Best Years For Toyota Corolla (And Some To Avoid)

In 1966, Toyota introduced the Corolla. Throughout that time, it has seen numerous generations, and it is consistently one of the most popular choices for American drivers. There have been coupes, sedans, hybrids, and even sports-tuned versions of the Corolla. With its fuel economy and affordable price tag, it’s an incredibly versatile, reliable, and affordable vehicle. However, not all Corolla models are equally reliable, despite the Corolla being one of the most dependable cars ever produced by Toyota.

The Best Years For Toyota Corolla (And Some To Avoid)

It’s true that some Corollas last decades and cover hundreds of thousands of miles, but others have problems that make them less reliable and more expensive to maintain. When shopping for a used Toyota Corolla, you should watch out for a few things and avoid certain model years.

There are several Corolla years that are notorious for pervasive problems, from excessive oil consumption to defective airbags to bad transmissions. In spite of this, Corollas are great vehicles, and they can last for a long time if properly maintained. Let’s take a closer look at the best and worst years for the Toyota Corolla.


2007-2008 Toyota Corolla’s

Toyota Corollas are exceptionally reliable vehicles. It’s important to remember, however, that not all model years are created equal. The best Corollas were made during the 20th century, despite the car’s history dating back to the 1960s. As the first set of model years to make this list, we have the 2007-2008 Toyota Corollas.

2007-2008 Toyota Corolla's

The insurance institute for highway safety (IIHS) rates these cars highly in nearly every category. An enhanced version of the 1.8-liter engine, capable of producing 170 horsepower, was also available in the sport trim version, which is powered by an engine that produces 126 horsepower and excellent fuel mileage. No vehicle is immune to complaints and recalls.

There are fewer recalls and customer complaints with the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Corollas than the worst model, and neither year is known for widespread or excessive problems. Across the board, Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book rate the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Corolla model years highly.


2011-2013 Toyota Corolla’s

Toyota’s Corolla line reached another peak during the model years 2011 through 2013. According to the IIHS, these vehicles are just as safe as the previous model years we discussed. In every category, including overall safety and structural integrity, all three years scored exceptionally well.

2011-2013 Toyota Corolla's

In addition, Toyota improved and upgraded these model years, improving comfort, safety, and performance. Modern technology, a revamped interior, and new trims are among the upgrades. In general, these Corollas are powered by four-cylinder engines with 1.8 liters of displacement. Most drivers get at least 26 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway with this vehicle, which produces 132 horsepower.

Recalls, defects, and complaints are inevitable in every car. According to the NHTSA, the 2011 through 2013 Corollas have very few complaints or recalls and are exceptionally well rated by drivers. In addition, Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book have praised the cars for their comfort, safety, and reliability for each of the three model years.


2018-2021 Toyota Corolla’s

Toyota Corollas built in the latest model year are some of the best ever built. From 2018 through 2021, we have seen a series of excellent vehicles marked by excellent reliability and a noticeable lack of serious complaints. These vehicles scored the highest marks for passenger safety and vehicle structural integrity in three of the four years.

2018-2021 Toyota Corolla's

Depending on trim options, the 1.8-liter engine produces between 132 and 140 horsepower, and all models come with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual transmission. In contrast, drivers can choose between a 1.8-liter four-cylinder or 2.0-liter engine in 2020 and 2021, while a hybrid version with a 1.8-liter motor is also available.

There are no severe issues or excessive recalls associated with any of the four model years covered in this section. Moreover, these newer Corollas have some of the lowest numbers of driver complaints out of any Corolla generation to date, and Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book rank each model year highly.


The Toyota Corolla years you should avoid

There are some model years of the Toyota Corolla that are more prone to problems than others, even though overall it is an excellent and incredibly reliable vehicle. There are a lot of Toyota Corolla models to choose from if you’re shopping for one. Nearly six decades have passed since the car was introduced, and most of those years have been extraordinary in their own right. The most notable years to avoid are 2002, 2009-2010, and 2014.

The Toyota Corolla years you should avoid

What is so bad about those model years? In each of these years, there are a high number of complaints from customers. 2002 models are known for excessive oil consumption, and owners who have driven less than 100,000 miles regularly report this issue. There are also issues with model years 2009-2010, including excessive oil consumption and cooling system malfunctions. Last but not least, the Corolla had a bad year in 2014. From transmission failures to engine malfunctions, drivers report a variety of problems.

