What the Toyota Corolla VIN decoder shows
The Corolla is one of the most common used cars in the US, so there are many to choose from and many look alike. The same trim name can hide a different engine depending on the year: a 2021 Corolla LE has a 1.8L engine, while a 2023 LE has a 2.0L. Our decoder shows:
- Generation and model year: E130, E140, E170 or E210.
- Body style: sedan or hatchback.
- Engine and powertrain: 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L (XRS), hybrid or the GR Corolla’s turbo three-cylinder.
- Assembly plant: Mississippi, Canada, California (NUMMI) or Japan, from the first three characters and character 11.
- Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.
Toyota Corolla generations in the US
| Generation | US model years | Body styles | Main US trims |
|---|---|---|---|
| E210 (12th) | 2020–present (Hatchback from 2019) | Sedan, Hatchback | L (to 2022), LE, XLE, SE, XSE, Hybrid, GR Corolla (from 2023) |
| E170 (11th) | 2014–2019 | Sedan (Corolla iM hatchback 2017–2018) | L, LE, LE Eco, S, SE, XLE, XSE |
| E140 (10th) | 2009–2013 | Sedan | Base, S, LE, XLE, XRS |
| E130 (9th) | 2003–2008 | Sedan | CE, S, LE, XRS (2005–2006) |
The current generation was updated for the 2023 model year: the 1.8L gas engine and the L trim were dropped, the six-speed manual ended, and the Hybrid became available with all-wheel drive.
Which Corolla do you have? Models and engines
Use this table to check that the engine in the decode matches the trim and year in the listing:
| Version | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| GR Corolla (E210) | 2023–present | 1.6L turbo three-cylinder, 300 hp, all-wheel drive |
| Corolla Hybrid (E210) | 2023–present | 1.8L hybrid, 138 hp, front- or all-wheel drive |
| Corolla Hybrid (E210) | 2020–2022 | 1.8L hybrid, 121 hp, front-wheel drive |
| LE, XLE, SE, XSE, Hatchback (E210) | 2023–present | 2.0L four (M20A), 169 hp, CVT |
| SE, XSE, Hatchback (E210) | 2019–2022 | 2.0L four (M20A), 169 hp, CVT or 6-speed manual |
| L, LE, XLE (E210) | 2020–2022 | 1.8L four (2ZR-FAE), 139 hp, CVT |
| All trims (E170) | 2014–2019 | 1.8L four, 132 hp (LE Eco: 140 hp) |
| XRS (E140) | 2009–2010 | 2.4L four (2AZ-FE), 158 hp |
| Base, S, LE, XLE (E140) | 2009–2013 | 1.8L four (2ZR-FE), 132 hp |
| XRS (E130) | 2005–2006 | 1.8L high-revving four (2ZZ-GE) |
| CE, S, LE (E130) | 2003–2008 | 1.8L four (1ZZ-FE) |
Options and packages are not fully coded in the VIN. See “Options and window sticker” below.
How to read a Toyota Corolla VIN
Every Corolla has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
5YF EPRAE 6 L P 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | 5YF | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi (passenger car). |
| 4–8 · Vehicle descriptor | EPRAE | Toyota’s codes for the body style, engine, series and restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 6 | A calculated value that confirms the VIN is valid. It can be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X. |
| 10 · Model year | L | The model year: L is 2020. |
| 11 · Plant code | P | The Toyota assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that car. |
Corolla WMI codes and plants
The first three characters show where the Corolla was built. US-market Corollas have come from four places:
| WMI | Built by | Which Corolla |
|---|---|---|
5YF | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi | Corolla sedans built in Blue Springs, Mississippi, since late 2011. |
2T1 | Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada | Corolla sedans built in Cambridge, Ontario (into the E170 generation). |
1NX | NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing) | Corolla sedans built in Fremont, California, until the plant closed in 2010. |
JTD · JTN | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan | Japan-built Corollas, such as the Hatchback, the GR Corolla and some Hybrids. |
Source: NHTSA vPIC.
