NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Safety Ratings
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 4 recalls, and 172 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SUV AWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band. While its crash protection and comprehensive avoidance technology package are solid, the vehicle's four recalls and a modest defect-record subscore temper this performance. These factors indicate a reasonable, though not unqualified, safety profile for the model year.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SUV AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, according to NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross ranks 78 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 172 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 78 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross?
Four distinct recall campaigns mark the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, addressing issues with the steering column, frontal air bags, and the instrument panel. This recall volume yields a defect-record subscore of 11.75 out of a possible 20, representing the weakest element within its overall safety profile. Despite these concerns, the model earns an 85/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band, consistent with the 2022 model year. This consistent scoring indicates that the hybrid powertrain introduction did not alter the vehicle's safety performance. Crash protection ratings are robust, with a 63 out of 70 subscore. The side-impact crash test received a full 5-star rating, while the frontal crash test earned a solid 4 stars. Its avoidance technology suite scored a perfect 10 out of 10. Owners filed 172 complaints, primarily citing engine and electrical system problems, though these complaints remain unverified. The 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid thus presents strong passive and active safety systems, juxtaposed with a notable recall record for its model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Corolla Cross received a 5 out of 5 star rating from NHTSA in the side-impact test. Its frontal crash rating was 4 out of 5 stars. However, NHTSA did not publish overall or rollover ratings for this model year. This absence of a rating should not be interpreted as a low score.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18590
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross have any recalls?
Four recalls cover this model year. Two address steering column concerns, one targets frontal air bags on vehicles previously inspected at a dealer, and one involves an instrument cluster panel defect. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data, but the air bag campaign in particular warrants prompt VIN verification given its safety-critical system.
STEERING:COLUMN25V040000
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag will not deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 25TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 25LA02.
Reported 2025-01-29
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL23V864000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA16. Vehicles previously inspected under 23V-384 will need to return to the dealership for additional inspection.
Reported 2023-12-20
STEERING:COLUMN23V480000
Risk: A deactivated driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.
Reported 2023-07-12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V384000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the instrument panel, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 10, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB04/23TA04.
Reported 2023-05-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross?
Owners have filed 172 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported incidents involving 6 crashes and 5 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the engine, electrical system, and steering. All complaints are unverified consumer reports, not established defects.
172 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross?
A prospective owner of a 2023 Corolla Cross should verify all four open recall campaigns have been remedied. The most critical of these federal safety actions address the air bag and steering column. Unresolved recall work remains the primary safety variable a used car buyer can directly control.
- Four recalls were issued specifically against the 2023 model year, covering steering columns twice, frontal air bags, and the instrument cluster panel, producing a defect-record subscore of 11.75 out of 20.
- The side-impact test earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, while the frontal test returned 4 out of 5 stars. Overall and rollover ratings were not completed by NHTSA for this model year.
- The Safety Index of 85/100 is unchanged from the 2022 model year, meaning the hybrid variant's arrival did not produce a measurable safety improvement or decline relative to its predecessor.
- A total of 172 unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with alleged engine and electrical system issues leading the count. These are consumer-reported allegations and have not been confirmed as defects.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross places
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Toyota Corolla Cross safety questions
Was the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 172 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Corolla Cross years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18590), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Corolla Cross 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 78 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.