Complaint volume
182 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2021 Toyota Corolla Complaints
182 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Toyota Corolla, grouped by component category.
182 Total complaints
18 Crash reports
2 Fire reports
10 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are air bags, engine, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 18 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 10 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 25 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 42,213 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to air bags, engine, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2021 Toyota Corolla
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2021 Toyota Corolla complaints?
18 Crash
2 Fire
10 Injury
0 Fatality
18 Towed
11 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Corolla complaint categories?
AIR BAGS 47
ENGINE 30
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 20
POWER TRAIN 18
VISIBILITY/WIPER 14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5
SEAT BELTS 5
SERVICE BRAKES 5
STEERING 4
182 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN | NOTE: This has not happened to me yet, but it appears that most Corollas manufactured before 2022 or 2023 have this issue. However I did recently flush the fluid from my clutch system and it was very clearly contaminated, possibly indicating early evidence of a failure. Clutch system, specifically the slave cylinder is faulty on these vehicles. It is a known issue on these cars that the clutch slave cylinder (inside the transmission) is made out of resin and fails. When the slave cylinder fails, brake fluid from the shared clutch/brake reservoir leaks out onto the clutch and flywheel, damaging them and resulting in an expensive repair. In addition to this, the brake fluid leak results in a "low braking power" message on the dashboard, indicating a problem with the braking system. Obviously this is a safety issue that could cause an accident. This issue has been confirmed by many dealers and the solution is to replace the slave, clutch, and flywheel and flush & refill the brake fluid reservoir. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer as of yet, but in the interest of safety I am considering an early replacement of the cylinder. The only warnings of this issue are a clutch stuck to the floor, and in some cases a "low braking power" warning on the dashboard. A low brake fluid level may also be an indicator of this issue if caught in time. Incident report below is of the clutch flush, showing the contaminated brake fluid from the clutch hydraulic system. It's important to note that flushing the clutch is not a recommended maintenance item at any point on these vehicles as it is expected to be done with the braking system, although that won't remove contaminants from the clutch cylinder. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | AIR BAGS | On December 12, 2025, I was in a head on car accident in my 2021 Toyota Corolla nightshade. I was slammed into the steering wheel which caused injury. My car has over $14,000 worth of damage to the front yet my airbags did not deploy. I have taken my car to Toyota several times over the past few years and every time I’ve asked about a remedy for this recall I’ve been told there is no remedy as early as June or July 2025 I had to bring my car in for a manufacturer defect with the engine that Toyota fixed for free. I asked them about the recall on the airbags. They again told me there was no remedy. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot, the clutch pedal failed to function as intended. The clutch pedal was depressed and failed to return after being released. The contact used his foot to raise the clutch pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the slave cylinder had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the six-speed manual transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assisted with the labor cost. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 58,000 |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | I am filing this complaint regarding a serious defect in my 2021 Toyota Corolla (Manual). At approximately 42,000 miles, the clutch slave cylinder failed. This defect caused hydraulic fluid to leak and contaminate the clutch assembly, resulting in significant damage and loss of proper function. Despite the fact that this issue stems from a defective part, the dealership has refused to cover the repair of the clutch assembly, stating that the clutch is not covered under warranty. Instead, they are requiring me to pay for the repair out-of-pocket, which would not have been necessary if the damage had not been caused by the defective clutch slave cylinder. I believe this is unfair and unsafe, as the failure of a clutch slave cylinder directly impacts the drivability and safety of the vehicle. This is a significant safety issue. A defective clutch slave cylinder can lead to sudden clutch failure, loss of vehicle control, and increased risk of accidents. This is not a wear-and-tear issue but a manufacturing defect that compromises the safety of the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this matter to determine whether similar failures are occurring in other Toyota Corolla vehicles of this model year. If this is a widespread defect, I urge NHTSA to take appropriate action, including a recall or requiring Toyota to cover repairs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | WHEELS | While attempting to change a flat tire on a 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, two wheel studs sheared off completely, leaving the wheel unsafe to drive. My wife was stranded alone in the mountains with no cell service. She managed to loosen three lug nuts, but the final two were seized. When a passerby assisted, both seized studs snapped. The spare could barely be mounted. The vehicle has been serviced exclusively by Toyota dealers since new. Lancaster Toyota later replaced the broken studs free of charge, yet simultaneously claimed that another dealer, Frontier Toyota, had “switched the tyres.” so Lancaster are not responsible. That claim is false — Frontier’s invoice (Sept 25 2025) clearly shows only an oil change and inspection, no tire or wheel service of any kind. Replacing the studs at no charge while denying responsibility suggests an attempt to quietly resolve what may be a dealer-induced over-torque or defective-stud failure. The broken studs were not returned to us despite multiple requests — effectively withheld by the dealer, which constitutes unauthorized retention of customer property and prevents independent verification of failure cause. Toyota Corporate (case #251103002581) was notified but refused to investigate, referring the issue back to the same dealer. This complaint is being filed so NHTSA can document a potential wheel-stud safety defect or service-related failure and dealer mishandling of critical evidence that could conceal a wider safety problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The navigational systems shuts off in the middle of driving. The screen will go completely black making it unsafe when using navigational directions. The system also shuts off at the slightest pot holes. Windows also won’t work when trying to put them down from the drivers side | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | TIRES:SIDEWALL | Dunlop SP Sport 5000 - 225/40R18 - DOT EUT74DDR5220 3 of the 4 tires are splitting on the side walls | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | STEERING | The problem of windshield wipers going off either once, or at varying speeds has not been able to be reproduced by my Toyota dealership. It goes off right when I turn the car on 50% of the time and is very inconsistent. Wipers typically go off after using the turn signal, making long turns (such as into a parking spot), and driving on long curved roadways. It has been inspected and nothing has been found. There are no warning lights or messages. