2021 Toyota Corolla
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 26 |
| 1989 | 23 |
| 1990 | 27 |
| 1991 | 71 |
| 1992 | 63 |
| 1993 | 130 |
| 1994 | 172 |
| 1995 | 176 |
| 1996 | 129 |
| 1997 | 135 |
| 1998 | 225 |
| 1999 | 155 |
| 2000 | 144 |
| 2001 | 133 |
| 2002 | 117 |
| 2003 | 720 |
| 2004 | 477 |
| 2005 | 853 |
| 2006 | 839 |
| 2007 | 836 |
| 2008 | 313 |
| 2009 | 1459 |
| 2010 | 1240 |
| 2011 | 584 |
| 2012 | 445 |
| 2013 | 201 |
| 2014 | 267 |
| 2015 | 218 |
| 2016 | 211 |
| 2017 | 176 |
| 2018 | 133 |
| 2019 | 199 |
| 2020 | 300 |
| 2021 | 182 |
| 2022 | 94 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: air bags — 52 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact's daughter was a passenger in a 2021 Toyota Corolla.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240424
I was rear-ended by a large truck F250 estimated speed 20 25 miles an hour no airbags deployed at all was enough to injure my neck and back
NHTSA ODI report, 20231014
21% of complaints: engine — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
AFTER PURCHASING MY COROLLA MY CAR POWERED DOWN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED IT AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THIS WAS IN NOVEMBER 2020.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210308
11% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AFTER PURCHASING MY COROLLA MY CAR POWERED DOWN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED IT AND STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THIS WAS IN NOVEMBER 2020.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210308
9% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241210
8% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 15 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
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.
Campaign 23V865000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (52 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V865000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.