NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Toyota Corolla Safety Ratings
The 2023 Toyota Corolla scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 71 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback maintains strong crash-test performance, a consistent attribute for the model. This year, however, three recall campaigns and a notable uptick in steering-related owner complaints have impacted its overall safety profile. These factors contribute to a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, positioning it in the Strong band.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 3 Hatchback/Wagons from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Toyota Corolla ranks 2 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 | 10.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 71 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 3 Hatchback/Wagons tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Toyota Corolla?
The 2023 model year tells a notably different safety story than the 2022 edition. The Safety Index dropped three points, from 90/100 in the Exceptional band to 87/100 in the Strong band, and the defect record sub-score of 11/20 is the single biggest drag on the composite figure. Three recall campaigns, all centered on steering, define this year's defect profile in a way that no prior Corolla Hatchback year in the data set does. The steering-column campaigns are not minor housekeeping recalls; one specifically cites crack development in steering components, a structural concern that affects handling integrity. On the crash-test side, the picture is genuinely strong: the avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10/10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the crash-protection sub-score of 66/70 is backed by 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA. The 4-star rollover result and 11 percent rollover risk are consistent with a front-wheel-drive hatchback body style and are not a red flag in context. The 71 reported complaints, with steering appearing as the second-most-cited component category, reinforce the pattern the recall data already flags. This year's index movement is a direct and honest reflection of that recall concentration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Toyota Corolla perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback demonstrated a noteworthy performance in federal crash testing, achieving 5 out of 5 stars overall. This included perfect 5-star ratings in both frontal and side impact assessments. The one area that did not achieve a top score was rollover, which earned 4 out of 5 stars; the measured rollover risk was 11 percent, and the vehicle recorded a No Tip result in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18586
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Toyota Corolla have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two target the steering column, affecting components shared with the Highlander and Corolla Cross among others. A third recall, issued in late 2024, addresses cracks that developed in steering components specific to 2023 and 2024 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data.
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
STEERING24V878000
Risk: A steering shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24TB13/24TA13.
Reported 2024-11-21
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has logged 71 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues at 18 reports, Steering at 16, Electrical System and Engine each at 13, and Exterior Lighting at 11. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
71 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Toyota Corolla?
Any shopper considering this 3-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All three steering-related recall campaigns should be confirmed as remedied, not merely open. Verify completion documentation with the selling party.
- This model year carries three recall campaigns, all involving steering components, including one citing crack development in steering parts specific to 2023 and 2024 Corolla models.
- The Safety Index fell from 90/100 in 2022 to 87/100 in 2023, a drop driven entirely by the defect record sub-score of 11/20, the weakest component in this year's index breakdown.
- NHTSA crash tests awarded 5 stars overall, frontally, and in side impact, with a 4-star rollover result and a No Tip outcome in the dynamic test, making crash protection the strongest dimension of this year's safety profile.
- Seventy-one unverified owner complaints on file include 16 alleging steering issues, a pattern that aligns directly with the recall campaigns and warrants VIN-level verification of remedy completion before any used purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Toyota Corolla places
The 2023 Toyota Corolla qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Toyota Corolla safety questions
Was the 2023 Toyota Corolla crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Toyota Corolla crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 10.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Toyota Corolla have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Toyota Corolla. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Toyota Corolla?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 71 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 Hatchback/Wagon (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Station | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Ford Transit Connect | 86/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18586), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Corolla 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 2 of 3 in the Hatchback/Wagon 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.