About this problem
Air bag complaints cover several different faults: bags that did not deploy in a crash, bags that went off without a crash, warning lights that stay on, and inflators that were recalled because they could rupture. The common thread is that the system is a safety device you cannot test yourself. A lit air bag light means the system has found a fault and may not work in a crash, so it should be checked promptly.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Toyota Corolla since 2012, 772 (29.2%) describe air bag problems, making it the most reported problem we track on the Corolla. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2016 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 299. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 15,000 and 60,000 miles. 332 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 8 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Corolla complaints about air bags fall into two groups: air bags that did not deploy in a crash, and air bag warning lights that stay on. The 2012 model year stands out because of its part in the huge Takata air bag inflator recalls, and many of the complaints mention those recall repairs.
How it gets fixed
Air bag recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. A warning light that stays on usually points to a sensor, a clock spring in the steering wheel or wiring under the seat.
Typical cost: Recall repairs are free. Diagnosing and fixing a warning light usually costs $150 to $600.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"The airbag light on the passenger side of the car started blinking red when the car is off, when the car is on the light says the airbag is off. I took it to the Toyota dealer like I was recommended to do after checking the recall website."
2016 Toyota Corolla, 94,000 miles
"Takata recall: while we appreciate being contacted about the potentially lethal safety hazard from the takata air bags in our Toyota, it's unacceptable to be told not to have anyone sit in the front passenger seat until a fix is made available."
2012 Toyota Corolla, 40,000 miles
"Toyota recall: takata air bag inflator purchased dec 2 2016 at ron carter cadillac. At time of purchase I asked if it had any takata parts. Answer was no. No mention of inflators being takata!"
2013 Toyota Corolla, 66,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louis
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX4
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model y
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Corolla, 2011-2013 Matrix, 2012-2018 Avalon, and 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid vehicles.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan),
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Toyota has sent dealers 9 bulletins that mention this problem on the Corolla. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
DP: On November 28, 2023, a class action settlement of claims for certain airbag control units was finally approved by the federal court.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ?
Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
Beginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment.
Toyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation.
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA19001 · 2012–2019 · opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024
Engineering analysis EA21002 · 2012–2018 · opened Sep 2021
Before you buy a Corolla
- Check by VIN for open air bag recalls before buying, and do not buy one with an open Takata recall until it is fixed.
- Make sure the air bag light comes on at start and then goes off.
- Ask for paperwork showing completed recall repairs.
Questions
Which Toyota Corolla years have air bag problems?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2016 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 299 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 36,000 miles, and half reported it between 15,000 and 60,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall repairs are free. Diagnosing and fixing a warning light usually costs $150 to $600.