Used Toyota Corolla 2019-present reliability review
The Toyota Corolla is a smart and very reliable used buy. It's comfortable, well-equipped and great value.
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What's the used Toyota Corolla like?
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Reliability
Mark Pearson
Updated: 7 August 2026
How we test cars
What should I look for in a used Toyota Corolla?
The Corolla will have been used in an urban setting so it’s worth checking for bumps and scrapes on the bodywork and look for any damage on the wheels. Make sure all the electrical equipment on board works as it should. It’s also a good motorway tool, so check for stone chips to the bodywork and windscreen.
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What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Corolla?
The emergency calling system (eCall) may not function when required
This can be resolved by inspect the emergency calling system and update DCM software. If the DCM is found to be damaged, it needs to be replaced with updated software. Contact your local Toyota dealer if you believe your car to be involved in this recall.
A bolt of the brake pedal bracket may not have been torqued correctly
Tightening the bolt of the brake pedal bracket to the appropriate torque will solve the problem stated in this recall.
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The inside of the high pressure fuel pump may be worn or damaged over time during operation
Your Toyota dealer should inspect and if necessary replace the high-pressure fuel pump – based on engine variant and/or pump manufacturer/pump serial number.
Is a used Toyota Corolla reliable?
The Corolla came seventh out of 26 cars in the family car class in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey with an overall score of 96.5%.
Reliability rating 96.5%
While the vast majority of Toyota Corollas were fault-free, 12% of owners told us their cars had been troubled by a trio of issues: problems with their 12-volt battery, bodywork and the sat-nav/infotainment system. These things didn't cause too much upset, though. Just over half of the affected cars were fixed in a day or less and 82% of work was paid for by Toyota. And those who were presented with bills didn't have to pay more than £200 per repair.
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Toyota, as a brand, came fourth out of 30 manufacturers featured with an excellent overall score of 96.1%. As you can likely tell, this is a confidence-inspiring result.
Reliability rating 96.1%
Toyota's excellent finish shows that dependability isn’t the preserve of premium brands. In fact, some of its smallest, most affordable models are the highest achievers. The 2011-2020 Toyota Yaris scored 99.3% and just 3% of its owners said their cars had gone wrong. The current Toyota Yaris isn’t far behind, with a rating of 98.6% and the Yaris Cross small SUV gets 98.0%.
Used Toyota Corolla reliability: the owners' view
Overall, the Toyota Corolla is highly regarded for its reliability, with few reports of any significant mechanical issues. Minor glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and some electronic features, were noted, but these were typically resolved swiftly and under warranty by dealerships.
The dealer service received high praise for responsiveness and professionalism. However, several readers pointed out that repair costs, when out of warranty, could be expensive, although these instances were relatively rare. Positive dealer interactions contributed to customer satisfaction, reinforcing the Corolla's reputation as a dependable vehicle. Indeed the Toyota Corolla remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable car with an outstanding dealer support network.
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Tips & Advice
Don’t miss a recall
If your car is to be recalled, you should arrange the work to be carried out quickly. Sign up to our recall alerts to ensure you’ll not miss a thing
Check for outstanding recalls
Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy
Choose the right breakdown cover
You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice
Ensure you have breakdown cover
Thousands of What Car? readers deliver their verdict on the best breakdown companies helping you to choose the best cover
Make sure you have warranty cover
New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty
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About the writer
Name: Mark Pearson
Title: Used cars editor
Follow Mark Pearson on
Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.
Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.
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