Toyota Corolla hybrid problems

toyota logo

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.

photo of Toyota Corolla hybrid car production

Social links

Toyota Corolla hybrid model years

toyota corolla hybrid 2024 photo
Corolla hybrid 2024
Toyota

2

0

32

3.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota corolla hybrid 2022 photo
Corolla hybrid 2022
Toyota

1

0

26

2.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Toyota Corolla hybrid problems

Based on complaints from owners, common problems with Toyota Corolla Hybrid cars include:

  • Engine fails to start after running out of fuel: When the car runs out of fuel, a fail-safe feature prevents the engine from starting. Resetting the system by disconnecting the battery may be required to clear the code and restart the engine.
  • Electric-only mode unavailable: Some owners have experienced issues where the car cannot run on pure electricity due to low hybrid battery levels, displaying an error message stating "EV Mode Unavailable Hybrid Battery Low".
  • Dead batteries: Complaints have been made about the hybrid batteries dying, especially if the car is not driven daily. The constant power draw from electronics like theft deterrents and keyless entry systems can lead to starting issues, particularly in cold weather.
  • Noisy brakes: Owners have reported a "whirring/buzzing" noise when braking at low speeds, which is considered normal and attributed to the hybrid's regenerative braking system.
  • Woodland critter-attracting electrical wiring: The car's wiring insulation, made from a soy-based material, has attracted rodents like mice, rats, and squirrels, causing potential damage to the wiring system.

These problems highlight some of the challenges faced by Toyota Corolla Hybrid owners, ranging from fuel efficiency issues to battery-related concerns and unique challenges like attracting rodents due to the wiring material used in the car.

Toyota Corolla hybrid

Are Toyota Corolla hybrids reliable?

The Corolla Hybrid and the Prius Prime were named on the top 10 list of the most reliable car brands. It's been proven that hybrid cars are the most dependable and even more reliable than fully gas-powered vehicles and EVs. The 2023 Corolla Hybrid gets around 53 mpg in the city and 46 highway mpg of gas mileage.

How many miles will a Toyota Corolla Hybrid 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.

Is it worth buying Corolla Hybrid?

BOTTOM LINE. The 2023 Toyota Corolla hybrid delivers excellent fuel economy, a smooth but unexciting ride, and gets you where you need to go. It's one of few more affordable vehicles left with its starting price under $25K, and offers Toyota reliability on top of that, making it a tremendous value.

What is the common problem of Toyota Corolla?

Some common problems with the Toyota Corolla include: Oil leaking/excessive oil use. Jerky acceleration. MAF sensor problem.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Corolla hybrid years

We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Corolla hybrid cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Toyota Corolla hybrid model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Corolla hybrid model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Corolla hybrid years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Toyota Corolla hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Corolla hybrid , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Structure problems
  • Seats problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Corolla hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Corolla hybrid model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Corolla hybrid . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Corolla hybrid vehicles.

List of Toyota Corolla hybrid complaints

Toyota Corolla hybrid 2024
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
  • VIN: JTDBDMHE2RJ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owned a 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be driven frequently. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven daily, but the failure recurred while driving. Roadside assistance arrived on the scene and recharged the battery. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the battery voltage was low. The dealer charged the battery, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired and was sold back to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Toyota Corolla hybrid 2024
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-02-09
  • VIN: JTDBCMFE4R3
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. The contact stated that the headlights were designed with a curve which caused an obstruction in the driver's vision while driving at night. Due to the headlight design creating a blind spot in the driver's vision, the contact was forced to use the high beam headlights to drive at night. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a service technician acknowledged the failure; however, the technician stated that the manufacturer stood behind the design of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the design was within NHTSA safety standards. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Toyota Corolla hybrid 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-10-04
  • Date Complaint: 2021-10-04
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: JTDEAMDE3NJ
  • Components: STRUCTURE,SEATS
  • Summary: I bought a new Toyota Corolla Hybrid 2022. The interior driver door pull handle is so bulging, hard, and sharp, dangerous, that it hurts my left leg resting against it. It has already caused bruises and horrible leg pain. I've owned 2 previous Corollas from 2005 to present, but nothing like this. Toyota needs to go back to previous models or copy Honda Civic. They should relocate the door pull handle and make it more safe. Cars should get better, not worse. See pictures attached. Other friends who own this car have similar issue ! I would Corolla Product Engineers tell me a good solution ,or how to relocate handle, or give compensation for local upholstery change.

Latest negative Toyota Corolla hybrid car reviews

  1. Keaton Heller 2025-03-22

    Vehicle year: 2024

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my new 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Unfortunately, I did encounter an issue with the Electronic Brake System Malfunction error displaying within the first 200 miles. However, the dealer has been very helpful and provided me with a loaner vehicle while they work on replacing the Brake Booster System, which is currently not available from the manufacturer. I will definitely update my review once this safety issue is resolved. It's been two weeks so far, but I'm confident that everything will be taken care of soon!

  2. Nikko Hagenes 2025-01-20

    Vehicle year: 2024

    I purchased my 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid on January 21, 2021, and have driven 3k miles so far. The car runs perfectly and I absolutely love it. However, I have noticed some paint chipping on various parts of the car, including the back doors. As a result, I would rate it 3 stars. I bought the car from Dick Hannah in Kelso, Washington, and would recommend getting the extra layer of protection if you decide to purchase this car. It seems like I may need to get a new paint job for my car.

  3. Murray Moore 2025-01-07

    Vehicle year: 2022

    I purchased my 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid on January 21, 2021, and have driven 3k miles so far. The car runs perfectly and I absolutely love it. However, I have noticed some paint chipping on various parts of the car, including the back doors. As a result, I would rate it 3 stars. I bought the car from Dick Hannah in Kelso, Washington, and would recommend getting the extra layer of protection if you decide to purchase this car. It seems like I may need to get a new paint job for my car.

  4. Timmothy Gorczany 2024-11-21

    Vehicle year: 2022

    I'm so sorry to hear about the issues you're experiencing with your 2021 Corolla hybrid. It's frustrating when you make an informed purchase and encounter problems like dark shadows in the headlights and a vibrating passenger seat. These issues can be safety concerns, especially when they affect your visibility and distract you from the road. Have you tried contacting the dealership again to see if they can offer any solutions? I hope you're able to find a resolution soon so you can fully enjoy your car.

  5. Emilio Nikolaus 2024-09-24

    Vehicle year: 2024

    Our 2021 Corolla is capable of achieving up to 50/51 mpg, however, it is important to note that actual mileage may vary depending on various factors such as driving conditions and habits. While we understand your disappointment with the current average of 41 mpg during your long trip, we assure you that our vehicle is designed to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency. We recommend consulting the owner's manual for tips on how to optimize fuel economy. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Latest positive Toyota Corolla hybrid car reviews

  1. Carter Witting 2025-06-21

    Vehicle year: 2022

    I just purchased a new car this week. Due to Covid cutbacks, I had to downgrade from my Camry Hybrid SE. Although I gave up some power and room, and the heated seats, I'm happy to say that the car feels more refined than its price point would suggest. It has a push-button start, a decent basic stereo, reasonably comfortable seats, and little touches like automatic high beams, lighted vanity mirrors, heated outside mirrors, and decent connectivity including Android Auto. The car is also very maneuverable, with a tight turning radius and a responsive steering wheel. The ride is comfortable but not floaty, and the big plus is the mileage. So far, it looks like the mileage is going to match my husband's Prius LE Eco. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

  2. Deonte Leannon 2025-06-12

    Vehicle year: 2022

    Congratulations on your new car! It's great to hear that you're already getting an impressive 52 miles per gallon. I'm sure it will only get better from here. On the highway, the car seems to handle beautifully and the engine doesn't struggle at all. Plus, it's so quiet and comfortable that you don't even feel the wind blowing you around. It's wonderful to hear that the car handles better than your previous one and that the music system is top-notch. I hope you enjoy your new car for many years to come!

  3. Wilmer Kilback 2025-06-11

    Vehicle year: 2024

    I purchased a brand new 2022 Corolla Hybrid with the intention of saving on gas and using it for my daily commute for at least 15 years. The EPA mileage of 52 combined was easily surpassed within the first two days of driving. I am now getting an impressive 70+ mpg on my commute, which includes a mix of city, freeway, hills, and bumper-to-bumper traffic. This car is perfect for my daily commute needs. The drive is incredibly smooth, both at take-off and at speed, and the handling is quick and light, making it easy to maneuver. If you drive this car as intended, you can easily achieve 60+ mpg. I am extremely satisfied with this car, especially with gas prices ranging from $5-7/gallon. With 75mpg, I can travel about 700 miles on a single tank, even after the 'low fuel light' comes on. The hybrid system may not be suitable for those looking for a 'speed demon', but for me, it's the perfect choice. I don't know of any other car, except for an EV or hybrid, that can achieve such high mpg, regardless of driving style. This car is very sensitive to driving style, but with gas prices at an all-time high, I can drive in the slow lane at the 65mph speed limit. Update: I have now driven 12600 miles on the car, and everything I mentioned above still holds true. The mild California winter weather has slightly reduced the mpg to about 67, but now that the weather is warmer, the mpg is back up to about 72. I have found that driving on the freeway at 55mph and above for long periods will maximize the mpg to the 60 range. At that speed for long distances, the engine runs about 75-80% of the time, leaving little time for 'EV' battery-only mode. However, as I mentioned earlier, I have never had any car that achieved even close to 60+mpg, regardless of how I drive. There is one minor issue with the displayed MPG on the console, as it always seems to run about 3-5 MPG above the actual measured MPG during fill-up. I wish there was a way to 'calibrate' this to be more accurate. Overall, I am extremely pleased with this car.

  4. Jaydon Kessler 2025-06-04

    Vehicle year: 2022

    I gave up on car shopping and decided to buy a Corolla hybrid. At first, I had some regrets, but it has grown on me and I actually like this little car now. You get a lot of features that are usually found in more expensive cars for your money. The interior is pretty nice looking and it's very quiet around town and even on freeways with good roads. As some reviews say, hard acceleration into the freeway can be a bit loud, but it does have a little oomph and I generally don't fear merging onto major high-speed traffic. The safety features are amazing for this class and Toyota was offering some sweet deals on the price. I have managed to maintain a 64 mpg average with pokey driving, which seems unreal, but fill-ups are few and far between. I have no regrets in this purchase.

  5. Jovan Quigley 2025-06-02

    Vehicle year: 2024

    Hello! We are two seniors who are in need of all the available safety features. We have been using it for two days now and we are getting used to it. So far, we absolutely love it! It's worth mentioning that it has been highly rated by Consumer Reports.

Are you having problems with your Toyota Corolla hybrid?

Add car complaint
Toyota Corolla hybrid photo