2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback problems

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The Toyota Corolla (E210) is the twelfth generation of the Corolla, a compact car (C-segment) manufactured by Toyota. Introduced in 2018, this generation has also grown to include hatchback and estate (station wagon) configurations in addition to the saloon (sedan).

Since 2022, a high-performance model became available as the GR Corolla. Based on the hatchback model, the GR Corolla is marketed under the Gazoo Racing family of high-performance cars.

Its platform-sharing vehicles include the Toyota Corolla Cross, a compact crossover SUV, and the Toyota C-HR, an SUV with a hatchback-like body.

2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback

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Common 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback problems

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback has been reported to have a few common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include faulty backup lights, worn load carrying capacity labels, brake failure, and transmission problems.

Faulty Backup Lights and Worn Labels
A significant number of 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchbacks have been affected by faulty backup lights and worn load carrying capacity labels. The backup lights issue may result in the lights not functioning properly, which can be a safety concern for drivers.

Brake Failure
There have been reports of brake failure in the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, with one driver experiencing a "NO BRAKE POWER" warning light. This issue resulted in the driver waiting weeks for a replacement part to be delivered to the dealership. Brake failure is a serious concern, as it can lead to accidents and pose a significant safety risk for drivers and passengers.

Transmission Problems
Some 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback owners have reported jerky transmissions, sudden loss of power, and continuously variable transmission (CVT) issues. These problems can affect the car's performance and drivability, causing it to stall or have difficulty accelerating.

These issues, while not widespread, can still impact the driving experience and safety of 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback owners. It is essential to address these problems promptly and seek professional assistance when needed.

2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback engine

Are there any recalls on 2020 Toyota Corollas?

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

What is the most common issue of Toyota Corolla?

Some common problems with the Toyota Corolla include:

  • Oil leaking/excessive oil use.
  • Jerky acceleration.
  • MAF sensor problem.
  • Car vibrating.

How dependable is the 2020 Toyota Corolla?

The 2020 Toyota Corolla lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor stereo and A/C system issues reported. At $19,400 to $23,025, it's pricey, but worth the money for one of the most reliable compact cars on the market.

How many miles will a Toyota Corolla hatchback last?

300,000 miles

If you're considering a Toyota Corolla, you may be wondering, “How long do Toyota Corollas last?” With regular service and maintenance, the Toyota Corolla has a life expectancy of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles. Assuming you take good care of your new Corolla, you could have it for well over a decade.

What is the most common issue of Toyota Corolla?

Some common problems with the Toyota Corolla include:

  • Oil leaking/excessive oil use.
  • Jerky acceleration.
  • MAF sensor problem.
  • Car vibrating.

What is the recall on 2020 Toyota Corolla?

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

Is Toyota Corolla Hatchback safe?

Excellent Safety Ratings

It's also one of the 2023 IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick award winners, which are reserved for the safest vehicles on the road.

What are the disadvantages of Toyota Corolla?

The cabin of the Toyota Corolla might feel upscale, but there is significant cabin noise that can interfere with the feeling of luxury. The road and wind at high rates of speed will make the interior louder than expected. Most compact cars like the Toyota Corolla tend to struggle in the department of cabin noise.

2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback.

2020-04-08
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
  • Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Corolla Hatchback vehicles. A rear hatch wire harness connector may have been damaged during assembly, which may cause the back-up lights to fail.
  • Consequence: If the back-up lights fail, there can be an increased risk of a crash while the vehicle is reversing.
  • Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear hatch wire harness, free of charge. The recall began June 30, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB07 and 20TA07.
2019-03-27
  • Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
  • Consequence: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.

Negative 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback car reviews

  1. Sven McDermott 2024-09-23

    At first glance, the hatchback may seem like the next step for the Corolla, but it has its differences. While the new and unique look is eye-catching, it comes at a cost of limited storage space and less room for passengers in the back. Unfortunately, the CVT transmission can be quite clunky, which is not what you would expect from a Toyota. Although I am disappointed with my purchase, I would still recommend the standard Corolla or any other car to potential buyers. In the past, I owned a 2015 Ford Fiesta, which had similar space limitations. When the opportunity arises, I plan to trade this car in. Thank you for considering my feedback.

  2. Dayne Rowe 2024-04-02

    Hi there! I received this car as a company-provided vehicle. Here are some of the things I love about it: the sporty handling, impressive acceleration, and stylish design. However, there are a few things to note, such as the slightly sharp ride and the fact that rear passengers are sitting above the rear wheels. Unfortunately, I've experienced some issues at 50k miles, including a non-functional microphone, inability to roll down the left rear window from the driver's controls, temperamental Bluetooth and USB connections (and no, it's not the cable), inability to reset the maintenance warning message, and an engine ignition miss. Overall, though, I still enjoy driving this car. Thanks for reading!

  3. Adam Jacobi 2024-02-27

    Not as fast as I thought. I gave it a good push to get it moving.

