The Toyota COROLLA iM spans 2017–2018 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2018, 2017 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2017, 2018. It delivers up to 31 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Toyota COROLLA iM is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2017 to 2018 across multiple generations.
How to read a Toyota COROLLA iM VIN — every digit explained
Every Toyota COROLLA iM carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Toyota and the country it was built in (real Toyota codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this COROLLA iM.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJT2 · JT3 · JT4 · JT5 · JT6 · JT8
- USA4T1 · 4T3 · 4T4 · 58A · 5TB · 5TD
- Canada2T1 · 2T2 · 2T3
- Mexico3TM · 3TY
- TurkeyNMT
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your COROLLA iM, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Toyota COROLLA iM have?
The Toyota COROLLA iM has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2018. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2017 Toyota COROLLA iM recalls 1
Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire
What's wrong. Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was not adjusted to the proper pressure as stated on the Tire Pressure Label.
Risk. A spare tire that is not inflated to the proper value may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Gulf States will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the spare tires, adjusting their pressure as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 15, 2017. Owners may contact Gulf States customer service at 1-800-444-1074. Toyota's number for this recall is 17R2.
Best and worst years for the Toyota COROLLA iM
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 2 tracked years, the worst years are 2018, 2017 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2017, 2018.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 COROLLA iM | — | Avoid | |
| 2018 COROLLA iM | Forward Collision Avoidance | Avoid |
What are the most common Toyota COROLLA iM problems?
The most-reported Toyota COROLLA iM problems are Tires (1 reports), Air Bags (1 reports) and Steering (2 reports) — out of 8 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Toyota COROLLA iM specifications & dimensions
The 2018 Toyota COROLLA iM measures 170″ long on a 102″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,943 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Toyota COROLLA iM window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 102″ (260 cm) |
| Rear track | 59″ |
| Body / trim | Corolla Im 5dr Hatchback |
| Curb weight | 2,943 lb (1335 kg) |
| Front track | 59″ |
| Overall width | 69″ (176 cm) |
| Overall height | 56″ (141 cm) |
| Overall length | 170″ (433 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 61/39% |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Toyota COROLLA iM cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the COROLLA iM holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 90 cu ft of passenger volume and 21 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Toyota COROLLA iM tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Toyota COROLLA iM get?
The Toyota COROLLA iM returns up to 31 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,000/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2018 Toyota COROLLA iM (1.8L 4-cyl) gets 31 mpg combined and costs about $2,000/yr to fuel, emitting 283 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 7/10, smog 5/10) — that's about $1,000 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 COROLLA iM | 28 | 36 | $2,000 | 283 | 5/10 | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 COROLLA iM | 28 | 36 | $2,000 | 283 | 7/10 | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the COROLLA iM stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this COROLLA iM's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Toyota COROLLA iM have? Power & range
The Toyota COROLLA iM is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.8L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.8L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Toyota COROLLA iM cost to own?
A used Toyota COROLLA iM sells for a median of about $18,880 for a 2020 — most listed between $17,880 and $18,880, from 16 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 COROLLA iM | $17,880–$18,880 | 5 | |
| 2018 COROLLA iM | $9,877–$18,495 | 7 | |
| 2017 COROLLA iM | $6,500–$14,990 | 4 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a COROLLA iM is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Toyota COROLLA iM holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this COROLLA iM loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $10,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the COROLLA iM ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Toyota COROLLA iM to insure?
A Toyota COROLLA iM costs about $1,647 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 15% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (115, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the COROLLA iM's HLDI loss index. See Toyota insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Toyota COROLLA iM safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the COROLLA iM yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Toyota COROLLA iM last?
A well-maintained Toyota COROLLA iM typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Toyota COROLLA iM’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this COROLLA iM’s VIN free →All Toyota COROLLA iM model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Toyota COROLLA iM — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 COROLLA iM | 1 recall | — | |
| 2017 COROLLA iM | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the COROLLA iM?
By owner-complaint volume, 2018, 2017 drew the most reports. 2017, 2018 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the COROLLA iM have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2017–2018. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the COROLLA iM get?
Up to 31 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a COROLLA iM last?
A well-maintained COROLLA iM typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the COROLLA iM reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the COROLLA iM is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Toyota COROLLA iM warranty?
New Toyota models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Toyota dealer.
Where is the Toyota COROLLA iM made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your COROLLA iM's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Toyota may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a COROLLA iM weigh?
The COROLLA iM's curb weight is around 2,943 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the COROLLA iM have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.