Car Yearsto Avoid

2016 Toyota Corolla Problems

What owners have reported about the 2016 Toyota Corolla, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 18 Corolla model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, brakes and seat Belts.

215 complaints 1 recall, 1 injury risk 9th worst of 18 Corolla years

Top 2016 Toyota Corolla problems

1

Airbag problems

65 complaints (30%) name the airbags.

Complaints 65 · Usually at 22,000–68,000 miles · Recall 20V024000

2

Brake problems

30 complaints (14%) name the brakes.

Complaints 30 · Usually at 10,000–35,000 miles

3

Seat belt problems

26 complaints (12%) name the seat Belts.

Complaints 26 · Usually at 14,000–59,000 miles

4

Acceleration problems

22 complaints (10%) name the acceleration and speed control, most often the accelerator pedal.

Complaints 22 · Usually at 5,000–55,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Airbags 30%
Brakes 14%
Seat Belts 12%
Unknown or Other 11%
Acceleration 10%
Steering 10%
Transmission 10%
Body 7%
Electrical 7%
Engine 6%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (130 of 215). The amber line is the middle value, about 26,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2016 Toyota Corolla recalls

Air bags may fail to deploy in crash

Injury risk

After certain crashes, the air bag control unit can malfunction and may stop the air bags or seat belt pretensioners from deploying. In a crash, this could leave you with greater risk of injury.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the air bag control unit and install a noise filter where needed, free of charge.

Recall 20V024000 · Jan 2020
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2016 Toyota Corolla gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Toyota Corolla, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Corolla years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2009 Corolla 1,459
2010 Corolla 1,244
2011 Corolla 584
2012 Corolla 446
2008 Corolla 314
2020 Corolla 310
2014 Corolla 269
2015 Corolla 220
2016 Corolla 215
2019 Corolla 204
2013 Corolla 201
2021 Corolla 186
2017 Corolla 178
2018 Corolla 135
2022 Corolla 101
2023 Corolla 73
2024 Corolla 65
2025 Corolla 31

Common questions

Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 215 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 18 Corolla model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, brakes and seat Belts.

What are the most common 2016 Toyota Corolla problems?

Owners most often report problems with the airbags, brakes, seat Belts and acceleration and speed control. 65 complaints (30%) name the airbags.

At what mileage do 2016 Toyota Corolla airbags problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 22,000–68,000 miles, with a middle value near 35,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have?

1. Air bags may fail to deploy in crash (20V024000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2016 Toyota Corolla?

Ask for service records covering the airbags, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2024 and 2023 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.