The Lemon Index2013 Toyota Corolla.
The 2013 Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 101 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 27, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 29 mpg combined. The best Toyota Corolla year is 2002.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 201 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Corolla year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 69K miles on the car (138 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 13K–72K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 0K–36K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 24K–70K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2020
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.
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2013
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 353 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers have experienced amber colored oil like substance found on floor mats
- "tt: some customers may encounter bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: difficulty pairing…
- Some customers may encounter Bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: * Difficulty to pair the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Takata recall this recall came out in may, and I cannot even have anyone sit in the front seat, as there is a risk if there is a front impact that metal shards will go into the occupants face from the airbag.
2013 Toyota Corolla owner · NHTSA complaint 10934403
More owner reports
I had a very bad accident on 8-11-2016 my car is total loss. My airbag did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint 10897373
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 27; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Corolla year by this measure since 2010 is 2012.
What are the most common 2013 Toyota Corolla problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (28%), steering (27%) and speed control (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Corolla have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Toyota Corolla get?
29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Toyota Corolla safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Corolla problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,200 and 69,000 miles. The middle report was at 25,500 miles, from 138 complaints.
Does the 2013 Toyota Corolla have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Toyota Corolla cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Toyota Corolla have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
What Toyota Corolla year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2013 and 2022.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works