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | AIR BAGS | I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2021 Toyota Corolla. The recall involves the airbag ECU and has rendered the vehicle ineligible for rental on platforms like Turo. I purchased this vehicle specifically for rental income, and the recall has prevented me from listing it for over 14 months. Toyota has acknowledged the recall but has not provided a remedy or timeline for resolution. Their response offered no compensation or alternative solution. Based on comparable Turo listings in Frisco, Texas, I estimate monthly rental income of $810–$1,050, resulting in total lost income of approximately $11,340 to $14,700. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the delay in remedy and consider enforcement action to ensure timely resolution and accountability. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | My car wouldn’t start and the dashboard says “Engine Stopped / Power steering low” car will stop driving completely randomly. No codes are popping up when I test the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ENGINE | I turned on the vehicle and an Engine Maintenance Required light and warning went off on my car. I noticed the warning would only come up once I turned on the A/C so I presumed it was an issue with the Coolant Bypass Valve | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to a Toyota dealer, the dealer informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a used car dealer sale. At the time of purchase in October 2024, the vehicle mileage was 60,000, and the current mileage was 74,000. However, the dealer informed the contact that the mileage on the Carfax report was 110,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 110,000 |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Fallo de la pieza Válvula de control de refrigerante del motor la cual es defecto de fabricación del vehiculo | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | AIR BAGS | My vehicle was backed into while ì was inside of it in a parking lot. Due to my horn failing., I was unable to alert the other driver to see me. The clock spring is what failed the first time at 95k they replaced it. I'm now at 147k and it failed again . Now I'm discovering that if it does not work, there's an electrical circuit failure and that the airbag will not deploy if I get in an accident. This is a serious safety issue and I feel Toyota should be responsible for it for the life of the vehicle . A horn should never go out. Especially if it not working will keep my air bag from functioning properly . 850 out of my pocket is way steep. The replacement part lasted half as long as the original part did when I bought the car that to me seems like a faulty part this should be obvious and they should just fix the problem cuz I might have to just consult an attorney should they choose not to. The attached photo shows what happens when you can't beep your horn at somebody who's about to back into your car !!! my car still has not turned on any kind of warning lamp for the airbag or any kind of malfunction light, no warnings on my radio. I have noticed that my Lane departure warning seems to work intermittently along with the automatic high beams that like to flash my high beams in people's face for some unapparent reason which also seems like a safety issue. If I had to take my car to an inspection station it would not pass an inspection due to the horn not working ! You cannot take your child to the Department of Motor Vehicles and let them take their drive test if your horn does not work ! which happened to be my case !! Very disappointing to say the least especially when you've paid $30,000 for a car. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | -coolant bypass valve -it risked my safety by possibly destroying my perfectly good car -yes my toyota dealership confirmed the faulty coolant bypass (which many people have had this exact issue with these toyota models) -no -yes about a week before it was serviced | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | AIR BAGS | I was notified that my vehicle has had a recall on it due to the OCS Occupant Classification System sensors being improperly manufactured which could lead in appropriately identifying the front occupant's weight and failing to deploy airbags. This recall has been open since December of 2023 and I have been checking with my dealer on scheduling but up until last week have been told that they didn't have the parts for remedy. I have had several instances where sensor light has come on for airbag. I have been making people sit in the back seat only due to the heightened risk however this is limiting and impacts the ability to fully use the full seating in the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | AIR BAGS | red light on dashboard indicates passenger airbag is not working, I would like to have this taken care of. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | I was driving yesterday morning to work in freeway and a Message appeared in the dash saying Engine Maintenance Required. The message stills appears and it’s a safety issue that needs to be addressed by Toyota for defective parts or defective car and Toyota needs to replace my current vehicle for a new car. Furthermore this is a safety issue for me and others while the car is running. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Data communication module activation failed message at start of car. It's loud and my baby gets woken up by this.. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | AIR BAGS | This is recall on and OCS that not has been taking of and I'm trying to find out is the problem that is matter has not been resolved. It's been since Dec of 2023 and I still don't have this issue fixed yet. And the light is on the right passanger side. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | Coolant bypass valve broken | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was coming to a stop and the clutch slave master cylinder just sank to the floor and wouldn’t activate the clutch. There were no symptoms of the clutch failing or having trouble changing gears prior to its failure. It was inspected by the Toyota tech and he couldn’t give me a reason for its premature failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |