2019 Toyota Corolla: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, engine, and fuel system. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 190
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes reported
- 22
- 15 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Toyota Corolla: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/5
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Corolla is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Toyota Corolla. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | FWD | 34 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 36 mpg |
- The 2019 Toyota Corolla was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Corolla that averages well under the EPA 34 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Coolant bypass valve failure
36,500–71,000 miles
Manual clutch slave cylinder failure
40,000–90,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Toyota Corolla, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission461 crash
Manual hatchbacks lose the clutch when the slave cylinder fails, in reports from 40,000 to 90,000 miles. Other manual complaints describe first gear refusing to engage when cold, late clutch engagement, chatter, and loose play in fifth. Automatic cars slip, clunk, lunge forward with a loud snap, or stall in traffic and refuse to move. Some go into limp mode, and a few needed a new transmission, at 28k and 106000 miles. One crash report describes slipping and the car accelerating on its own. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault.
Engine23No crashes
An "Engine Maintenance Required" message appears with no check engine light, and dealers trace it to a failed coolant bypass valve, often logged as code P268115. The message tends to return whenever the A/C is on. Reports place the failure between 30k and 70k, with cases at 67k and 71,000 miles. Owners worry it could lead to overheating, and repair quotes reach $800. Fewer complaints cite failed motor mounts that let the engine rock, sudden power loss with torque converter solenoid codes, and a fuel tank that will not fill completely.
Fuel system22No crashes
Most of these reports concern the fuel pump recall, 20V012000, and the parts shortage that held it up. Dealers repeatedly confirm no parts are available, and many owners also wait on the air bag recall, 20V024000. Most of these owners report no failure yet. The ones who do describe stalling without warning, including at 50 mph, along with failure to start, warning lights, and a car stuck in park. One stall traced to a faulty fuel pump happened around 60,000 miles. Another car still would not restart after the recall repair.
Most of these complaints are about the low-pressure fuel pump recall: back-ordered pumps, months of waiting, and recall work skipped or done badly. Some owners report stalling when adding fuel, a gas smell in the cabin when parked on an incline after the pump was replaced, and hard starting after injector recall work. Other reports describe the accelerator not responding on a hatchback XSE, a rough idle that drops below 500 RPM and stalls, and a CVT grinding noise that the owner says recall J07 should cover.
Airbags199 crashes
Failure to deploy in a serious crash is the most dangerous pattern on this car. Reports cover head-on hits, T-bone impacts, and rear-end collisions with no deployment, and the reports count 9 injuries. Some also say the seat belts did not lock. Other owners see an SRS warning light come on with no crash. Many complaints refer to a recall for the air bag control unit, which can stop the air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying. Owners describe waiting months for that remedy, and some doubt the repair was done.
Electrical122 crashes
The car shuts off at highway speed and loses electrical power, with every warning light on the dash lit and repeated trouble restarting. A similar pattern makes the gas pedal go dead while "Charging System Malfunction" and "Low Oil Pressure" messages appear, and dealers find no codes. One report describes a fire starting in the driver seat while the car sat parked and switched off. Owners also hear a humming noise from the rear hours after parking. The rest are scattered: sale and odometer disputes, gauge glare, and a charging cord pulled into the steering column.
Acceleration and cruise control101 crash
Cruise control lets the engine race to about 4000 rpm on gentle downhills or even flat road. The car can climb 5 to 10 mph over the set speed and then brake hard once the road levels out. Dealers often call this normal or cannot find a cause. Other reports describe the car not responding to the accelerator at 55 mph with no warning light. In one garage crash, the car surged after a loud noise. One complaint says the coolant bypass valve message flashes constantly and covers the digital speedometer.
Steering82 crashes
The wheel locks up or turns hard, at startup or while driving, with power steering and Lane Departure Alert warnings on the dash. Dealers sometimes replace the battery, but the problem comes back. Other cars pull hard to the left with the electric power steering warning lit, in one case at 31,000 miles. One driver crashed into a median after the wheel locked. Fewer reports mention jerking on left curves, a cracked lower control arm and CV axle, and an air bag that failed to deploy in a deer strike.
Brakes72 crashes
A failing brake booster leaves the pedal hard to push and makes stopping distances much longer, sometimes with no warning light first. One shop traced a no-start to the hydraulic brake booster pump, codes P1585 and P1586, which also blew the injection fuses. A crash report describes the brakes failing at about 50 mph. Others mention an ABS fault with a check engine light and a forward collision sensor that stopped working. Two complaints describe worn brakes on a car delivered by a used-car retailer, not a defect.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Corolla owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Transmission is in sport mode stopped at red light loud snapping sound and car lunged forward. Revs up with the transmission slipping with out forward movement acceleration after switching to drive mode it runs normally. Drove home didn't want to push my luck out on the road 38,683 miles on the vehicle
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Transmission went out at 28k miles. New transmission put in by service department lags or gets stuck at 5000 rpm’s and won’t shift. Forward collision warning light comes on with nothing in front of vehicle at random 2 times it’s trigger automatic braking
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
The coolant bypass valve failed in my car causing “engine maintenance required” message but no CEL code. Took it to the dealership where they determined failed component and replaced it. The car only had about 71,000 miles and with a engine cooling system failure it could potentially cause further damage.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
* What failed was engine coolant bypass valve. * Safety was at risk as the failure can lead to engine overheating over time. * it has been reproduced by countless others after their vehicle hits 30k to 70k. *there was a message on the dash about “engine issues and to take to dealer”
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
On February 17, 2024 I was involved in a hit and run. I was T-boned on the passenger side and the front passenger door wouldn't open and no airbags deployed. Later on in February I received a Toyota Airbag Contol Unit Settlement. I haven't ever received an recall information on any recalls for my vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
Involved in accident, my car hit the car in front and then was rear ended by car behind me. Significant impact and damage to both front and rear. No air bags ever deployed
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
How the 2019 compares with other Corolla years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 Corolla years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission4614
- Engine2321
- Fuel system223
- Airbags1918
- Electrical1219
- Acceleration and cruise control103
Where the 2019 fits in the Corolla's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the sixth model year of the Corolla's seventh generation (2014–2019).
It includes the 2017 update.
What changed for 2017
- Updated front fascia
- Revised interior
Recalls to confirm (6)
Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
20V682000Fuel systemNov 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
20V024000AirbagsJan 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles. During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ECU and install a noise filter between the air bag control module and its wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk beginning March 2, 2020. A second letter notifying owners of the remedy repair will be mailed between March 16, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB03, 20TA03 and 20TA05.
20V012000Fuel systemJan 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
19V503000EquipmentJun 2019
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats. The load carrying capacity modification label may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. SET's number for this recall is SET19A.
19V244000EquipmentMar 2019
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
18V901000TransmissionDec 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback vehicles equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). The pump impeller blades within the torque converter may detach, especially when driven under high load, potentially causing a vehicle stall.
Risk: A vehicle stall, especially when driving a high rate of speed, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota has notified owners, and dealers will replace the CVT and torque converter, free of charge. The recall began April 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J17/J07.
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2019 owner complaints, side by side
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- 2019 Toyota Corolla190
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