--- title: "Used Toyota Corolla Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy" description: "A used Toyota Corolla review for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine, hybrid years and best years." canonical: https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-corolla-review-texas/ last_updated: 2026-11-05 language: en --- # Used Toyota Corolla Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy Choosing a car # Used Toyota Corolla Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy A used Toyota Corolla review for Texas buyers: 2015-2022 years compared with NHTSA recalls and complaints, MPG by engine, hybrid years and best years. **[Anthony Hunt](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/about/) ** Updated November 5, 202610 min read ![Used Toyota Corolla Review for Texas: Best Years to Buy](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/assets/covers/toyota-corolla-review-texas.webp) Photo: [Kevauto](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2020_Toyota_Corolla_SE,_front_2.29.20.jpg) , [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) , via Wikimedia Commons (cropped) This used Toyota Corolla review covers the 2015 to 2022 model years for Texas buyers. I held the Corolla to the same rule as every other review on this site: public data only. In NHTSA's records, the 2022 Corolla is the quietest year: no recall campaigns and the fewest complaints (103). The 2021 and 2018 come next. The 2020, the first year of the current sedan and of the Corolla Hybrid, has the most complaints in the span (313), led by engine and coolant. If I were shopping, I would start with a 2021 or 2022, look at a 2018 for an older budget, and treat a 2019 or 2020 with extra care. Run the VIN for open recalls and get an inspection either way. The evidence here is public data only: NHTSA recall, complaint and crash-test records pulled from api.nhtsa.gov on November 5, 2026, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, size and weight from Transport Canada through NHTSA's vPIC database, and warranty terms from Toyota. No owner reviews, no invented reliability scores and no prices. ## Toyota Corolla years for used buyers: 2015 to 2022 The 2015 to 2022 span covers two designs, plus a separate hatchback. You can see the break in the engine and transmission data on [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) and in the Transport Canada size records. ### 2015 to 2019 sedan Transport Canada's sedan record for these years starts in 2014. The EPA lists a 1.8-liter four-cylinder on regular gas with front-wheel drive for 2015 to 2022, with three kinds of transmission: CVTs (coded AV-S7 or described as "variable gear ratios"), a 4-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual. Check the build sheet for the exact car. ### 2017 to 2018 Corolla iM A separate 5-door hatchback record, shorter and heavier than the sedan. ### 2019 hatchback and 2020 to 2022 sedan A new record starts in 2019 with the Corolla 5-door hatch. The sedan follows in 2020. The EPA adds a 2.0-liter four-cylinder from 2019, with a CVT (coded AV-S10 or "variable gear ratios"), an AM-S10 automatic or a 6-speed manual. ### Corolla Hybrid: 2020 on The 1.8-liter Corolla Hybrid arrives for 2020, always with a CVT ("variable gear ratios" in the EPA records). The EPA lists front-wheel and all-wheel-drive hybrid versions across 2020-2027, and AWD hybrid sedans appear in the 2025-2026 size records. ### After 2022 The EPA lists a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder on premium fuel with all-wheel drive for 2023-2026, outside this review. The Corolla Cross (2022 on) is a separate SUV; see my [Corolla Cross vs RAV4 guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-corolla-cross-vs-toyota-rav4/) . | Body (Transport Canada record) | Model years | Length | Wheelbase | Curb weight | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sedan (record starts 2014) | 2015-2019 | 183 in | 106 in | 2,789 lb | | Corolla iM hatchback (starts 2017) | 2017-2018 | 170 in | 102 in | 2,943 lb | | Corolla hatch (starts 2019) | 2019-2022 | 172 in | 104 in | 3,060 lb | | Sedan L/LE, SE/XLE/XSE and Hybrid (starts 2019) | 2020-2024 | 183 in | 106 in | 2,899-3,075 lb | ## Used Corolla review by year: recalls, complaints and crash ratings From NHTSA records pulled November 5, 2026. The recall column counts campaigns that list the model year. Several cover only one body, one transmission or one distributor's cars, and some are label campaigns. "Unknown or other" is skipped when naming the top components. | Model year | Recall campaigns | Owner complaints | Crash / fire complaints | Top