2021 Toyota Corolla Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Part of Generation 13 (E210) — 2020–present.

20202022
Complaints
235
per 10K Sold
10.5
US Sales
223,215
Crashes
28
Fires
3
Injuries
21
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2021 Toyota Corolla Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#151 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:41,642 mi
Crash-related:11
Fires:1
#236 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:17,900 mi
Crash-related:2
#319 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:5,800 mi
Crash-related:3
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Toyota Corolla.

Airbags
51
complaints
Crashes
11
Fires
1
Avg Miles
41,642
Engine Problems
36
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
17,900
Electrical Faults
19
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Avg Miles
5,800
Transmission / Drivetrain
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
65,000
Wipers & Visibility
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
2,800
Brakes
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
7,933
Seat Belt Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Warning
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking Brake:Electrical
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Slave Cylinder
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belts:Front:Retractor
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Sidewall
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2021 Toyota Corolla

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~999,901 vehicles.

23V865000Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification
~999,901 affected

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Other Toyota Corolla Years

2021 Toyota Corolla — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2021 Toyota Corolla has 235 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Airbags with 51 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Top reported problems: Airbags (51 complaints, avg 41,642 mi); Engine Problems (36 complaints, avg 17,900 mi); Electrical Faults (19 complaints, avg 5,800 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 28,989 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Toyota Corolla include 28 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 21 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 999,901 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota Corolla reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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