Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel seized with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering module and the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.
I have been driving my car since 2016, however since Nov 24, 2023. Incidents that alarm me have happen. I have filed a police report but don't have the funds to get vehicle swept. All of these events occur while I am driving. Passenger windows goes up in and down a lot. Static in my speakers. Steering wheels lock. somethings draining my battery. though I have ensured nothings on or there isn't any short fuses. Doors unlock. Door beeps though someone has had access. Trunk pops open. I am reaching out to NHTSA because my safety is at risk. Is any other Corolla owners reporting this. Please assist me.
I was exiting a freeway offramp and as I was turning at a speed of approximately 35 mph, I had both hands on the steering wheel and full control, but the actual car wheels disengaged from the steering. The car went in a different direction than the steering wheel and hit a wall. I was able to reverse. But, as I kept driving, the steering wheel was not controlling the car wheels correctly. When I would turn the steering wheel, the car's wheels wouldn't obey.
A knocking noise is coming from the front of car. Noise correlates with car motion. Worn parts in suspension were replaced by Euro Car Doctor in Costa Mesa. One problem complies with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin. Noise continues. The electronic invoice has photos of worn parts. Euro Car Doctor documents concern. I do not trust the local Toyota dealer service department to properly inspect the vehicle.
I recently 6 weeks ago bought a used certified 2016 Toyota Corolla with 43,000 miles. I have been going back and forth with Toyota since the day after I bought it about the many mechanical issues that pose a major safety risk. The car shudders/vibrates when accelerating, knocks when backing up. And when making turns the car shifts hard side to side with a shudder and wobble in floor board of car. It feels as if you don't have control of the vehicle when driving. It has lots of loose play in the front end and steering really the whole car. It also has a problem going up hill and jumping on fwy a major problem accelerating. They keep telling me car is working per design but this is a lie. I have taken it to 2 other mechanics who told me this car has major issues safety ones to take it back. Toyota fixed the control arms stating that might be what it is but the same problems remain. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn at 5 MPH, the steering wheel locked as an unknown warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact immediately depressed her brake pedal, however, the vehicle proceeded to move forward independently down an incline. The contact panicked and ejected herself from the vehicle as her vehicle then hit a trailer that was attached to another vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact sustained injuries to her left arm but did not receive any medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to longo Toyota (3534 n, peck rd, el monte, ca 91731) where it had yet to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and an investigator was sent out to inspect the vehicle. …
I was driving out of a parking lot at 10-15mph. A car was waiting to turn at a stop sign 200 feet ahead. The road had mild snow and ice and was on a 20 degree slope, so I stepped gently on the brake. There was no response from the car. I stepped off the brake and stepped down a little harder. There was mild response. I continued pushing on the brake, and was able to push all the way down to the floor. The car did not stop. 50 feet before collision, I attempted turning the wheel to get out of the way, but the car only shifted 3 feet before I collided with the front car. 50 minutes after the incident, I was driving the same car home at 25mph. The city street was flat and straight, and there was mild snow and ice. A car was turning right at an intersection 250 ft ahead. I was worried this time, and pressed on the brake earlier at moderate pressure (pedal half down). …
Involved in collision on October 14, 2019. Vehicle liable for collision hit the front of left side of my vehicle. Air bag did not deploy, safety restraint did not operate correctly. Suffered injuries to lefts side of body, head, neck, leg, front and back. Body propelled forward towards wheel and dash arm, shoulder and one contacted vehicle and head hit steering wheel. Went to er. Seeking treatment for injuries for 6 months now and ongoing.
Noted over head light by the back seat making a electrical static noise while the car was running on a city street and was about to make a right turn suddenly the engine died, steering wheel became stiffed not able to manuever, EPS light came out battery was fully charge for some reason still draining the power down to 9.6 volts from 12volts. Please see attached photo per my mechanic same problem from Toyota yaris 2005. This part is called the electric power actuator for electric power steering. Electrical system which on the board (green color)has malfunction causing the EPS or steering wheel becoming stiff and battery to drained. When car is running and accidentally run over something like hump or any debris the malfunction will start. This is what happenned to me when I was about to turn right theres a hump.this part cost a lot and hopefully Toyota will enlighthen with this problem. …
Transmission problem: my RPM is low and vibrates the car and loss of performance, while shifts gear improperly. I have 6 OEM enhanced DTC, I can provide pictures, the important code is ECM/PCM code. ABS: every time I hit a pothole, ABS makes grinding noise. Power steering problem: I did alignment, even after that my steering my car swerved to the left and right on highway, it's like I have to battle my car to be in the lane. Windshield wipers: the fastest level is not fast enough, also my windshield becomes like oilish, like it's hard to wipe my windshield,there are times in the heavy rain, lottery I could lose my way out, I slow down in case I hit something at least it will be minor damage.
Steering complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2016 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Toyota Corolla, 10% of the model year's 215 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Toyota Corolla steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2016 Toyota Corolla, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota Corolla steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.