VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Corolla problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 249 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Corolla year — the 2021 model ranks #19 of 55 Corolla years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (52), engine (37), and other (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

249

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Corolla years?

Corolla NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,770 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 2 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 33 complaints1989: 30 complaints1990: 31 complaints1991: 96 complaints1992: 115 complaints1993: 154 complaints1994: 199 complaints1995: 226 complaints1996: 151 complaints1997: 149 complaints1998: 278 complaints1999: 188 complaints2000: 176 complaints2001: 163 complaints2002: 141 complaints2003: 860 complaints2004: 560 complaints2005: 972 complaints2006: 971 complaints2007: 983 complaints2008: 378 complaints2009: 1,770 complaints2010: 1,573 complaints2011: 690 complaints2012: 496 complaints2013: 269 complaints2014: 381 complaints2015: 308 complaints2016: 309 complaints2017: 275 complaints2018: 196 complaints2019: 289 complaints2020: 391 complaints2021: 249 complaints2022: 128 complaints2023: 116 complaints2024: 94 complaints2025: 40 complaints2026: 18 complaints
Corolla NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Corolla years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Corolla problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags5221%
Engine3715%
Other3112%
Electrical System218%
Transmission198%
Visibility & Wipers156%
Driver Assistance135%
Brakes104%
Tires & Wheels94%
Lighting83%
Seat Belts83%
Speed Control73%
Steering52%
Body & Structure52%
Seats42%
Suspension31%
Fuel System21%

Does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V865000AirbagsDecember 20, 2023 · 999,901 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“While driving down a two-way street an oncoming car departed its lane resulting in an offset frontal collision on the driver's side. The driver's side airbag did not deploy, the seat belts did not pretention/lock and the pre-collision system did not engage brakes or alert the driver. The driver of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 29, 2020 · crash

“2021 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OVER A BARRIER. WHEN THE CONSUMER REVERSED THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. *JS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2022 · crash

“While driving the vehicle the brake hold system was activated at a red light. While proceeding through the light within (about) 5 minutes the vehicle indicated a brake hold malfunction. An odor of smoke was also present, at that point I turned off the vehicle and inspected the origin; the trunk.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 11, 2021 · fire

“While driving the vehicle the brake hold system was activated at a red light. While proceeding through the light within (about) 5 minutes the vehicle indicated a brake hold malfunction. An odor of smoke was also present, at that point I turned off the vehicle and inspected the origin; the trunk.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 11, 2021 · fire

“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving in third gear, the vehicle failed to shift into a lower gear and became stuck in Neutral. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a defective slave cylinder, which was replaced. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 5, 2026

2021 Toyota Corolla — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 249 complaints put the 2021 model at #19 of 55 Corolla years. It is one of the Corolla years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Corolla problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (52 complaints), engine (37 complaints), other (31 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Corolla years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Corolla years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2007, 2005, 2006, 2003, 2011, 2004, 2012, 2020, 2014, 2008, 2016, 2015, 2019, 1998, 2017, 2013, 2021, 1995, 2018. The cleanest record among Corolla years belongs to 1978.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Corolla?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Toyota Corolla earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.