Toyota Corolla model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 · 4 | 2003 · 2004 | B · C | 2011 · 2012 | K | 2019 |
5 · 6 | 2005 · 2006 | D · E | 2013 · 2014 | L · M | 2020 · 2021 |
7 · 8 | 2007 · 2008 | F · G | 2015 · 2016 | N · P | 2022 · 2023 |
9 · A | 2009 · 2010 | H · J | 2017 · 2018 | R · S · T | 2024 · 2025 · 2026 |
Corolla Hybrid and GR Corolla: how to confirm
The Corolla Hybrid looks almost the same as a gas Corolla, and since 2023 it is also offered with all-wheel drive. A decode shows the hybrid powertrain, so you know the car really has it. The GR Corolla is a separate, much more expensive performance hatchback with a 300 hp turbo engine and all-wheel drive. A regular Corolla Hatchback with GR badges will decode as a 2.0L, not as a GR Corolla.
Toyota Corolla recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two Corollas of the same year can have different results. Repairs for safety recalls are free at any Toyota dealer, even if you are not the first owner. Important Corolla campaigns include:
- Takata airbags, “Do Not Drive” (January 2024): Toyota told owners of unrepaired 2003–2004 Corolla not to drive them until the airbag is replaced.
- Accelerator pedal (2010): 2009–2010 Corolla were part of Toyota’s accelerator pedal recalls.
- Airbag control unit (January 2020): 2011–2019 Corolla were recalled because the airbag control unit can fail in certain crashes, so airbags may not deploy and seat belts may not tighten.
- Passenger airbag sensor (December 2023): some 2020–2021 Corolla, because a short circuit in the occupant sensor can stop the passenger airbag from deploying.
- Steering shaft and brake software (2024): some 2023–2024 Corolla for a steering shaft that can crack, and 2023–2025 Corolla Hybrid for software that can cause a loss of brake assist.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact car and whether it is still open.
Common Toyota Corolla problems by generation
The Corolla has a strong reliability record. These are the issues owners and mechanics most often mention, and what to check on a used one:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| E210 (2020–) | Few mechanical trends; several recalls on airbag sensors, steering shaft and hybrid brake software | All recalls completed, service history |
| E170 (2014–2019) | CVT hesitation or noise reported by some owners; airbag control unit recall | Smooth acceleration on a test drive, CVT fluid service records, recall done |
| E140 (2009–2013) | Accelerator pedal recalls; oil consumption on certain 2009–2011 models with the 2.4L engine (Toyota’s ZE7 warranty program, now ended) | Recalls done, oil level and blue smoke on the 2.4L XRS |
| E130 (2003–2008) | Takata airbag recall; age-related wear (suspension, AC, rust) | Takata recall completed before you drive it |
Where to find the VIN on a Toyota Corolla
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the B-pillar when the door is open.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used Toyota Corolla: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The engine and body style from the VIN match the listing (1.8L vs 2.0L, gas vs Hybrid).
- No open safety recalls, especially the Takata recall on a 2003–2004 Corolla.
- No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand. Corollas are popular rental and fleet cars, so check past use.
- Odometer readings that go up steadily.
- On a 2014–2019 Corolla, a smooth CVT with no shudder or whine.
- On a Hybrid, a working hybrid system with no warning lights.
- A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust.
Before you buy, run a full vehicle history check to see title brands, accidents, odometer readings and past sales, or see a sample report.
Options and window sticker
The VIN shows the model, body style, engine, plant and year. Packages, paint color and dealer-installed accessories are stored in Toyota’s build record, not fully in the VIN. A Toyota dealer can look them up by VIN.
Toyota Corolla VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a Toyota Corolla?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door pillar. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a Toyota Corolla VIN start with?
It depends on where it was built: 5YF for Mississippi, 2T1 for Canada, 1NX for the NUMMI plant in California, and JT for Japan.
How do I know which Corolla generation I have?
Check the model year (10th character). 2020 and newer is the E210 (the Hatchback started in 2019), 2014–2019 is the E170, 2009–2013 is the E140 and 2003–2008 is the E130.
Does the VIN show if a Corolla is a Hybrid?
Yes. The VIN encodes the engine, so a decode shows the hybrid powertrain.
Is the Corolla Cross the same as the Corolla?
No. The Corolla Cross is a separate small SUV sold in the US since the 2022 model year. It has its own VIN codes.
Does my Toyota Corolla have an open recall?
Enter the VIN at the top of this page. We check NHTSA records and show any recall that applies to that exact car.
Is the Toyota Corolla VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding the specs and checking recalls is free with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.
Other Toyota models
See all codes in the Toyota VIN decoder.
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Sources: NHTSA (VIN standards, WMI codes and recalls) and Toyota model information. Recall data updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Toyota. Toyota and the Toyota logo are trademarks of their owner.