What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2021 Toyota Corolla

Typical pattern

14.6% of complaints about the 2021 Toyota Corolla came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2021 vehicle — around the middle of the 159 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 3.6 yr in service. The most-reported system is air bags (52 complaints), typically at 3.6 yr or about 55,000 miles.

Complaints
254
Median age at failure
3.6 yr
Median mileage
12,200 n=34
Crash / fire / tow
15.4% of reports
Safety recalls
1

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Air bags
52 reports · 55,000 mi
3.6 yr
26.9%
Engine
40 reports · 30,000 mi
4.2 yr
7.5%
Other
32 reports · 800 mi
3.9 yr
9.4%
Electrical system
22 reports · 110,000 mi
4.6 yr
18.2%
Power train
19 reports · 65,000 mi
5.2 yr
15.8%
Visibility / wipers
15 reports
3.6 yr
0%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

23V865000 2023-12-20
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

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.

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

In owners’ own words

Other mileage not reported 5 mo in service
ON 4 OCCASIONS, AFTER ENGAGING CRUISE CONTROL (65MPH) THE STEERING WHEEL WENT HARD AND IT APPEARED THAT THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF AND THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT AND IT WOULD CREATE TO SMALL AMOUNT OF TORQUE ON THE STEERING WHEEL. AGAIN, ONLY WHEN I ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL. VIN: [XXX] (THERE IS NO "Y") (CHANGE "Y" TO "T". SORRY :-( INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other mileage not reported 1.2 yr in service crash / fire / tow
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. Upon opening the trunk the right side had a sizeable fire growing towards my assets. Police did arrive on scene, an adjuster has examined the damages, however this has not seemed to be replicated. I believe the risks associated with this incident are quite evident. There was no collision.
Other mileage not reported 3.5 yr in service
A crack appeared in my windshield on the passenger side. Ther is no damage from a rock and we haven’t had extreme temperature changes. It is growing and will soon be on the drivers side.
Electrical system mileage not reported 1.0 yr in service
Got in the car this morning and the check engine light came on. Needed to get to work so started driving. About 5 minutes later car started shuttering and reduced engine power displayed. Had to do 20 MPH all the way to work. Did not make for a good morning. The lane keep assist and other safety features were turned off as well. Not very safe when driving.

Other Corolla model years

202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998

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