In this study, the effect of presence of CeO2 and benzotriazole inhibitor agent on activation of self‐healing reactions and the corrosion behavior of ZrO2 ceramic‐based coating are evaluated. The ZrO2 and ZrO2‐CeO2‐benzotriazole ceramic‐based coatings were synthesized using sol–gel process and heat treated at 150°C. Afterward, X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM) were utilized to evaluate the phase analysis and morphology of these coatings. In addition, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was used for elemental analysis of obtained coatings. Corrosion and self‐healing behavior of the coatings were investigated in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results of XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of both coatings. FE‐SEM observations and EDS analysis results showed the presence of benzotriazole inhibitor agent and self‐healing reactions in the cracks and defects of ZrO2‐CeO2‐benzotriazole ceramic‐based coating. Moreover, results of electrochemical tests revealed that the presence of CeO2 and benzotriazole inhibitor agent in the ZrO2 ceramic‐based coating results in intense increases in the corrosion resistance of this coating by activating the self‐healing mechanism and forming passive layers.