Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Toyota Corolla problems

Owners filed 188 complaints about the 2021 Toyota Corolla with NHTSA between Sep 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (53).

Complaints
188
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
18
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags53
  2. Engine41
  3. Electrical system23
  4. Power train19
  5. Visibility/wiper15
  6. Seat belts8
  7. Exterior lighting8
  8. Forward collision avoidance8
  9. Vehicle speed control7
  10. Service brakes6
  11. Wheels5
  12. Tires5
  13. Structure5
  14. Steering5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20201
202119
202217
202312
202452
202555
202632

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

53 reports12 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Air bagsODI 11772448

Engine

41 reports2 crashes
“"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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11769512

Electrical system

23 reports3 crashes1 fire
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11751893

Power train

19 reports
“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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,023.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2026Power trainODI 11742375

Visibility/wiper

15 reports
“During the lower interval settings, wipers will not work in proper order. Sometimes you may get three quick wipes and them the wipers will stop in middle of windshield for about 5-8 seconds. Sometimes the wipers are inconsistent with proper timing and will not properly work all the time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 27, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11740462

Seat belts

8 reports2 crashes
“Within a week of buying my vehicle in May of 2021 I went to Clearwater Toyota where I bought the vehicle from and complaining about the three seat belts in the back malfunctioning. When nobody is sitting in the backseat they sound off as if somebody is sitting there. I know that there is a recall on the front seat belt sensor doing this same issue for the Toyota Corollas but everyone I have spoken to that owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla complains about the back seats doing it as well the sensors misfire or sound off every hour as I'm driving at least once an hour. As an Uber Lyft driver I am concerned about my passengers in the backseat wearing the seat belts and the seat belt malfunctioning due to the sensors malfunctioning since I bought the vehicle in May of 2021. Any of the above questions I would have to stay unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2026Seat beltsODI 11741728
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.