NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 188 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Most complaints involve air bags (53) and engine (41). The EPA rates it 31–35 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Corolla model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 133 |
| 1997 | 138 |
| 1998 | 233 |
| 1999 | 157 |
| 2000 | 156 |
| 2001 | 138 |
| 2002 | 144 |
| 2003 | 769 |
| 2004 | 506 |
| 2005 | 943 |
| 2006 | 904 |
| 2007 | 883 |
| 2008 | 345 |
| 2009 | 1,533 |
| 2010 | 1,264 |
| 2011 | 590 |
| 2012 | 446 |
| 2013 | 202 |
| 2014 | 271 |
| 2015 | 220 |
| 2016 | 215 |
| 2017 | 189 |
| 2018 | 136 |
| 2019 | 206 |
| 2020 | 313 |
| 2021 | 188 |
| 2022 | 104 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 66 |
| 2025 | 32 |
“On May 22, 2026, I got off work and started my 2021 Toyota Corolla LE when I noticed the SRS airbag warning light was on. The warning light has remained on ever since. I am concerned that my airbags may not function properly in the event of an accident. I recently contacted Toyota corporate because I learned about a possible airbag recall from 2024. Toyota opened a case under my name, but I was never notified about the recall. I would like this issue investigated to determine whether my vehicle has an unresolved safety defect related to the airbag system”
“"Engine maintenance required" light is coming up constantly, only when i turn on the AC and doesn't let me view my dash at all. Ive determined it's the Engine coolant bypass valve. Many models have had this same exact issue and there needs to be a recall/repair at no cost to the owners.”
“This Toyota Corolla hatchback is experiencing an issue where it is constantly giving an “ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light and when scanned, it says “coolant bypass valve malfunction”. There is already a recall for many Toyota Corolla Sedans experiencing this issue of this bypass valve being defective, but because this is a hatchback, it is not part of the recall when it should be. There is already a recall for vehicles affected with this issue: T-SB-0112-24”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla Hatchback Auto (AM-S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 41 | 35 | $1,850 | 251 |
| Corolla Auto (AV-S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 40 | 34 | $1,900 | 257 |
| Corolla APEX Auto (AV-S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 38 | 34 | $1,900 | 264 |
| Corolla XSE Auto (AV-S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 38 | 34 | $1,900 | 265 |
| Corolla Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 | $1,950 | 267 |
| Corolla Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 33 | $1,950 | 271 |
| Corolla Hatchback XSE Auto (AM-S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 | $1,950 | 266 |
| Corolla Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 36 | 32 | $2,000 | 277 |
| Corolla XLE Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,000 | 274 |
| Corolla APEX Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,050 | 286 |
| Corolla Hatchback Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 | 284 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 188 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (53), engine (41), electrical system (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Corolla at 31–35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (11 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Toyota Corolla 5 out of 5 stars overall.