  4. Randy Sipes 2024-02-12

    If you're looking for a car with great performance, I would recommend the Corolla with a manual transmission. Unfortunately, the CVT doesn't do justice to the 168hp motor and can be a bit of a letdown. I tried the 'manual' mode with the paddle shifters and the 'sport' button, but neither seemed to help. When compared to the Mazda 3 and the Kia Soul, the Corolla hatch falls short. The 2020 Soul's CVT is new this year and is much better executed, while the Mazda has a larger 2.5L engine and more zip. Either of these cars would be a better choice, with the Mazda being a great option for a FWD hatch and the Soul offering better power delivery and more cargo space. After driving any of these cars back to back with the Corolla hatch, you may find that there isn't much reason to choose the Toyota.

Positive 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback car reviews

  1. Damian West 2025-07-17

    I've been the proud owner of my 2019 Corolla XSE Hatch 6MT for over a year now and I absolutely love it! The car looks sporty and sleek, and the tight vehicle has no rattles and boasts an awesome fit and finish. The ergonomics are very good and the peppy 6MT is responsive with great steering. It even handles well in the snow! Although the back hatch area is small and the back seat is cramped, I don't mind as it's my go-to commuter vehicle and I don't plan on taking group trips with it. The mileage is respectable, especially considering my short commutes. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend the Corolla XSE Hatch 6MT to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish commuter car.I'm still getting used to the 0W16 oil. I change the oil myself and I've noticed that the oil is quite thin. During our frigid winters with short commutes, I feel like there might be a condensation-oil contamination issue with this engine. When I change the oil in the winter, the oil looks like chocolate milk. I'm cautious and change the oil more frequently than recommended. Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to the characteristics of this much thinner 0W16 oil. Overall, I'm happy with everything. I own my vehicles for a very long time, so I'm looking forward to experiencing that Toyota reliability and longevity.

  2. Justus Simonis 2025-07-08

    I absolutely adore my Corolla Hatchback, which I purchased brand new in April 2019. Although there are some minor issues, they do not diminish my appreciation for the car. When comparing it to its rivals, the first thing I noticed was how much better value for money it was. I live in Canada, so the trim levels and available equipment differ from what is offered in the US, but a similarly (but not identically) equipped Volkswagen Golf or Honda Civic Hatchback was around $4000 more expensive, taxes included. The other vehicle I considered was a Mazda3 in hatchback form that was a couple of hundred dollars less expensive, but it wasn't a match for the Corolla at the same price, in my opinion. Despite having the biggest wheels available on the model, the ride is comfortable, even in my pothole-plagued city, and long trips are not tiresome. The cabin is very quiet, and Toyota Safety Sense equipment works exceptionally well, contrary to what one user claimed. Blind-spot warning, lane-keeping, lane-centering, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking (which I luckily only needed once) all work very well. The three distance settings for the ACC are well judged, and it works well in traffic and on the highway. I will never go back to a vehicle without these! The interior is well-built with high-quality materials, and all the controls are intuitive and user-friendly. The heated seats, steering wheel, and windshield are all major pluses in winter, and with good winter tires (I have Bridgestone Blizzaks), I did not feel the need to go for the keys to my household's AWD SUV. A feature that I did not know it had but now really appreciate is Auto Hold, and the LED headlights, which I did not really care for when shopping around, are absolutely fantastic. I have the CVT automatic transmission, and while I was skeptical about the way it would behave, any doubt I had quickly dissipated. Car reviewers say that it is one of the more competent ones out there, and I wholeheartedly agree.The car's fantastic fuel economy may be due to its design. On the highway, it always returns more than 40 MPG, and my combined average since owning the car, including a lot of city and winter driving, has been a little over 30 MPG, which is equally impressive. I also love the way it looks. In Canada, there's a trim level between SE and XSE called SE Upgrade that's visually identical to the XSE. It comes with the XSE's wheels and rear spoiler, and in my car's Blue Flame paint, it looks superb. I receive several compliments, thumbs up, and glances. Another positive is the Toyota badge and reputation: I haven't had any problems with it whatsoever, maintenance costs are low, and the resale value will be fantastic. Now, for the minor issues: Sometimes, if you're in the right lane with the adaptive cruise control on and lane-keeping activated, it'll think you're going to exit. It doesn't happen all the time, and when I hold my steering wheel firmly, it usually doesn't pull me to the exit. The rear center seat's seatbelt sensor is also possessed, as another reviewer (Glenn H) stated. With two people seated in the back, it'll think someone's sitting in the middle seat and relentlessly remind us to buckle the seatbelt. This doesn't only happen to the Corolla Hatchback, as a friend's Corolla Hybrid sedan also does this. Considering that just buckling the seatbelt fixes this, it's not a big deal. My Toyota dealership is also aware of this. CarPlay connects every time, but it sometimes takes a few seconds. The phone spot is adequately sized, but sometimes when I accelerate or take a turn a bit abruptly, my phone goes dangling off it, only held by the Apple CarPlay wire. It's happened a dozen times in 15 months, so again, no big deal. I knew that the rear seats were cramped and the trunk was very small, so for me, it wasn't a deal-breaker, although it could be for some.One reason for the small trunk is the spare wheel located under it, something that’s rare nowadays in any segment, but very useful. As a younger car owner, I never thought I’d own a Toyota before this car came around, because they were so boring. But now, I may have found a new loyal brand! And an update, six months later: My opinion of this vehicle hasn’t changed!

