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2016 Toyota Corolla recalls and problems

The 2016 Toyota Corolla has 1 safety recall and 216 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
216
Crashes / fires
66 / 2
Injuries / deaths
57 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Toyota Corolla vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Toyota Corolla recalls

Recall 20V-024: Air Bags

Reported Jan 17, 2020 · 2,891,976 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

2016 Toyota Corolla problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags65
Service Brakes30
Seat Belts26
Unknown or Other24
Power Train23
Vehicle Speed Control22
Steering22
Structure15
Electrical System14
Engine13
Suspension11
Exterior Lighting10

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 25,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Toyota Corolla complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 6, 2026
Failed Component: CVT transmission Safety was put at risk: Vehicle has a humming sound that varies pitch with speed, issue was first noticed on the freeway requiring us to stop on the side of the road with vehicles passing next to us at 70mph. Has the problem been reproduced and confirmed by dealer: Yes, vehicle was taken to Arlington Toyota in Jacksonville Florida and they confirmed CVT transmission needs replaced. The cost to replace the transmission was quoted at $11,124.97. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?...…
Service Brakes · reported Oct 13, 2026
While operating a vehicle through the peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Turo in Alaska (Reservation: 61060048), the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic brake failure of the braking system while driving. The brakes completely failed to respond, creating an immediate loss of vehicle control. Immediately following the braking failure, upon exiting the vehicle, smoke erupted from the wheel well/undercarriage area. This subsequently led to a minor burn on one of the passenger's face and hand. Before this event occured, we had discussed an issue with the brake light remaining on. When…
Visibility/Wiper · reported Sep 11, 2026
The defrost no longer works. When I put on defrost it doesn't blow out of the defrost causing me not to be able to see out of my windshield. I have found other people online with this same issue. My heat and air conditioner work fine.
Power Train · reported Jul 14, 2026
The CVT transmission on my 2016 Toyota Corolla initially suffered a complete mechanical failure and was repaired on 01/08/2024, forcing me to pay $3,696 out of pocket for a replacement at an independent shop. Last week, the transmission experienced issues again, and this time a certified Toyota dealership serviced it for free under an active factory recall. This proves the vehicle has a documented factory defect. However, Toyota is currently refusing to reimburse me for the original $3,696 repair expense incurred due to this exact defect.
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 26, 2026
The factory-applied Super White (paint code 040) paint on my vehicle has peeled down to bare metal on multiple exterior body panels. The peeling is not the result of any collision damage, scratches, or external trauma — it is consistent with the known factory paint adhesion defect that Toyota itself acknowledged through Customer Support Program ZKG, which covered this exact vehicle model, year, and paint color. Toyota's own program documentation states the defect occurs when sunlight degrades adhesion between the factory paint primer coat and the base metal electrodeposition layer. With…

Other Toyota Corolla years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla: 20V-024 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Toyota Corolla?

Owners report air bags problems most often (65 reports), followed by service brakes (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 25,000 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.