Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota Corolla, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags53
- Engine41
- Unknown or other32
- Electrical system23
- Power train19
- Visibility/wiper15
- Seat belts8
- Exterior lighting8
- Forward collision avoidance8
- Vehicle speed control7
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 13 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 156 2021 Corolla vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 88 people died inside them, and 7 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2021 Toyota Corolla failed the safety check 1.20% of the time — 27% more often than the average 2021 passenger car (0.95%). Median odometer at inspection: 26,203 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2021
127,330 new Toyota Corolla cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021; the largest markets were Poland (22,071), France (17,464), Spain (16,948).
- Average mass
- 1,424 kg
- Average CO₂
- 112 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 81 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 100%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Real-world fuel consumption
14,562 Toyota Corolla cars first registered in Europe in 2021 report their fuel use through the on-board meter. Petrol hybrid versions use 5.3 l/100 km on the road against 4.8 in the WLTP test (+10%).
| Fuel | Cars | On the road | WLTP | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1,163 | 6.9 | 6.1 | +12% |
| Petrol hybrid | 13,399 | 5.3 | 4.8 | +10% |
Litres per 100 km from the cars' own fuel meters (OBFCM), collected in 2024; the year is the year of first registration. All years together · European Environment Agency · CC BY 4.0
Engines
The most common engines in 2021 Toyota Corolla cars on Dutch roads are the 1.8 hybrid (72 kW, 97 hp), 2.0 hybrid (112 kW, 150 hp) and 1.2 petrol (85 kW, 114 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 hybrid | 72 kW 97 hp | 4,579 |
| 2.0 hybrid | 112 kW 150 hp | 1,095 |
| 1.2 petrol | 85 kW 114 hp | 134 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
5,812 first registered in 2021 are on Dutch roads; 30% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €32,487.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde1,031
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht583
- Band onvoldoende profiel471
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld330
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm251
- Band beschadigd224
- Remschijf ernstig gecorrodeerd79
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt79
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
18,685 cars built in 2021 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 114 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,818 of these cars first registered in 2021 took their annual MOT test. 92% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2021 the figure was 91%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 3.2% | 3.3% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.0% | 2.9% |
| Visibility | 1.7% | 1.6% |
| Brakes | 0.3% | 1.3% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 0.1% | 0.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
5,508 of these cars first registered in 2021 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 71,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
5,781 2021 cars are on the New Zealand register; 19% arrived as used imports, 80% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota COROLLA 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 10.5 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Standard
- Lane departure warning
- Standard
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 8 variants: combined 6.8–7.5 L/100 km (about 31–35 mpg US), CO₂ 159–178 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.6 | 5.9 | 6.8 |
| Corolla Apex Edition · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.7 | 6.2 | 7.0 |
| Corolla XSE · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.7 | 6.1 | 7.0 |
| Corolla · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 6.1 | 7.1 |
| Corolla · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.0 | 6.0 | 7.1 |
| Corolla XLE · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.1 | 6.3 | 7.3 |
| Corolla · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.2 | 6.5 | 7.4 |
| Corolla Apex Edition · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.5 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2021 Toyota Corolla.
| 2023684 20 Dec 2023 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor for the occupant classification system (OCS) may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the sensor could short… |
| 2021723 24 Nov 2021 | Electrical Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicl… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Toyota told its dealers about the 2021 Toyota Corolla: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11011642 | Some technicians may report an engine oil leak from the Engine Oil Level Sensor area |
| 11010062 | Some 2021 2024 model year Corolla, 2022 2024 model year Corolla Cross, and 2023 2024 model year Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles with M20A-FKS or M20A-FXS engines may exhibit an oil leak that originates between the oil pan sub-assembly and the stiffening crankcase assembly. |
| 11007455 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11007447 | Some 2020 2024 model year Corolla vehicles may exhibit a vibration or rattle noise from the right-hand engine mounting insulator sub-assembly. This condition will usually go away when the engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) are above idle. This condition is typically found on vehicles in warm climates/weather. No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are associated with this condition. This condition does not affect the operation of the vehicle. |
| 11007445 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11007444 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11007443 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11006161 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11006153 | Some 2020 2024 model year Corolla vehicles may exhibit a vibration or rattle noise from the right-hand engine mounting insulator sub-assembly. This condition will usually go away when the engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) are above idle. This condition is typically found on vehicles in warm climates/weather. No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are associated with this condition. This condition does not affect the operation of the vehicle. |
| 11006151 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11006150 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11006149 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11005153 | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. |
| 11005149 | Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. |
| 11005122 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11005119 | This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 2025 model year Toyota vehicles. |
| 11005064 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11005061 | This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 2025 model year Toyota vehicles. |
| 11003649 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11003647 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. PD017-04. The entire bulletin has been updated. |
| 11003644 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11003619 | Customers have expressed concerns about the performance of Qi Wireless Chargers. Wireless chargers on applicable vehicles are designed to work with Qi Certified devices only. MagSafe devices, that are not Qi Certified, may not charge as expected with Qi Wireless Chargers. |
| 11003613 | Some technicians may report an engine oil leak from the Engine Oil Level Sensor area |
| 11003604 | Some 2020 2024 model year Corolla vehicles may exhibit a vibration or rattle noise from the right-hand engine mounting insulator sub-assembly. This condition will usually go away when the engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) are above idle. This condition is typically found on vehicles in warm climates/weather. No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are associated with this condition. REVISION NOTICE April 01, 2024 Rev1: The Warranty Information section has been updated |
| 11003594 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)