The Lemon Index2020 Toyota Corolla.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 114 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 49, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 31 to 52 mpg combined. The best Toyota Corolla year is 2002.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 313 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Corolla year. 2020 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 1K to 38K miles on the car (70 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- airbags 2023
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- seat belts 2019
The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
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 201 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Corolla 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Corolla Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1250–2050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I've been beginning to hear a noise in my breaks I asked a mechanic and he said it's too soon for my new car to have break problems he said he's never heard such the weird noise before especially on a new car
2020 Toyota Corolla owner · NHTSA complaint 11321589
More owner reports
Will driving the car decelerated and would not go pass 20mph. Break,engine,ect. Lights turned on. The car has only 1345 miles. So far it has happened twice. Second time going to the dealership.
NHTSA complaint 11288777
Coolant leak due to engine defect from manufacture.
NHTSA complaint 11518912
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 49; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Corolla year by this measure since 2010 is 2012.
What are the most common 2020 Toyota Corolla problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (14%), brakes (13%) and transmission & drivetrain (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have?
3 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 2020 Toyota Corolla get?
31 to 52 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2020 Toyota Corolla problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,900 and 38,400 miles. The middle report was at 10,000 miles, from 70 complaints.
Does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Toyota Corolla cost in fuel a year?
About $1250 to $2050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Toyota Corolla year is better than the 2020?
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