Complaint volume
177 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
177 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2021 Toyota Corolla, grouped by component category.
177 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, power train. 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 23 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 39,578 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to air bags, engine, power train?
- 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
17 Towed
11 Medical attention
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Corolla complaint categories?
AIR BAGS 42
ENGINE 26
POWER TRAIN 14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14
VISIBILITY/WIPER 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4
TIRES 4
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS 3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 3
177 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | TIRES | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Blue Earth, Tire Size: 205/55/R16, DOT Number: FD8K-LL012. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that after stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire had experienced a sidewall blowout and tread separation. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local Toyota dealer was notified of the failure. The tire manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 53,253. | Crash: No Fire: No | 53,253 |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | Coolant bypass valve has failed. AutoNation Toyota in Cerritos has verified issue. This issue has caused potential engine overheating, engine maintenance required warning light has popped up in my vehicle, was told by AutoNation that my vehicle is not covered for this repair and I will have to pay out of pocket. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE | Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex, 2.0L Engine Component Failure: The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve (also called Water Valve) malfunctioned. Its plastic housing cracked and leaked coolant, corroding the electrical connector. This prevents proper electronic control of engine temperature. The failed component is available for inspection if removed. Safety Risk: This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine overheating. Overheating can lead to sudden loss of power or engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a collision, especially at high speeds. A roadside breakdown in unsafe conditions is also a risk. Confirmation: A Toyota dealership service center confirmed the problem, diagnosing it as a leaking coolant bypass valve requiring replacement. Inspection: The vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealership technician. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warnings/Symptoms: The primary symptom was the "Engine Maintenance Required" message illuminating in the instrument cluster. This first appeared approximately [State how long ago, e.g., "3 weeks ago" or "at 45,000 miles"]. No other immediate symptoms like visible leaks or temperature fluctuations were initially noticed, though a leak was confirmed later. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | AIR BAGS | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Dashboard warning: Engine Maintenance, Visit Dealer Toyota service center diagnostic found code P268115 - engine coolant bypass hose valve circuit short (recommend replacement of coolant bypass hose) An identical error is addressed with Toyota's Customer Support Program 24TE04 covering certain 2020-2021 Corollas (up to mid-January 2021). Reported vehicle's manufacture date is not covered under this Program notice. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 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 unavailable. 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 | Unknown |
| May 2025 | AIR BAGS | Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Team, I am writing to report a serious and unresolved safety issue regarding the passenger-side airbag recall on my 2020 Toyota [Model], VIN: [Your VIN]. This recall was issued on December 20, 2023, and as of today, Toyota has not provided a remedy or timeline for repair. I have contacted Toyota dealerships in Norwalk and Anaheim, both of which advised me not to bring the car in, stating that no fix is currently available. I was recently offered a rental car, but only if I surrender my vehicle to the dealership — something I am not comfortable doing, as I wish to retain possession of my legally owned and registered vehicle. I keep the vehicle stored safely at my home and do not believe it is fair or necessary to forfeit it for an indefinite period. This situation has caused significant anxiety and mental distress, as I fear for the safety of my passengers every time I drive. It has now been over a year since I was made aware of this critical safety issue, and Toyota has not provided a viable solution. I respectfully request: That NHTSA investigate this delay in remedy. That I be allowed to receive a rental vehicle without surrendering my property. Guidance on my rights under federal law, including any steps I may take toward resolution or compensation. Applicable Laws: Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S. Code § 30120), manufacturers are legally obligated to remedy safety defects at no charge and in a timely manner. Under 49 CFR Part 573, manufacturers must notify owners and report progress on remedy programs. A delay of over a year without remedy seems to violate these requirements. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to proceed and ensure this issue is resolved properly. Your guidance and support in holding manufacturers accountable for safety compliance are deeply valued. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | My 2021 Corolla showed an ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED message. This message pertains to replacing the ENGINE COOLANT BYPASS VALVE - a common occurrence for the 2019-2023 corolla/rav4 models. I have seen multiple instances online of complaints of this same issue around the 50k-60k mark of the vehicle. This SHOULD be a RECALL due to how common the problem is. I’m here to add on to that TALLY of complaints that have already been submitted. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I just had to replace my transmission. 2 days later I have my check engine light, secondary collision, pre collision and parking brake malfunction lights came on. There is a osc recall that could cause these issues, but they’re saying stated my specific vehicle isn’t under a recall | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The horn has failed to work now for the second time. I first had this problem at approximately 97000 right before my warranty was up, and toyota had to replace the entire horn assembly they said that the wiring got wrapped up behind steering wheel and they weren't sure how . Now it started intermittently working the day I was going to let my daughter take her dmv drive test so she was not able to use my car it was sounding sick when I pressed it. Now it will not work at all . My car currently has 140k on it . Complete Safety hazard when someone pulls out of a parking space and you can't alert them to not hit your car! YOU PANIC!!!! . This is A Safety Issue!!!! And I have had no warning lights that came on, nor any messages on my system warning screen on my radio. I've checked all my fuses they are fine. Nobody should have to worry about replacing an 800$ horn assembly every 40k that's ridiculous i have never had a horn failure. I feel this needs to be investigated I may not be the only one with this problem. I think they should be required to fix something of this nature just as they should all air bag and seat belt issues . It SHOULD NEVER FAIL!!!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 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 unavailable. 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 | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | On my 2021 Toyota Corolla SE at 43k miles the “service engine needed” notification came on. As I’m researching it’s a known issue with these models and RAV4 models. The cooling valve is needing to be replaced and Toyota does not cover it costing us about $500-$700 at the dealership. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | AIR BAGS | Indicator is on, saying airbags are at risk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | When the windshield wipers are set to intermittent they would swipe as if they were set to lo and then they would come to a complete stop at a 45° angle sometimes starting up again but other times I would need to turn the windshield wipers off then back on for them to go again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | AIR BAGS | Car crash potential safety defect in my 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan , the driver defective air bag didn’t protect the driver from injuries. Passenger and back air bags deployed except the driver’s air bag, the driver was the only one in the car. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | windshield wipers stopping randomly mid-wipe at 45 degree angle, only resume if i continue turning on and off | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | Unknown | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | AIR BAGS | Recall 12-20-2023. Passenger air bag sensors on passenger seat that could have been improperly manufactured. This would not allow airbag system to properly classify the occupant’s weight and the airbag may not deploy as designed in certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury. Remedy, as of 2-14-2025, is still not available! What happens to my passenger if we are in an accident? More than a year of not coming up with a solution is totally unacceptable! Please update me on the date this is going to be available to keep people safe. Please look into this safety issue for all Toyota Corolla owners and passengers. This is really an emergency situation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Wipers randomly stop midway while on the intermittent setting, then continue working. Also if I spray water for cleaning the windshiels or clean light rain it stops and stays there until I move the wiper level to other function. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My 2021 Toyota Corolla's engine coolant bypass valve has shorted out once again. This is the second time this has happened in less than 40,000 miles. The vehicle has been inspected by two different dealers one two separate occurrences for the same issue, even after replacing the failed equipment. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 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 | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | AIR BAGS | After buying the car I got an email from car fax that my car has a recall on it. The recall says: PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY The date of the recall is: 12/20/23 I bought the car on 08/10/24 NHTSA: #23V865 I called my local Toyota dealership multiple times and they say the recall is not available yet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for an upcoming diagnostic test. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 110,000 |