named complaint components (count) | NHTSA overall rating | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 220 | 60 / 1 | Air bags (56), structure (33), power train (30) | 5 stars | | 2016 | 1 | 215 | 66 / 2 | Air bags (65), service brakes (30), seat belts (26) | 5 stars | | 2017 | 3 | 189 | 47 / 1 | Air bags (57), vehicle speed control (30), service brakes (26) | 5 stars | | 2018 | 3 | 136 | 26 / 5 | Air bags (36), fuel/propulsion system (23), engine (17) | 5 stars | | 2019 | 5 | 206 | 24 / 1 | Power train (56), engine (39), air bags (33) | 5 stars | | 2020 | 3 | 313 | 22 / 1 | Engine (111), power train (40), electrical system (35) | 5 stars | | 2021 | 1 | 188 | 18 / 2 | Air bags (53), engine (41), electrical system (23) | 5 stars | | 2022 | 0 | 103 | 14 / 0 | Electrical system (21), power train (17), service brakes (16) | 5 stars | NHTSA rates every tested Corolla version in this span 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover. Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not proof of a defect. Compare years within the Corolla rather than across brands: a popular car with many owners collects more complaints. My guide to [reading NHTSA complaint data](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-read-nhtsa-complaint-data/) explains why. Check any VIN on [NHTSA's recalls page](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) . **Want a personalized car guide?**Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars.[WhatsApp](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Toyota%20Corolla%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) ## The Corolla recalls that matter most These are the campaigns I would confirm first, using NHTSA's component names. ### 2015 to 2019 - **Air bag control module (20V024000), 2015-2019.** During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit may malfunction, which could disable the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners. Air bags are the top complaint component for 2015 to 2018, which is why this is first on my list. - **CVT torque converter (18V901000), 2019 hatchback.** The pump impeller blades in the torque converter may detach, especially under high load, which can stall the car. Power train leads the 2019 complaints (56) and "transmission" appears in 30 of them. - **Fuel pump (20V012000), listed for 2018 and 2019.** NHTSA files it under the fuel pump. "Fuel pump" appears in 14 complaints in both 2018 and 2019, and "stall" in 16 and 22. - **Label and spare tire campaigns (19V503000, 2017-2019; 19V244000, 2019; 17V295000, 2017).** The load capacity label may be incorrect or become hard to read, and on some 2017 cars the spare tire pressure was not set to the label. ### 2020 to 2022 - **Front passenger air bag sensor (23V865000), 2020-2021.** A short circuit may develop in the occupant classification sensor, which could keep the front passenger air bag from deploying. Air bags are the top complaint component for 2021 (53). - **Fuel pump (20V682000), 2020.** Its text also names the 2019 Corolla Hatchback, though NHTSA's data lists it under 2020. - **Rear seat belts (19V877000), 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid.** The rear belt's locking mechanism may not lock as intended. If the back seat will carry a child seat, this comes first. The 2022 has no recall campaigns in this data. ## Toyota Corolla problems owners report most Complaint text counts below are how many complaints mention each term. They are substring counts, so a term can over-match. For example, "air bag" and "airbag" are counted separately and can overlap. **2015 to 2018:** Air bags lead the components every year (56, 65, 57 and 36), and the text often mentions the brakes and the pedal. "Steering" shows up 20 to 25 times in 2015 and 2016. "CVT" appears 9, 7 and 11 times in 2015 to 2017. In 2018, "stall" (16) and "fuel pump" (14) rise, which lines up with the fuel pump campaign. **2019 to 2021:** Coolant is the big theme: 25 mentions in 2019, 121 in 2020 and 36 in 2021. Engine is the top component in 2020 (111). In 2019, "transmission" appears 30 times and "stall" 22 times. No recall in this data covers coolant. **2022:** The quietest year. "Brake" (15) and "steering" (13) lead. ## Corolla MPG and specs by engine EPA ratings from [fueleconomy.gov](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) for the standard Corolla (police and chassis versions excluded). Ranges cover the versions listed. | Engine | Years | Fuel | Transmissions | Drive | City / hwy / combined | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1.8L 4-cyl | 2015-2022 | Regular | CVT, 4-speed auto, 6-speed manual | FWD | 27-30 / 35-40 / 30-34 | | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2019-2027 | Regular | CVT, AM-S10 auto, 6-speed manual | FWD | 28-32 / 36-42 / 31-36 | | 1.8L hybrid | 2020-2027 | Regular | CVT | FWD; AWD | 47-53 / 41-52 / 44-52 | | 1.6L 3-cyl | 2023-2026 | Premium | 8-speed auto, 6-speed manual | AWD | 19-21 / 27-28 / 22-24 | The hybrid is the efficiency pick by a wide margin, and the 2.0 rates a little higher than the 1.8. ## Is any Toyota factory warranty left? Toyota's [warranty page](https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/) lists basic coverage of 36 months or 36,000 miles and powertrain coverage of 60 months or 60,000 miles. On a 2015-2021 Corolla those have almost certainly expired, and only a low-mileage 2022 may still have powertrain time left. The hybrid battery is different. Toyota says that starting with the 2020 model year, the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years from the date of first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the [Toyota newsroom announcement](https://pressroom.toyota.com/?p=56558) says earlier hybrids carried 8 years or 100,000 miles. So a 2020-2022 Corolla Hybrid can still have battery coverage today. Ask for the in-service date and confirm with a Toyota dealer. Recall repairs are free at a Toyota dealer regardless of warranty. ## Texas notes for Corolla owners **Heat.** A small car parked outside through Central Texas summers works its AC, cooling system and battery hard. Coolant mentions are high on 2019 to 2021 Corollas. Test the AC from a hot start, check the coolant level and look at the battery date. My [used cars and Texas heat guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/used-cars-and-texas-heat/) has the full list. [fueleconomy.gov's hot weather page](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) notes AC use can cut a conventional vehicle's fuel economy by more than 25% in very hot conditions, especially on short trips. **I-35 commuting.** Stop-and-go traffic between Georgetown, Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio is where the hybrid earns its keep. The 2020 and newer Corolla Hybrid rates 44 to 52 combined on paper, against 30 to 36 for the gas engines. **Uber and Lyft.** If you plan to drive for a rideshare app, check the platform's current vehicle rules, and read my guides on buying a used car for Uber or Lyft in Texas and the [best used cars for Uber in Austin](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/best-used-cars-for-uber-in-austin/) . **Hail.** Look down the roof, hood and trunk lid at an angle in daylight. See hail-damaged cars: what to know. **Emissions counties.**[TCEQ](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) requires a yearly emissions test before registration for gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old in Travis and Williamson counties, and in Bexar County starting November 1, 2026. Hays, Comal, Guadalupe and Caldwell are not on the list. More in my [inspection and emissions guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/texas-vehicle-inspection-and-emissions-rules/) . ## Best years: the Corollas I would shortlist, and the ones I would check extra carefully My opinion, based only on the data shown here. ### Years I would shortlist - **2022 Toyota Corolla.** No recall campaigns and the fewest complaints in the span (103), with the fewest crash complaints (14). It has the current design and the hybrid option. - **2021 Toyota Corolla.** One campaign, the passenger air bag sensor, and 188 complaints. Coolant still shows up in the text (36), so check the cooling system and confirm the recall is done. - **2018 Toyota Corolla.** For an older budget, the fewest complaints of the 2015-2019 sedan design (136). Confirm the air bag module and fuel pump campaigns. ### Years I would check extra carefully - **2020 Toyota Corolla.** The most complaints in the span (313), with engine leading (111) and coolant in 121 of the complaint texts. I would want service records and a cooling system check. - **2019 Toyota Corolla.** The most recall campaigns in the span (5), including the CVT torque converter campaign on the hatchback. Power train leads the complaints. - **2015 and 2016 Toyota Corolla.** The most crash complaints in the span (60 and 66), with air bags leading. Confirm the air bag control module campaign before anything else. ## Pre-purchase inspection checklist for a used Corolla Use this with my general pre-purchase inspection checklist. 1. Run the VIN on [NHTSA's recall lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) and ask a Toyota dealer for completed recalls. 