1996 Toyota Corolla Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 25%of 129 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Toyota Corolla, 25% of the 129 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 22 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Consumer's vehicle was involved in a minor accident and there was a delay with the air bags deploying, which caused injuries to the driver and passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #10022171, filed 2003-07, 120,000 miles“I was pulling out of a parking space (parallel, side of the road) when I was struck by a crown victoria going at least 50mph. The impact caused the entire front end of my crolla to fold, accordian style, and resulted in a complete loss of the vehicle. Neither the driver side nor passenger side airbags deployed. I was wearing my seatbelt, so only minor injuries were sustained.”
NHTSA complaint #725081, filed 2000-07“I was in an accident going approx 50 miles an hour, fronal impact. Neither of the airbags in the front came out. I have contacted Toyota and they investigated the car but they will not contact me and let me know what their investigation turned up. I have contacted them several times but they keep giving me the run around.”
NHTSA complaint #700765, filed 1998-11“I was in a car accident 10/23/00, in which I hit another vehicle from behind. I was driving at 45mph. My air bags failed to go off. Lukily, I was wearing my seat belt. The estimated damage to my vehicle is over $6,000, which is more than the car is worth. Also, in feb. Of this year, while at a stop light, another driver informed me my left tail light was on fire. The fire caused my alternator to blow, and the battery to drain. I took my car back to the dealer, they couldn't find the cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #735157, filed 2000-10“Vehicle rear ended another vehicle at 50mph and the passenger side airbag did not deploy. The driver's side airbag deployed improperly, and knocked driver's head through side window. Gas from the airbag ignited a fire on the driver's sweat shirt. Manufacturer said there was no problem.”
NHTSA complaint #834632, filed 1999-02Related service bulletins
- 10244113Aug 17, 2023TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most…
- 10131961Jan 14, 2014Toyota 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…
- 10133915Jan 3, 2013Toyota 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. If a customer…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 19% |
| 2024 | 8 | 12% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 | 53 | 28% |
| 2020 | 18 | 6% |
| 2019 | 33 | 16% |
| 2018 | 36 | 26% |
| 2017 | 54 | 30% |
| 2016 | 65 | 30% |
| 2015 | 56 | 25% |
| 2014 | 69 | 25% |
| 2013 | 72 | 36% |
| 2012 | 370 | 83% |
| 2011 | 418 | 72% |
| 2010 | 424 | 34% |
| 2009 | 552 | 38% |
| 2008 | 138 | 44% |
| 2007 | 436 | 52% |
| 2006 | 454 | 54% |
| 2005 | 457 | 54% |
| 2004 | 236 | 49% |
| 2003 | 333 | 46% |
| 2002 | 23 | 20% |
| 2001 | 23 | 17% |
| 2000 | 17 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 12% |
| 1998 | 61 | 27% |
| 1997 | 29 | 21% |
| 1996 | 32 | 25% |
| 1995 | 54 | 31% |
| 1994 | 69 | 40% |
| 1993 | 48 | 37% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Toyota Corolla
18 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Toyota Corolla
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology