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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,200. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 39,200 |
| Dec 2024 | AIR BAGS | Our car in used for a TURO rental car. The TURO system has unlisted our income making vehicle until this is fixed. It's been over a year and we are losing money every day. We are considering legal action. Hope this submission helps. Thank for your help | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | On December 20, 2023, a safety recall was officially generated for my 2021 Toyota Corolla. It has been over a year, and there is currently no remedy for this recall. I was originally notified that there would be an option to fix this by the third quarter of 2024. However, that was not the case. On December 26, 2024, I contacted the service center at Sam Leman Toyota in Bloomington, Illinois by phone, and they confirmed that there is still no remedy for repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | AIR BAGS | I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the ongoing issues related to safety recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. The recall, issued in December 2023, involves a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may have been improperly manufactured. Unfortunately, Toyota has failed to address this recall in a timely manner, significantly impacting my ability to use my vehicle safely and as intended. My local dealership has confirmed that my car is affected by this recall and that the OCS sensor is not functioning. However, despite the recall being issued nearly a year ago, the dealership has informed me that they are unable to obtain the necessary parts to repair the issue, and they do not expect to receive them until at least the end of December 2024—if not later. As a result, I have been unable to use my car's passenger seat in a safe and fully functional manner, effectively rendering the car unsuitable for my needs. This prolonged delay in resolving a critical safety issue is unacceptable, and I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others until this issue is resolved. I kindly request that the NHTSA investigate Toyota’s handling of this recall and take appropriate action to ensure that affected vehicle owners, including myself, are provided with timely repairs and necessary parts. I am also requesting clarification on any steps I can take to expedite the repair process. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the engine off and attempting to enter the vehicle to clean the interior of the vehicle, the vehicle rolled away going downward out of the driveway. Due to the failure, the vehicle tugged the contact while rolling away. The contact stated that the vehicle independently came to a stop in the middle of the roadway. The contact sustained back, feet, and injuries to both legs, requiring medical attention. A police report was not filed. The Insurance Provider retrieved the vehicle at the scene. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Front Windshields of the vehicle has more tinting to be within compliance. The same vehicle has tendency to follow certain vehicles all the time as per what I have experienced or see. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | AIR BAGS | The safety of any passenger in the front seat is potentially affected as the defect can either cause the front passenger airbag to fail to deploy in an accident or cause it to deploy when it shouldn't, either way causing harm to the passenger in the front. This probem was widely reported in the press in 2023 and 2024. One article I read said that Toyota claimed it would start issuing the recalls for repair in Feb 2024 but that still had not happened by the time I bought my 2021 Corolla in April 2024. I bought it as a used car from a local dealer who shared the info about the recall which was on the CARFAX report too. I am reluctant to have family or friends in the front passenger seat because of the risk of injury in the case of an accident of accidental deployment of the airbag. This reduces the value of my car significantly, as it is required by law to be safe for my passengers as well as myself. Very disappointing behavior from a company that used to be reliable. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | 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 |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | My 2021 Toyota Corolla has 43k miles at this moment and the engine coolant bypass valve went out prematurely. There should be a recall on this part because a lot of people are having issues with this part on these cars at such low millage. Thanks | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | I recently purchased a 2021 Toyota Corolla SE. After a few days the "Engine Maintenance Required - See Dealer" notification appeared. See as it was purchased very recently, I assumed this was the oil maintenance light, and reset it. Later that day, it came back, and I reset it a different method under the assumption I did it wrong. The next day it was back, and that is when I realized it must be something else. So I started doing some research and found lots of other people have had this same issue: 2020-21 Corolla, greater than 30k miles, usually less than 60k, and while the Check Engine Light *DOES NOT TURN ON* the car is throwing an error code: P268115 - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve. Sure enough, I have the codes pulled and I have that code showing up. So I took it to the local Toyota Dealership. They stated that the issue was not a warrantable, so I would likely have to pay out of pocket. After a slight fuss, they agreed to fix it as a "one-time goodwill gesture, performed in the interest of customer satisfaction..." So in the end, they did fix it; I did still have to pay for a diagnostic of the issue which is frustrating, especially since I was dead on in my analysis of the issue. To answer the guideline questions: Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Leaking engine coolant could cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to fires, not exactly ideal. It can also cause electrical shorts, leading to more issues. Yes. Lancaster Toyota confirmed the issue. Yes, Lancaster Toyota confirmed that the part was faulty. They appeared shortly after buying the car. There were no error lights like I'd expect, but there was the constantly appearing "Engine Maintenance Required - See Dealer" message which the Owner's Manual states is simply the 5000 mile Oil Change warning. Hidden behind this message is the error code P268115. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | 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 not 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 |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | Apparently my car's Engine Coolant Bypass Valve is broken and it's a common case with my car's model that's made after 2020. Seems like it there's a need a recall for such a thing since it's a defective part they knew about since my car was screaming at me for an engine maintenance. However, the check engine wasn't on. I went to Toyota at Elk Grove, CA and knew what the issue was pretty quick and charging me $700 to get it replaced. I feel like it's intentionally being handled poorly so they keep charging me 700 every few years to replace a $80 part. As well my story is very common with other customers of Toyota Cars made after 2020. I wanted to report this since that's potentially harmful to put out a car that could have engine problems easily. Especially it's a fairly newer car. Also, they have yet to replace the part for the known recall on this vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | AIR BAGS | Since January 2024, my vehicle has been recalled. They said there would be a remedy by Q3. We called Toyota Dealership in Irving TX and they said next month. We feel blown off and unsafe considering this is an issue that's been almost a year. It's also Q4. Please help us get this rectified as soon as possible. I would truly appreciate your help. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | AIR BAGS | Hi, This car has had a recall since 12/20/23. Toyota still has no fix for us. I have this car on the TURO rental platform, but they unlisted my car because of this recall. I want to file a complaint on Toyota for not offering me a fix and killing my business. Is they any way to put a hold on this until a fix comes out? TY [XXX] Dec 20,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number23TB15 NHTSA Recall Number23V865 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The subject vehicles have Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, that could have been improperly manufactured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | Engine Maintenance Required message came on. Took the vehicle to the dealership and was told that it was the Cooling Bypass Valve. The service advisor said he knew what the problem was before even looking at the vehicle but still wanted to run a diagnostic and charge $800-$900 for the repair. I was told my vehicle was no longer under warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Engine coolant bypass valve malfunctioned at 34xxx miles, causing “engine maintenance required” this could cause the engine to get too hot or not hot enough and affect the internal components of the engine. After speaking to others with the same model and even other models, it seems to be a ongoing issue for many people. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was sitting idle in my car. The two cars crashing icon came on even though I was in the parking lot doing nothing. There was also issues with the other indications where I would use the back arrow on my steering wheel to clear the issue and it would not clear. Seems unsafe and scary. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | At 61,000 miles I got an engine maintenance required light. After doing research on the Internet, I see that many people with the corolla similar years have had this issue. It is an engine coolant bypass valve. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Coolant bypass valve needs replaced. Car states 'engine maintenance required visit dealer.' | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | AIR BAGS | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have been taking my Toyota to Sun Toyota for routine maintenance and inspections. Upon today’s inspections they are claiming the battery looks like it leaked on the axial, some of the undercarriage components look broken and rusty. Possibly needing replacement. The overall car is less than 60k in mileage so that seems odd to me. I also brought the car in at 45k and they made no mention of these issues during that vehicle inspection. I asked about my brakes and braking issues. I do not slam on my brakes and the technician said I should stop braking too hard. There is noticeable wear now on them. I asked them to change them at the previous visit and they refused saying it did not need it. I am concerned for my safety and lack of care at this sun Toyota. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | 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 not 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 |
| Aug 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Yes the car can be inspected. Yes took to dealership today and they don’t know what’s causing it but what between $855 - 1,100 to fix. When it rains the front wipers automatically come on as they should. Then without warning, they stop working and on three occasions a wiper flew off and my teenager had to stop and run into middle of road to get the wiper. She was on a rural highway and could not see well without the wipers working. I replaced the wipers, but when it down poured rain again, like before they just stopped working with no warning. She had to drive 25 mph on a road that was ranges 45 -55 mph. She had a very hard time seeing and could have wrecked. This could have caused an accident had she been on the freeway going 70 mph. A Google search shows others have experienced this issue with their car. The only person who has inspected the issue / car is the Toyota dealership today. They said they don’t know what’s causing it and would cost more money to try and diagnose, but they said it appears if you run the wipers at the very slowest speed it does not malfunction. I don’t have the money to fix it right now, so we are going to try and not drive in rain and if caught in a storm while driving, like before, we will try running wipers at lowest speed as they suggested. First incident was April or May 2024. Most recent incident was July 2024. Sorry I don’t have exact dates. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Coolant bypass Valve | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |