PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated October 2026
213
complaints filed for the 2016 model year
2014–2019
Model years affected
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →No single common trigger identified across minor-to-severe impacts
Check engine light: On
~22 complaints describe airbags failing to deploy across a wide, dissimilar spread of collision types, with no single common trigger identified — the volume and spread suggest a possible systemic electronic control unit vulnerability rather than one specific defect.
Harsh shifting, clunking sounds, in severe cases sudden power loss on the highway
Check engine light: On
~25 complaints describe CVT transmission failures, harsh shifting, and clunking sounds, with the more severe cases involving a sudden loss of power while driving on the highway.
Concentrated in Super White and Blizzard Pearl finishes
Check engine light: Off
~8 complaints describe factory paint peeling down to bare metal, concentrated in Super White (040) and Blizzard Pearl finishes.
Costly suspension noise repairs
Check engine light: On
~12 complaints describe suspension and steering issues including control arm squeaking, steering wheel locking, and suspension noise requiring costly repairs.
Blowouts occurring well before expected tire wear
Check engine light: Off
~7 complaints describe tire failures — tread separation and sidewall ruptures/blowouts — occurring at low mileage, suggesting a possible OEM tire quality issue rather than driver wear.
Pretensioner failure in a crash, plus separate reports of belts difficult to release
Check engine light: On
~6 complaints describe seat belt system issues: pretensioners failing to engage in a crash, and separately, belts that are difficult to release.
Check engine light due to a fault in the EVAP system
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a fault in the EVAP system. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 325 owner reports on file.
The automatic transmission does not shift correctly at high mileages
Check engine light: Off
The automatic transmission does not shift correctly at high mileages. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 315 owner reports on file.
The vehicle won't crank due to a failed starter
Check engine light: Off
The vehicle won't crank due to a failed starter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 156 owner reports on file.
Daytime running lights have problems
Check engine light: Off
Daytime running lights have problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 122 owner reports on file.
A faulty mass air flow sensor is corrected by cleaning it
Check engine light: On
A faulty mass air flow sensor is corrected by cleaning it. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 88 owner reports on file.
The ignition coil inside the distributor fails
Check engine light: On
The ignition coil inside the distributor fails. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 79 owner reports on file.
A sound occurs when driving over bumps, caused by the struts or bearing plates
Check engine light: Off
A sound occurs when driving over bumps, caused by the struts or bearing plates. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 54 owner reports on file.
The bolts that attach the front window glass to the window regulator fail
Check engine light: Off
The bolts that attach the front window glass to the window regulator fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 50 owner reports on file.
The engine mount on the passenger side wears with high mileage
Check engine light: Off
The engine mount on the passenger side wears with high mileage. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.
Window molding disintegrates and cracks on all four doors
Check engine light: Off
Window molding disintegrates and cracks on all four doors. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 48 owner reports on file.
The vehicle fails an emissions test due to a blocked EGR system
Check engine light: On
The vehicle fails an emissions test due to a blocked EGR system. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 45 owner reports on file.
The brake master cylinder needs replacing at around 125,000 miles
Check engine light: Off
The brake master cylinder needs replacing at around 125,000 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.
The power steering pump and hoses leak and need replacing
Check engine light: Off
The power steering pump and hoses leak and need replacing. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 28 owner reports on file.
Loss of power on the highway is caused by an internally leaking fuel pulsation dampener
Check engine light: Off
Loss of power on the highway is caused by an internally leaking fuel pulsation dampener. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 28 owner reports on file.
Front brake rotor wear causes pulsations
Check engine light: Off
Front brake rotor wear causes pulsations. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.
No recall specific to this generation has been identified covering the problems below. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
Airbag non-deployment across a wide, dissimilar spread of crash scenarios is this generation's largest single complaint category (~22 complaints, with 24 injuries reported across the sample), alongside a CVT transmission defect causing sudden loss of power on the highway. This page covers a different Corolla generation from the earlier Corolla covered elsewhere on the site.