2016 Toyota Corolla Safety Report
2016 Toyota Corolla: Strong Crash Test Scores, But Airbag Deployment and CVT Failures Are Significant Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score
The 2016 Toyota Corolla receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Toyota Corolla
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Toyota Corolla:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Non-Deployment Multiple complaints and a recall (19V877000) indicate airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash, leading to injuries. |
High | Common | all miles |
| Cvt Transmission Failure Owners report CVT transmission failures, often with codes like P2757, requiring expensive replacement, sometimes linked to TSB T-SB-0150-16. |
High | Occasional | 30000-60000 miles |
| Steering Issues Reports of steering wheel seizing or disengaging from actual car wheels, leading to loss of control. |
Medium | Occasional | 40000-87000 miles |
| Seat Belt Malfunction Driver seat belt not latching or showing as unbuckled despite being latched, with persistent warning chimes. |
Medium | Rare | all miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions Issues like radio resetting, in-dash clock resetting, flashing tire pressure light, and corroded wiring affecting power windows. |
Low | Occasional | all miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Toyota Corolla:
Frequent complaints about airbags failing to deploy in collisions, directly addressed by a recall.
Reports of unintended acceleration and sudden downshifting.
General complaints related to braking performance.
Issues primarily related to the CVT transmission, including failure and knocking/vibrating during acceleration.
Combined complaints regarding the entire restraint system, including non-deployment and seat belt malfunctions.
Reports of steering wheel seizing or disengaging from the wheels.
Complaints about premature tire wear, dry rot, bubbles, and blowouts, even on relatively new tires.
General issues with exterior lighting components.
Problems including radio/clock resets, TPMS light issues, and corroded wiring.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Toyota Corolla
Is the 2016 Toyota Corolla safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Toyota Corolla received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side; 4-star rollover). However, there are significant safety concerns due to 32 complaints about airbags failing to deploy in crashes, and a recall (19V877000) specifically addressing this issue. This indicates a potential critical safety flaw despite strong crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2016 Toyota Corolla?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Toyota Corolla are related to AIR BAGS (32 complaints), with multiple reports of non-deployment in collisions. Other common problems include VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (12 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints), and POWER TRAIN (11 complaints), often linked to CVT transmission failures. There are also reports of steering issues, seat belt malfunctions, and electrical system glitches.
Has the 2016 Toyota Corolla been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 Toyota Corolla has been subject to at least one recall (NHTSA ID: 19V877000) concerning the AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. This recall addresses a defect where the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners may not deploy as intended during certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury.
Are there issues with the 2016 Toyota Corolla's transmission?
Yes, there are multiple complaints regarding the 2016 Toyota Corolla's powertrain, specifically the CVT transmission. Owners have reported CVT transmission failures, often at mileages between 30,000 and 60,000, with diagnostic codes like P2757, and facing high repair costs. Some complaints link these issues to Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletins.
What is the reliability score for the 2016 Toyota Corolla?
Given the 208 total complaints, 56 injuries, and critical issues like airbag non-deployment and CVT failures, despite its strong crash test ratings, the reliability score is estimated at 65 out of 100. The high number of safety-critical complaints detracts significantly from its otherwise good reputation.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Prospective buyers of a 2016 Toyota Corolla should prioritize verifying that the airbag recall (19V877000) has been completed and thoroughly inspect the vehicle's service history for any powertrain or CVT transmission repairs, as these are significant and costly known issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Toyota Corolla
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Toyota Corolla. The data includes 208 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 56 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Toyota Corolla an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.