1980 Toyota Corolla recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. DUE TO A FAULTY PRESS DIE USED IN MANUFACTURING ALTERNATOR PULLEYS, PULLEYS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY CRACK AND BREAK DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. THE BATTERY WOULD THEN BE CONSTANTLY DRAINED WITHOUT RECHARGING.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE ALTERNATOR PULLEYS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1980 COROLLA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V045000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: DUE TO A FAULTY PRESS DIE USED IN MANUFACTURING ALTERNATOR PULLEYS, PULLEYS INSTALLED ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY CRACK AND BREAK DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. THE BATTERY WOULD THEN BE CONSTANTLY DRAINED WITHOUT RECHARGING.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE ALTERNATOR PULLEYS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2OR AND 3TC ENGINES.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; ALTERNATOR PULLEY.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: VEHICLE WOULD EVENTUALLY BE RENDERED INOPERABLE BYDRAINING OF THE BATTERY AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF TRAFFIC, AN ACCIDENT COOULDRESULT. ALSO, BROKEN PULLEY PARTS MAY SCATTER AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY AT THETIME OF FAILURE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 1980 Toyota Corolla owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
03/02/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control
THE TOYOTA COROLLA I BOUGHT AT SPINELLI TOYOTA IN LACHINE, QUEBEC, ABOUT 30 YEARS AGO ALSO HAD SUDDEN ACCELERATION SPEED CONTROL PROBLEMS. I COMPLAINED ABOUT IT SEVERAL TIMES BUT WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. I BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION BECAUSE I CANNOT HAVE BEEN THE ONLY ONE WHO EXPERIENCED THIS, AND I BELIEVE THAT AN INVESTIGATION WILL PROVE THAT THE P…
06/06/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT REAR AXLE CAME OFF OF VEHICLE, RESULTING IN WHEEL FALLING OFF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS