NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota Corolla Safety Ratings
The 2020 Toyota Corolla scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 301 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A full five-star overall NHTSA crash rating positions the 2020 Toyota Corolla as a genuinely strong performer in safety. This is further supported by a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it squarely in the Strong band. While three recall campaigns are noted, the standard crash-avoidance technology and high crash-test scores collectively indicate a robust safety profile for the model year.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Toyota Corolla ranks 57 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 301 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
The 2020 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Corolla in MotorCaliber's scoring: the Safety Index climbed seven points to 87/100 from the 2019 model year's 80/100, while both years remain in the Strong band. The gain is driven by a near-perfect crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, combined with a full 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across this model year. Where the 2020 year loses ground is in the defect record sub-score, which lands at 11 out of 20, pulled down by three active recall campaigns spanning seat belts, the fuel delivery system, and the air bag occupant classification sensor. The air bag sensor recall is particularly notable because it was initiated in late 2023, meaning a meaningful portion of 2020 Corollas on the used market may still carry an open remedy. The complaint volume of 301 reports, with engine concerns leading at 107 unverified allegations, adds additional weight to that 11-out-of-20 defect sub-score and explains why the Index, strong as it is, stops short of the top tier.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Toyota Corolla perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2020 Toyota Corolla five stars overall, five stars for frontal protection, and five stars for side protection. Rollover drops to four out of five stars, with a measured rollover risk of 10 percent and a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip. No category went unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14131
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Toyota Corolla have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses a rear seat-belt buckle assembly issued in late 2019. The second targets the fuel pump on the gasoline delivery system, issued in late 2020. The third, issued in late 2023, covers the occupant classification sensor in the air bag system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but all three campaigns warrant VIN verification for remedy completion.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexu
Reported 2023-12-20
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer
Reported 2020-11-04
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY19V877000
Risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.
Reported 2019-12-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
A total of 301 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged involvement in 22 crashes, 23 injuries, and 1 death. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are the Engine with 107 reports, Unknown Or Other with 79, and the Power Train with 34.
301 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
Any shopper considering a used 2020 Corolla should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. The 2023 airbag occupant classification sensor recall, in particular, may still be open on many units. Confirm that all three recall remedies have been completed by a dealer before taking delivery.
- The Safety Index rose seven points from the 2019 model year to 87/100 in 2020, the largest single-year gain visible in adjacent Corolla data, driven by strong crash-test sub-scores.
- A 2023 recall campaign covering the air bag occupant classification sensor is the most recently issued of the three recalls and is the one most likely to remain unresolved on used-market examples.
- The rollover rating of four out of five stars, with a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only NHTSA crash category where the 2020 Corolla falls below a five-star mark.
- Engine-related complaints account for 107 of the 301 total unverified NHTSA reports for this model year, making it the single most-cited component category by a wide margin over Power Train at 34 reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Toyota Corolla places
The 2020 Toyota Corolla qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Toyota Corolla safety questions
Was the 2020 Toyota Corolla crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Toyota Corolla, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2020 Toyota Corolla crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Toyota Corolla earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Corolla have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Toyota Corolla. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 301 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Toyota Corolla. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Corolla years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14131), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Corolla 2020.
- 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 57 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.