Complaint volume
300 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Toyota Corolla Complaints
300 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Toyota Corolla, grouped by component category.
300 Total complaints
22 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
15 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, unknown or other, power train. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 22 crash reports, 1 fire report, 15 injury reports, and 1 fatality report. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 68 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 26,107 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, power train?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Toyota Corolla?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Toyota Corolla
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Toyota Corolla complaints?
22 Crash
1 Fire
15 Injury
1 Fatality
19 Towed
9 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Toyota Corolla complaint categories?
ENGINE 81
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 55
POWER TRAIN 19
AIR BAGS 13
VISIBILITY/WIPER 13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 9
SERVICE BRAKES 8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7
STRUCTURE 6
300 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | "Engine maintenance required" - Coolant bypass valve is the cause | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Car would not start/turn over - Not battery related. Toyota determined the ECU went bad and stated the cause was improperly jumping the battery. The issue happened randomly one day (car was driving fine previous days) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Engine maintenance required notification came on. Car is only 3 years old. Dealership stated that the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced and it could potentially cause a fire. Service professional at the dealership stated that this is a common issue and most of the time Toyota warranty doesn’t want to repair it, also said that it should be recalled. I have also seen hundreds of people complain about this on Rav4 forums. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | There is a problem with the bypass control heater valve of my car Corolla Toyota 2020 It says i have to replace it but it's still running good. I research what this part is about and it says that this is a malfunction in all the Toyota Corollas and RAV4 2019-2021. The message "engine maintenance required" doesn't go away and it doesn't let me see the mile percentage when driving. This problem has been confirmed by a mechanic who installed the tablet and run a test to see what's wrong with it. The car has not been checked by insurance because of this manufacturer malfunction. This all started happening 6 months ago and haven't found a way to replace it and dealership charges over 800 dollars for a mistake Toyota made on all Corollas line. Please help me find a solution. Thank you! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | Vehicle was brought to Toyota because of "Engine Maintenance Required" message. We initially thought it was "Maintenance Required" so husband said we may need to change the oil, but it was only a few thousand miles since last oil change. I tried to remove the message but the Toyota Manual did not have any instructions on the "Engine Maintenance Required" message removal. When he left Toyota after changing oil, same message was on dashboard. Husband went back to Toyota and asked them to remove the "Engine Maintenance Required" and was told that there is a coolant bypass valve that must be changed in order for the message to go away. The cost should be around $1,000 and then proceeded to tell him he needed to buy new tires as well. All would total about $2,800. Vehicle has 58K miles and we are afraid to drive the vehicle now until we know what is actually wrong with it. It's suspicious to read all the complaints describing the same situation we have with Toyota. By the way, after we were told about the needed repair, I started getting emails from Toyota about purchasing a Toyota warranty, advertisements in the mail from car warranty companies and phone calls from Toyota salespeople to come and buy/lease a new Corolla and I would get a "great deal"! Is this some scam to generate business? Are Toyota owners being subjected to a "bait and switch" scam? I would like an investigation initiated by your agency. My vehicle is available upon request and our safety is at risk because we truly don't know what is wrong with it and afraid to drive it any longer. If your agency wants to read complaints from other owners, I direct you to read the complaints on [XXX] or Google "Toyota Engine Maintenance Repair" message. It's very much an eye-opener about fraud being perpetrated by Toyota. I can provide any documentation needed when I am personally contacted and requested to furnish them. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have a 2020 Toyota Corolla. "Engine Maintenance Required; Visit Your Dealer" came on the display after I brought my car to the dealership. I returned to the dealership and was told it was $250 to diagnose the problem. I waited a month later and brought my car back for an 80,000 inspection at the Longo Toyota in Prosper Texas. They diagnosed the problem this time and said they would have to replace the Coolant Bypass Valve and Hose for ~$800 plus labor costs. The risk of not repairing these parts is possible engine failure or fire. I've seen many other discussion forums where people are experiencing the same problem with Rav4, Corolla, and Camry models 2020-2023. These parts are not covered under warranty and would have to pay out of pocket for the repairs. Toyota should issue a recall since many people are reporting these same issues, creating out-of-pocket costs for the repairs for >$800. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | My 2020 toyota corolla's warning light which stated "engine maintenance required visit your dealer" came on. When I called the dealership they stated I would need to come in and hook it up to diagnose the problem which would cose me $185 + taxes and fees. Then once diagnosed they would be able to fix the problem. I checked with O'Reilly's autopart store and Autozone which both of their scanners found nothing wrong. So I informed Toyota and they stated they I need to bring it to them because their scanner/tool is the one which will tell us what the problem is specific to my car. But they stated they think it could be a hose related to my coolant system to prevent my car from overheating. They stated to watch the temperature gauge while driving as it may overheat and become dangerous to drive. If this happens or I see any smoke pull over and get out if the car. However they haven't seen anyone have to do this so they think I should be fine but I should fix this problem soon. I asked if that is the problem would it fall under my mechanical breakdown insurance coverage and the dealership stated that if that's the problem yes but if I go through the insurance it will take a really long time to fix because they'd have to file a claim and get paid before doing any repairs. Then they said I'd have to pay the copay and any difference. I was confused as my insurance states I only have to pay my copay. However, I had someone else with a scanner/tool hook theirs up and to see if we could check the actual problem and it did say the error code P268115 engine bypass coolant valve. So, this was the issue. I viewed online that there is a class action lawsuit going on right now for this same problem with 2019-2023 Toyota Rav 4 and Corolla's. Toyota failed to disclose this information to it's consumers and it is not being covered under the power train warranty either. This safety issue with cars overheating is dangerous and costly. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Toyota Corolla 2020 Engine Coolant Flow Control Valve | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | TIRES | All FOUR Goodyear Exhilarate tires cracked and separated from the sidewall on the interior side of the tire. i have one of the four tired saved and available for inspection. With the tire separating at the bead and sidewall on the interior side completely away from the butyl liner inside of the tire, it was a mere miracle that the car actually made it to the repair shop without blowing out, causing an accident which could have been a fatality or at least a very bad accident. The tires were taken to a Goodyear service center and after talking with corporate said it was nothing they could do and sent me on my way. By chance the car was going on a trip and wanted to get the tires rotated and the oil changed beforehand , had he not chosen to do such the outcome could've been terrible. There wasn't any warning of tire failure or loss of air due to the separation. Again, it was only by chance that this was caught and ALL FOUR tires replaced . The tire dealer stated that he hasn't ever seen ALL FOUR completely separate at the exact same location all the way around the tire. It is without a doubt a manufacturing error , old /burnt rubber used in the tire making process. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | Coolant/oil bypass valve. Warning issued Sept 24th. I understand 6000 complaints have been filed with this vehicle model under 30,000 miles | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | the check engine light came so i took it to toyota dealership. i paid 300$ to get a diagnostic and they said it was my coolant bypass valve and it was 900$ to fix. warranty doesn’t cover this even tho my car qualifies for the coverages. it’s super frustrating since i bought this car brand new and im having multiple expensive problems. i need to replace the transmission, BRAKE ACTUATOR, oil replacement pan and i had to replace a brand new battery because it exploded after only using for less than a year. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | Getting engine maintenance required, coolant valve failed for no reason. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ENGINE | The engine Coolant Valve is leaking coolant, in ordering a new part to replace so yes it’ll be available for inspection. My car Could overheat leaving me or my riders stranded wherever it is that the car stops. I went to Tires plus and they said I had to swap it out but I refuse to go to Toyota so they can rob my money The part has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance, The only symptom is my coolant runs low sometimes and my engine maintenance screen won’t go away | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ENGINE | I have been a victim of a known defect in Toyotas Coolant Bypass Valve as of recent when approaching my 40000 mile service maintenance. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Got an engine maintenance required light show up, took my car to the dealer to diagnose, they stated that i need to replace my coolant bypass valve | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Coolant bypass valve. Becoming persistent in several models of Toyota 2019-2021. Dealerships claim it’s not covered under powertrain warranty because it’s part of the coolant system. Should be covered and customer should be compensated or reimbursed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Engine Coolant Bypass Valve has gone bad and presents a 'Engine Maintenance Required, see Dealer' error message. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My family has several Toyota vehicles but for some reason my 2020 Toyota Corolla is the only one that comes up with problems. My Engine maintenance required notification came on for my 5 year old vehicle. The Dealership stated that the coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced and that it was a common issue. They are saying it cost almost $1000 just to fix an issue created by them on a new car with 55,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ENGINE | The Coolant Bypass Valve on my Toyota Corolla 2020 is faulty. An "Engine Maintance Required" code appeared a couple months ago, when the vehicle was still under 60K miles. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A faulty coolant bypass valve can cause the engine to overheat or leak coolant, leading to potential breakdowns or accidents. It may also trigger warning lights and reduce cabin heating, creating further safety risks. Not confirmed by dealership/indepenent service center. Only confirmed by personal inspection. The vehicle/component has not been inspected by manufactuer/police/insurance representatives. "Engine Maintance Required" message appeared on digitial display of vehicle. Message does not appear when the vehcile is turned on while A/C system is left OFF, but upon turning on the A/C, the maintaince required message appears, indiciating a faulty bypass valve. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Vehicle would not start. After the vehicle's battery was jumped, the vehicle would start, but upon moving the vehicle, the dashboard message read, "Engine Stopped - Steering Power Low." There are numerous entries in online forums of others looking for solution for the same issue. Sometimes others have said that this occurred while in stop-and-go traffic on the highway or idling at a red light. Clearly, if a vehicle becomes disabled on a roadway with no prior warning of a failing battery, that is a safety issue. There was no warning of a failing battery. Battery was replaced, which was a surprise for a 2020 vehicle. However, this issue has occurred in newer vehicles as well if you review the comments in the online forums. Failed battery was tested and measured 67CCA/295CCA @11.44V. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ENGINE | coolant bypass valve is defective and failed prematurely. coolant bypass valve cracks and leaks coolant. Once coolant beings leaking, it comes into contact with the electrical connector located near the valve. The coolant corrodes and damages the connector, which eventually causes connector to malfunction. This causes the coolant bypass valve to be stuck in the “open” or “closed” position (i.e. it no longer responds to the needs of the engine), restricting coolant flow and allowing the engine to overheat. I had to repair the vehicle at Harvey's Autotech 521 West Sixth Street Corona, CA 92882 (951) 737-9878 at the cost of $643.91and loss of a work day. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ENGINE | I was driving in traffic when a warning light comes on it says "engine maintenance required visit your dealer". I have looked everywhere in the manual on this message and unable to find anything no other lights are on or anything to determine the issue. Took it to get checked at autozone no codes came up all is clear. I've read online this is a known issue to replace the coolant bypass valve. Unfortunately I take my vehicle to toyota for all oil changes etc and this was not mentioned. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My 2020 Corolla XSE has been displaying an "Emergency Maintenance Alert" for over a month covering the middle portion of my dash. When running the code it indicates "Coolant Valve" defect. Upon further research while trying to obtain a replacement part it looks as though multiple people are having an issue with the same part. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failed at 42400 miles. The problem was identified and confirmed at a dealership. There was a warning message appearing on the dashboard stating that engine maintenance was required. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Engine maintenance required see dealership message on dash. Coolant valve needs to be replaced. Class action lawsuit pending. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |