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Toyota Corolla key fob problems

10 of the 11,674 owner complaints about the Toyota Corolla describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
2014
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2020
    1
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    3
  • 2009
    2
  • 2004
    1

Often reported together

Door locks 6No deployment 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Body, Electrical · CA

I am unable to lock or unlock the driver’s side door of my 2020 Toyota Corolla using the key fob because the door lock actuator is no longer functioning properly. I must manually use the physical key to lock and unlock the driver’s door. I consider this a significant safety concern because the power locking system is no longer functioning as intended, potentially affecting my ability to quickly secure or access the vehicle, particularly in an emergency. I have contacted Toyota directly to report the issue and request assistance with the repair, but Toyota is currently declining to cover the repair. I am proceeding with having the vehicle repaired independently because I need the door lock system restored to proper working condition. I have also learned that other Toyota owners have reported similar premature failures involving the door lock actuator. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this complaint to determine whether this represents a recurring defect or potential safety-related problem that warrants further investigation.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · CA · crash · 1 injury

The driver seat belt dont work and once in a great while it will work but even whenever it does latch it still shows the seat belt isn't on and that noise keeps going off but after a while the noise goes off but the symbol is still on the dash board. I recently got hit from behind (09/15/2025) at a red light and no air bags deployed. Im not sure if they were suppose to deploy but either way my seat belt dont work. And I know this isn't a safety matter but my radio doesn't turn off when I turn off my car and I can't lock/unlock my doors with the key fob I have to lock it with the key on the driver door. I have to take the fuse out for the radio so my battery won't die and so the radio turns off.

Filed Feb 15, 2020 · 45,996 miles · NY

The problem started with 3 of the door lock actuators not functioning properly on my 2014 corolla. The key fob would not activate them. I brought it in for service on 2/8/2020 and the dealer confirmed they were faulty and would order the parts. Within a couple of days, the 4th actuator and the trunk lock actuator also failed. I bought it in on 2/15/2020 to have the first 3 fixed and also to confirm the problem with the other 2 issues so those parts could be ordered. I was told the cost to fix the first 3 would be about $1500! The extended warranty I purchased had expired and so I could not afford this. I was told by the service consultant that he's seen this problem with corollas. I looked on line and have found numerous complaints for this same vehicle about this same situation. With this number of complaints, I would think there would have been a recall by toyota as this can be considered a safety issue, considering it takes longer for people to get in their which can subject them to possible criminal activity. They also should do the right thing and fix them at no charge because they know it's a problem. I've attached the service for 2/15/2020 just to show that I did bring it in.

Filed Jun 8, 2019 · Electrical · 51,000 miles · MN

I have three separate door lock actuaters that have failed or are failing all within a 2 month period with only 51000 miles on the odometer. The front right passenger door will not lock or unlock unless I manually flip the switch, and the front left driver door and left rear passenger door intermittently will not lock or unlock when I use the key fob or when I shift the car into gear. This makes it difficult to know if the car is secured when I park it or when starting to drive, and I am concerned if the rear child safety locks do not function correctly now. I have had the toyota dealership in rochester mn confirmed the need for 3 door lock actuators and are asking for over $1400 for fixing them. I am in touch with toyota north america hoping to be approved for a "goodwill" fix. Doing further research online shows two separate law firms investigating this issue as there has been a significant uptick in door lock actuator failures in various toyota vehicles. I believe they are defective.

Filed Mar 23, 2019 · Body, Electrical · CA

Lock actuator failure. The elmor toyota dealership in huntington beach california told me with out performing any diagnostic that my driver and passenger lock actuator is failing and due to the use of gel air fresheners.. Which I do not use.. Both from driver and passenger side doors do not lock and unlock with key fob or panel inside the car door. They do not lock either when the car is in motion. They only unlock with my mechanically use the key from the fob or I have to flip the door open from inside the car.

Filed Dec 23, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 70,000 miles · FL

I have difficulty when locking/unlocking my vehicle with my remote key fob and main look system from all doors of the vehicle. When the lock/unlock button is pushed on the vehicle's two front doors the driver's side door does not lock with the other doors on the vehicle. The driver side door is the only door that malfunctions all other doors operate efficiently. This locking malfunction occurs when the vehicle is parked. The driver's door can be locked manually by pushing the lock inwards or using the car key to manually lock/unlock the door. Please investigate this issue as the vehicle's locking system is a primary concern for the safety of the vehicle, the vehicle's owner, and the owner's property inside the vehicle. My vehicle is approximately 4 years old. I have also spoken with other toyota corolla owners (including year models of 2014 and 2015) who complain of the same issues.

Filed May 29, 2016 · Electrical · 76,000 miles · HI

Vehicle was stationary in park on level street. All three car door lock actuator failed in a row w/one week period. First drivers, front passengers, and passenger behind driver's door. Noticed issue when locking door with key fob "lock" button to activate car alarm. Car alarm would not activate. Walked back to vehicle to check if doors were locked. Doors were not locked and in the open "red" color position.

Filed Aug 18, 2015 · Body, Electrical · HI

Driver's door lock does not lock/unlock when pressing the lock/unlock button on the key fob and pressing the lock/unlock button on the driver's door and passengers door.

Filed May 13, 2015 · NY

2015 toyota corolla. Consumer writes in regards to no key fob came with the vehicle only an entry key.

Filed Oct 14, 2014 · Body, Locks · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the driver side door failed to unlock. The contact mentioned that the door would not unlock using the key, the key fob, or manually. As a result, the contact had to enter the vehicle through the passenger door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN and failure mileage were unavailable.

Related recalls

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryReported October 11, 1995 · 9,882 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The battery can have a defective weld inside the positive and/or negative terminal allowing the connection inside the terminal to separate.
Risk
This condition can result in a no-start condition, or a battery explosion.
Remedy
Dealers will replace defective batteries.

Recall number 95V195001 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported November 8, 1994 · 16,497 vehicles affected
What is wrong
An unused harness connector for power windows, power door locks and sunroof was improperly routed under the floor carpet in the left kick panel. If the vehicle is operated in cold weather conditions where large amounts of road salts are used, the salt water or snow carried into the vehicle by the driver's shoes can penetrate the carpet and drip onto the connector resulting in the formation of a salt bridge between the terminals.
Risk
This causes an electrical short inside the harness, and can result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the unused harness connector.

Recall number 94V220000 · Recall details

Questions about the Toyota Corolla key fob

Which Toyota Corolla years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (3 complaints), 2009 (2 complaints) and 2015 (2 complaints).

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