2021 Toyota Corolla problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 185 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Corolla, filed between 2020-09-21 and 2026-08-28. The most common problem areas are the air bags (52, 28%), engine (40, 22%) and electrical system (22, 12%). Owners reported 18 crashes, 2 fires and 13 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 1 recall for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Toyota Corolla complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 52 | 28% | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Engine | 40 | 22% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 32 | 17% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 22 | 12% | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 19 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 8 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 8 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 4% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 5 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 5 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 52 complaints
- 52 complaints of 185 (28%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 4 of them also name the seats; owners reported 12 crashes, 1 fire and 12 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Toyota Corolla; the recall, campaign 23V865000, says: “A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.”
Engine: 40 complaints
- 40 complaints of 185 (22%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Electrical system: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 185 (12%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Power train: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 185 (10%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 15 complaints
- 15 complaints of 185 (8%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 2 of them also name the exterior lighting; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 185 (4%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 29 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names COROLLA, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Toyota Corolla recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Toyota Corolla's most common problem areas are the air bags (52 of 185 complaints), engine (40 of 185 complaints) and electrical system (22 of 185 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have?
NHTSA has 185 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Corolla, including 18 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla's problems?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.