1. Confirm the exact engine, transmission and body from the build sheet or a dealer lookup. Most automatic Corollas here use a CVT; read my CVT guide for used buyers. 1. On a 2019 hatchback with a CVT, confirm the torque converter campaign is done. Accelerate hard on an on-ramp and feel for hesitation, slipping or stalling. 1. On 2015-2019 cars, confirm the air bag control module campaign. On 2020-2021 cars, confirm the passenger air bag sensor campaign. 1. On 2019-2021 cars, check the coolant level and look for leaks or residue around the engine. 1. Drive in traffic and on the highway; note shudder, hesitation, stalling or a check engine light. 1. Test the brakes and steering. The pedal should feel firm, and the car should track straight. 1. Buckle every seat belt, including the rear belts on a 2020. 1. Test the AC from a hot start and check the battery. 1. Check the title through [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) for salvage, flood or buyback brands, and read my guide on [how to spot a flood-damaged car](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-spot-a-flood-damaged-car/) . For model data across years, see the Toyota Corolla car data page. To set it against its main rival, open the side-by-side compare tool or read my [Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic guide](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/toyota-corolla-vs-honda-civic/) . For the recall process, see my guide on [checking recalls before buying](https://texas.huntautogroup.com/guides/how-to-check-recalls-before-buying-a-used-car/) . ## Sources - [NHTSA recalls lookup](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ; recall, complaint and NCAP data from NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), data pulled 2026-11-05 - [fueleconomy.gov Find a Car (EPA ratings, 2015-2027 Corolla)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.shtml) - [fueleconomy.gov, Fuel Economy in Hot Weather](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hotweather.shtml) - Transport Canada size and weight records through NHTSA's vPIC database - [Toyota, Warranty and Owner's Manuals](https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/) - [Toyota newsroom, battery warranty extension for model year 2020 hybrids](https://pressroom.toyota.com/?p=56558) - [TCEQ, Vehicle Emissions Inspections in Texas](https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/mobilesource/vim/overview.html) - [TxDMV Title Check](https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/title-check-look-before-you-buy) ## Frequently asked questions **What are the best years for a used Toyota Corolla?** Based on NHTSA data for 2015-2022, the 2022 has no recall campaigns and the fewest complaints (103), and the 2021 and 2018 come next. Inspect any car and check its recall history. **Which Corolla years have the most problems in NHTSA data?** The 2020 has the most complaints (313), led by engine and coolant. The 2019 has the most recall campaigns (5). The 2015 and 2016 have the most crash complaints. **What is the most common Corolla complaint?** For 2015-2018, air bags lead the components. For 2019-2021, coolant is the biggest theme in the complaint text, and engine leads the 2020 components. **Does the Corolla have a CVT?** Mostly, yes. The EPA lists CVTs for most automatic versions in this span, and the hybrid always uses one. The 1.8 also shows a 4-speed automatic, and both gas engines offer a manual. **What MPG does a used Corolla get?** On fueleconomy.gov, the gas 1.8 and 2.0 rate 30 to 36 combined, and the 2020 and newer hybrid rates 44 to 52 combined. **How safe is a used Corolla?** NHTSA rates every tested 2015-2022 Corolla 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover, including the 2019-2020 hatch. Educational content. Anthony does not sell, broker or arrange vehicle sales in Texas. Confirm fees and rules with the office named in each source before you pay anything. ## Want a personalized car guide? Message Anthony on WhatsApp with your budget and what you need. Free, honest advice in English or Spanish. He doesn't sell cars. [WhatsApp Anthony](https://wa.me/15559374868?text=Hi%20Anthony%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20personalized%20car%20guide%20%28I%20read%3A%20Used%20Toyota%20Corolla%20Review%20for%20Texas%3A%20Best%20Years%20to%20Buy%29.) 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Anthony has spent the last year and a half around used cars and auctions, digs into every rule and recall so you don't have to, and knows people across the car business. Need help choosing a car? Ask him, it's free. [anthonyhunts.com](https://anthonyhunts.com)