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• Al matrix composites reinforced with different nanoparticles were investigated. • The corrosion behaviors of the composites were related to the passive film. • TiC p were beneficial for improving the corrosion behavior, but TiB 2p were not. • TiC p reduced the grain boundary phases, improving the corrosion behavior. • TiB 2p at grain boundaries form more corrosion channels, increasing the corrosion rate. Nanosized TiC and TiB 2 particles (TiC p , TiB 2p) can increase the mechanical properties of Al alloys. However, their effects on the corrosion performance of Al alloys are relatively less understood. The corrosion behavior of Al-Mg-Si alloys is improved by adding TiC p and worsened by adding TiB 2p. These changes result from i. TiC p refining the grain structure by acting as nucleants and reducing the number of grain boundary phases and ii. TiB 2p segregating at grain boundaries and accelerating the corrosion. This provides a selection criterion that can be utilized for reinforcement nanoparticles for wrought Al alloys that are applied in corrosive environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]