2004 Toyota Corolla MPG
28–31 mpg combined across 2 EPA-rated versions. Best: Corolla (FWD, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 28 city / 36 hwy / 31 combined; lowest: Corolla (1.8L 4-cyl, A4) at 28.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla | 1.8L 4-cyl | M5 | FWD | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Corolla | 1.8L 4-cyl | A4 | FWD | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
How it compares
- 2004 Compact Cars: class average 23.3 mpg over 190 versions; best Corolla +7.7 (#12).
- 2003: 31 mpg best (no change).
- 2005: 31 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,150–$2,400 a year ($250 difference).
- 2027 model: 50 mpg best (+19).
Safety
506 owner complaints: Air Bags 256, Vehicle Speed Control 61, Engine And Engine Cooling 46, Electrical System 27. Crashes 70, fires 3, injuries 57, deaths 4.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 256 | 51% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 61 | 12% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 46 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 27 | 5% |
| Visibility | 27 | 5% |
| Fuel System | 21 | 4% |
| Unknown Or Other | 19 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 17 | 3% |
Recent owner reports: Air Bags
“I received a "do not drive" recall for my vehicle in the mail because of defective air bags. The recall letter claimed that there have been twenty-eight confirmed deaths in relation to this recall. I entered Priority Toyota of Chesapeake, VA to address the issue. That was on Monday, April 6th, 2026.”
“I am attempting to complete a manufacturer-issued safety recall involving my vehicle’s airbag system, which includes a “Do Not Drive” advisory due to the risk of airbag inflator failure. Despite multiple good-faith attempts, I have encountered repeated barriers at the dealership level that have prevented timely completion of the repair.”
“This safety problem pertains to all vehicles sold in the U.S., not only my make and model. I was horrified to learn that the crash ratings are inaccurate for most women and all short people, because they were developed only for average sized men. It should be no surprise that when collisions occur, more women than men are seriously injured. More women than men are injured when air bags deploy.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
13 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 17, 2019 | Air Bags › frontal › passenger Side › inflator Module | 19V741000 |
| Aug 28, 2019 | Air Bags › frontal › passenger Side › inflator Module | 19V627000 |
| Dec 12, 2018 | Air Bags › frontal › passenger Side › inflator Module | 18V883000 |
| May 13, 2015 | Air Bags | 15V285000 |
| May 13, 2015 | Air Bags | 15V286000 |
| Jan 28, 2015 | Air Bags › frontal | 15V043000 |
| Jan 30, 2013 | Air Bags | 13V029000 |
| May 11, 2009 | Exterior Lighting › headlights | 09E025000 |
| Apr 7, 2009 | Exterior Lighting | 09E012000 |
| Apr 10, 2008 | Visibility › glass, Side/Rear | 08V162000 |
| Jul 17, 2006 | Exterior Lighting | 06E064000 |
| Mar 13, 2006 | Exterior Lighting › headlights | 06E023000 |
| Oct 6, 2003 | Wheels | 03V366000 |