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2021 Toyota Corolla

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Corolla do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 129.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 25 of 185 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports2 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

185 reports
Mileage unknown · May 21, 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 inspe…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11662260

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2025
Air Bags

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI #11662141

Mileage unknown · May 15, 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-Jan…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11661125

Mileage unknown · May 8, 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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11659686

Mileage unknown · May 2, 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 deale…

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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)

NHTSA ODI #11658539

Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11657048

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2025
Electrical SystemPower Train

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

NHTSA ODI #11656802

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 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 …

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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!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11655573

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 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…

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11652392

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 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.

NHTSA ODI #11650099

Official recalls

1

23V865000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Dec 20, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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