. Finally, after being stuck for at least 10 minutes in the car, the police arrived, who somehow managed to open the door and let me out. This is a serious safety hazard; if the car caught fire, I could be burnt alive.
It was heavy rain traffic came and when I slowed down the anti lock breaks effected me from stopping fast enough and were made me just slid into back off vehicle in front off me giving me injury's to my kneck due to the air bags did NOT deploy.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
On February 14th, my 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid (approx. 17,000 miles) experienced a catastrophic failure. Without warning, the steering wheel completely locked, preventing any control. Simultaneously, the automatic emergency collision braking system malfunctioned, locked the brakes, and would not disengage. This total loss of control forced the vehicle to crash into a median. Toyota Corporate has ignored my case for 30 days. This is a severe, life-threatening manufacturing defect that caused a crash and destroyed my sole source of income.
Two incidents of rodent eating the wires of the car in a span of two weeks that cause a lot of money to repair. Dealership did mention that wires have soy based insulation which was the cause. Newer Toyota Cars have the same problem which a coworker of mine had last year and my brother as of this date have the same problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
On February 14th, my 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid (approx. 17,000 miles) experienced a catastrophic failure. Without warning, the steering wheel completely locked, preventing any control. Simultaneously, the automatic emergency collision braking system malfunctioned, locked the brakes, and would not disengage. This total loss of control forced the vehicle to crash into a median. Toyota Corporate has ignored my case for 30 days. This is a severe, life-threatening manufacturing defect that caused a crash and destroyed my sole source of income.
I have had several issues with the car. As issues have not been address problems become more unsafe. Most recently i have had intermittent issues with steering. The wheel will randomly be hard to turn leaving the car to drift uncontrollably. I have gone to the dealership but because they cannot replicate the issue nothing has been done. I have gone 3 different times to get them to address the concern but they cannot replicate it so they have not examined anything. They turned off the safety setting instead of checking the ADAS and since turning off the systems the issues are less frequent, but still a concern. I have contacted corporate who has not helped come to a resolution to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving on highway around 65mph, car shut down internally completely blacking out inside. Turned back on a few seconds later while still driving all lights were blinking. Pushed the SOS no-one answered pushed again then someone came on. Matches the same description on the other 2025-26 hybrids in the corolla cross and camry hybrid.
I am writing to inform you of some recurring issues with my vehicle. The car has been displaying several (5) alerts, including those related to the parking brake system, drive-start control system, check engine light, vehicle stability control system, and secondary collision brake system. I took the car to a dealer for repairs, and they assured me that the issues were resolved. However, the following day, the problems reappeared. Additionally, when I start the car, it emits an unusual sound and begins to shake. Unfortunately, The dealer had 5 days my car to repair and denied to provide a rental car. I don't understand the reason if my car is new and the problem is manufacturing I would appreciate your assistance in addressing these ongoing concerns.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have had several issues with the car. As issues have not been address problems become more unsafe. Most recently i have had intermittent issues with steering. The wheel will randomly be hard to turn leaving the car to drift uncontrollably. I have gone to the dealership but because they cannot replicate the issue nothing has been done. I have gone 3 different times to get them to address the concern but they cannot replicate it so they have not examined anything. They turned off the safety setting instead of checking the ADAS and since turning off the systems the issues are less frequent, but still a concern. I have contacted corporate who has not helped come to a resolution to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate.
Transmission slip, hard shifting, early or late shift. Automatic transmission
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
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Corolla equipped with Dunlop Tires, Tire Line: SP Sport, Tire Size; 225/40/R18, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while driving approximately 50–60 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear driver's and passenger’s side tires were cupping. The contact stated that the tires were original equipment. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
exactly one year after purchase and with approximately 18,000 miles on the vehicle — the original factory-installed front right tire catastrophically failed while I was driving under normal conditions. The tire blew out suddenly with complete sidewall separation, causing loss of vehicle control. There was no prior tire pressure warning before the failure occurred. Tire size: 225 /40R18 88V
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
It was heavy rain traffic came and when I slowed down the anti lock breaks effected me from stopping fast enough and were made me just slid into back off vehicle in front off me giving me injury's to my kneck due to the air bags did NOT deploy.
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
I was broadsided at the front end of the drivers side on Saturday 07/25/2026 by a wayward vehicle drifting into my lane. After the crash, the airbags deployed and then I could not open the driver seat door. Three other passer-bys who kindly stopped to check on me could not open the door from outside either. Finally, after being stuck for at least 10 minutes in the car, the police arrived, who somehow managed to open the door and let me out. This is a serious safety hazard; if the car caught fire, I could be burnt alive.
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
Driving on highway around 65mph, car shut down internally completely blacking out inside. Turned back on a few seconds later while still driving all lights were blinking. Pushed the SOS no-one answered pushed again then someone came on. Matches the same description on the other 2025-26 hybrids in the corolla cross and camry hybrid.
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
My back seats indicate that there is someone seating in them. The alarm for the seatbelt will go off. I have to buckle all the seats to prevent this.
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 .