# Toyota Corolla traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 21 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (4) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 21 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Toyota Corolla (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (4). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Toyota Corolla traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 2 | 220 | 1% | | 2016 | 4 | 215 | 2% | | 2017 | 3 | 189 | 2% | | 2018 | 4 | 136 | 3% | | 2019 | 1 | 206 | 0% | | 2020 | 4 | 314 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 103 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 74 | 1% | | 2025 | 1 | 32 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Corolla recalls related to the traction control light **[19V544000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V544000)** (2020 models, reported 2019-07-24): Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for... Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Corolla owners report - "The car has been displaying several (5) alerts, including those related to the parking brake system, drive-start control system, check engine light, vehicle stability control system, and secondary collision brake system. I took the car to a dealer for repairs, and they assured me that the issues were resolved...." -- owner of a 2025 Toyota Corolla, complaint filed 2025 - "Disengaging the vehicles traction control helps to alleviate issue. Vehicle and issue will be presented to my Toyota dealer." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Corolla, complaint filed 2023 - "The dashboard is now throwing critical error codes stating 'A malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected' and 'A malfunction in the VSC, TRAC, or hill-start assist control system has been detected.' Additionally, their own technician documented that my..." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota Corolla, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Corolla traction control light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (19V544000) covering 2020 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Corolla years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2018 and 2020 Corolla model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 4 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Corolla with the traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### How do I check if my Toyota Corolla has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Corolla warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-corolla): 38 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-corolla): 28 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-corolla): 79 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-corolla): 41 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-corolla): 33 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Toyota Corolla - [Toyota Corolla specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-corolla) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-corolla Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.