  3. Samir Olson 2025-07-06

    This is a really sporty and cool-looking hatchback! The hatchback lid may make the storage area look small, but as you store more supplies in the back, the lid goes up! The take-off power is remarkable, making it smooth and zippy! We were pleasantly surprised by the blastoff feeling from a stopped position. The CVT is smooth and quiet, which is nice! The AC is cold, cold, COLD! The backup video makes backing up much less stressful and easier! There is plenty of storage in the glove compartment and within the front seat area. The only thing we don't love is how low it sits to the ground, but that is a small complaint compared to all of the great value of this enjoyable car!

  4. Xzavier Huel 2025-04-15

    I've been the proud owner of this beautiful Galactic Aqua Mica car for 2½ years now. I got a great cash price as the model year was being cleared out and now it's worth more than what I paid for it, which is weird but definitely a pleasant surprise. This car is a satisfyingly peppy upgrade from my 2003 Civic Sedan (5M). When I get it in the right gear, it really goes! I love the automatic lights, automatic brake hill hold, CarPlay, and visibility. The seats are super comfortable and the auto disabling parking brake is a great feature. The gear shifting is smooth and the engine is very responsive. The steering is sort of video game-like, which is actually kind of fun. The suspension is amazing and goes around curves like you wouldn't believe for such an inexpensive car. The cargo area is a bit small and the heated seats can get too warm for southern New Hampshire, but those are minor issues. The backup camera is always dirty and the center armrest is a bit too far back, but overall, I could hardly be happier with this beautiful and quick car!

  5. Garnett Sporer 2025-04-10

    The Corolla Hatchback is an excellent car with a lot of great features. With an odometer reading of 48k, I have no complaints about its performance. I commute 80 miles every day and the car's fuel efficiency of 42 MPG is truly impressive. The car is very sporty, super nimble, and easy to drive, with excellent braking capabilities. Although it was not fun driving in the NOV 2018 snowstorm in NJ, I believe that the car is best suited for non-NE weather. While I do have some minor complaints about the climate controls and the difficulty of getting in and out of the car, these are really minor issues. I highly recommend the Corolla Hatchback as a solo car, as adding more than one person can be a bit of a challenge for this little guy. The hatchback is way quieter than most and handles curves like a race car. Although it's not a quick car, the first gear automatic really bridges the CVT power gap found in almost all new similar cars.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Toyota Corolla hatchback problems:

2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/corolla-hatchback/2020/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next ...

2020 Toyota Corolla SE with 20k mi. CVT Transmission FAILED. $8 ...
2020 Toyota Corolla SE with 20k mi. CVT Transmission FAILED. $8 ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/COROLLA/comments/vs68ic/2020_toyota_corolla_se_with_20k_mi_cvt/

Jul 5, 2022 ... I have about 46K miles on mine, I've had no issues with the transmission or any other mechanical failure - granted, I use my car mostly for ...

2020 Toyota Corolla Problems Include Faulty Backup Lights, Worn ...
2020 Toyota Corolla Problems Include Faulty Backup Lights, Worn ...
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/2020-toyota-corolla-problems-include-faulty-backup-lights-worn-labels-loss-of-brake-power

Nov 8, 2022 ... This recall covers just 960 units in total, all 2020 Corollas, all hatchback models. The issue comes down to a rear hatch wire harness connector ...

2019-2021 Corolla hatchback : r/COROLLA
2019-2021 Corolla hatchback : r/COROLLA
https://www.reddit.com/r/COROLLA/comments/kf31uj/20192021_corolla_hatchback/

Dec 17, 2020 ... ... issues or problems. I know when the new ... 2020 Toyota Corolla Le CVT reliability? 4 ... 2020 Corolla Hatchback or 2020 Civic Hatchback. 4 ...

CR Not Recommending Corolla Hatchback | Toyota Nation Forum
CR Not Recommending Corolla Hatchback | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/cr-not-recommending-corolla-hatchback.1709482/

Nov 19, 2021 ... There are a few threads on here with early gen hatchbacks (J-VIN 2019s) having 6mt transmission issues & resulted in several if not all ...

Other years of Toyota Corolla hatchback

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Corolla hatchback 2022
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toyota corolla hatchback 2020 photo
Corolla hatchback 2020
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