In general, the Toyota Corolla is a great car to drive, especially if you’re concerned about long-lasting durability and fuel efficiency.

 The vehicle does, however, have its issues and problem years, as do all vehicles. Consider one of the various time-tested model years covered above if you plan to purchase a used Corolla in order to avoid unnecessary repairs or expenses.


Common Toyota Corolla Problems

Toyota Corollas have multiple issues across model years despite their legendary reliability. The following are some of the most common Toyota Corolla problems:

Common Toyota Corolla Problems
  • Excessive oil consumption – Some Corolla owners have reported excessive oil consumption. There have been a lot of oil issues with 2002 and 2009 model years, even with a barely new vehicle. Typical solutions include using thicker oil, replacing piston rings, and replacing an engine – which can cost between $2,600 and $5,000.
  • Faulty transmission – Some Corolla owners reported their transmissions simply died despite regular maintenance. There has been a lot of reporting of cars clunking and grinding before they stopped. 2003 seems to be the worst year for transmission failures on Corollas. Transmissions are usually rebuilt or replaced, which can cost upwards of $1,200.
  • Slow engine startup – Corolla owners report that their car takes a long time to start. Most often, this problem occurs between 100,000 and 125,000 miles. There is usually a problem with the starter solenoid, so the starter solenoid should be replaced. The 2015 Corolla is most likely to experience this issue.
  • Lit check engine light – This issue occurs mostly in Corollas from 1998 to 2016. The EVAP system triggers the check engine light. Failure of the charcoal canister or a faulty gas cap are possible causes.
  • Musty and moldy A/C system – The HVAC systems in many Toyota cars were defective. You may notice a musty or moldy smell from the A/C when this issue occurs. This can have negative effects on the building’s interior air quality, as well as the health of its occupants due to the musty odor. It is particularly common with older Corollas, although 2009 Toyotas have also been reported to have this problem. In a lawsuit, Toyota was accused of not removing water properly from its evaporators and enclosures as a result of these grievances.
  • Soy coating attracts rodents – Toyota used soy coating to make electrical wires more eco-friendly, and it’s cheaper as well. The soy materials, however, were highly sought after by rodents for making nests. It has cost owners between $2,000 and $9,000 to fix the damage because the warranty does not cover it.
  • Faulty mass airflow sensor – Corolla models from 1998 to 2010 were reportedly equipped with faulty mass airflow sensors.
  •  It appears that the vehicle’s performance and acceleration will be affected if the sensors are not cleaned more frequently. Moreover, the issue may also cause the check engine light to come on. Usually, the sensor needs to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions: Toyota Corolla Years to Avoid

Which Toyota Corolla years should I avoid buying as used?

Toyota Corolla models from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, and 2014 are not recommended. Excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, and other reliability issues have been associated with these models.

What are the main problems reported with the Toyota Corolla models from 2000 to 2009?

It was common for Toyota Corolla models between 2000 and 2009, especially the 2002 and 2009 models, to consume excessive oil. Both the 2003 and 2009 models had transmission problems, and the 2009 model had cooling system issues caused by a failure of the water pump.

Is there a Toyota Corolla year known for having the most problems, and what are they?

There are many problems associated with the 2009 Toyota Corolla, including excessive oil consumption and water pump failures. It is possible that these issues will result in significant repair costs and negatively impact the vehicle’s reliability.

What common problems should potential Toyota Corolla owners be aware of?

Among the issues potential Toyota Corolla owners should be aware of are excessive oil consumption, faulty transmissions, slow engine starts, illuminated check engine lights due to EVAP, musty and moldy air conditioning systems, soy coatings that attract rodents, and malfunctioning mass airflow sensors.

Are Toyota Corollas typically reliable?

The Toyota Corolla has a reputation for being bulletproof. More than 50 million cars have been sold worldwide, making it a car on the top of most people’s lists when it comes to dependable and efficient transportation. Some model years (Hint: some from the 2000s) are problematic, so don’t buy any Corolla (just don’t buy any of them).

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