This paper presents the effect of shape of external corrosion in pipeline on failure prediction by using a numerical simulation. The numerical study for the pipeline failure analysis is based on the FEM(Finite Element Method)with an elastic-plstic and large-deformation analysis. Corrosion pits and narrow corrosion grooves in pressurized pipeline were analysed. A failure criterion, based on the local stress state at the corrosion and a plastic collapse failure mechanism, is proposed. The predicted failure stress assessed for the simulated corrosion defects having different corroded shapes along the pipeline axis compared with those by methods specified in ANSI/ASME B31G code and a modified B31G code. It is concluded the corrosion geometry significantly affects the failure behavior of corroded pipeline and categorisation of pipeline corrosion should be considered in the development of new guidance for integrity assessment.