Abstract <p>Corrosion remains a major global challenge with substantial economic consequences. Aluminium alloys and their metal matrix composites find extensive use in various industrial applications due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and natural resistance to corrosion. These materials are commonly used in structures, storage tanks, pipelines, and containers, where they can be exposed to corrosive conditions and are vulnerable to degradation in such aggressive environments. Use of inhibitors is an effective corrosion control strategy which enhances their long-term durability and reliability. This review provides an in-depth coverage of how reinforcements impact the corrosion behavior of aluminium hybrid composites, their fabrication techniques, methods for assessing corrosion rates, surface characterization techniques, and corrosion prevention strategies, with a strong emphasis on inhibitors. Additionally, recent developments in the application of hybrid heterocyclic derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for different metals are also covered. </p> Graphical abstract <p></p>