2021 Toyota Corolla Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2021 Toyota Corolla has 215 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve air bags and engine.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 215 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
AIR BAGS
50 23.3%
ENGINE
33 15.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
28 13%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 7.4%
VISIBILITY/WIPER
14 6.5%
Quick Insights
The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 23.3% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 30 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Toyota Corolla
The 2021 Toyota Corolla has 215 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 23% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2021 Toyota Corolla are AIR BAGS (50), ENGINE (33), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 118 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 30 of 30 systems
AIR BAGS
50 Reports23% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle when depressing on the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into a building. The contact stated the "vehicle was needing to be serviced" warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries or seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact towed the vehicle to an unknown location. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
6/15/2021
While driving down a two-way street an oncoming car departed its lane resulting in an offset frontal collision on the driver's side. The driver's side airbag did not deploy, the seat belts did not pretention/lock and the pre-collision system did not engage brakes or alert the driver. The driver of the car suffered a broken bone as a result. The driver of the oncoming colliding car was okay, their airbags deployed.
2/8/2022
ENGINE
33 Reports15% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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. ON 1/16/2021 I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, EVERYTHING JUST POWERED DOWN. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THIS WAS AROUND 6:00PM. I THEN CALLED MY FAMILY AND TOLD THEM WHERE I WAS AND WHAT HAPPENED. A PASSERBY STOPPED TO ASSIST ME AND GOT MY CAR RUNNING BY JUMPING IT OFF. AN HOUR LATER I WAS SITTING IN A PRIVATE DRIVE WAITING ON TRAFFIC TO PASS BEFORE PULLING OUT. THE NEXT THING I KNOW I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME THEN WENT OVER TO THE OTHER LANE AND SIDESWIPED A TRUCK THAT HAD A LOW BOY TRAILER ATTACHED TO IT. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WHEN THE TRUCK HIT THE OTHER TRUCK AFTER HITTING ME THAT IS WHEN THE 3 PEOPLE IN THE TRUCK WERE KILLED. TWO OF THE PEOPLE WERE EJECTED AND THE OTHER PARTIALLY EJECTED. THE PEOPLE IN THE 2ND TRUCK TOLD POLICE THAT I FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. THEY NEVER ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED AND TOOK THE OTHER DRIVERS WORD AT WHAT HAPPENED. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS FROM EITHER TRUCK ON THE ROADWAY. IF I WAS PULLING OUT I AM SURE THERE WOULD BE SKID MARKS.*DT*JB
3/8/2021
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.
9/30/2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
28 Reports13% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
2/3/2021
1.EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM AT A SIGNAL LIGHT 2.TO CONTROL SUDDEN ACCELERATION, NEED TO PUSH BRAKES HARDER THAN A NON HYBRID CAR 3.IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION, IT GOES TOO FAST WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS, THIS MAY CAUSE A CRASH MISSING EXTRA TIRE AND THE ACCESSORIES (JACK, LUG WRENCH, OTHER TOOLS ETC) EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A SLOTTED PLACE HOLDER THERE. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS, TO ORDER A NEW KIT THIS WILL COST APPROX $1,500 PER MISSING KIT, IF YOU WERE TO ORDER INDIVIDUALLY, THIS CAN POTENTIALLY BE A SERIOUS PERSONAL SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU'RE IN A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD AND WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK VS QUICKLY CHANGE THE TIRE AND LEAVE) 4.CHEAP SOFT TIRES, GOT A SCREW WITHIN 2 MONTHS? CALLED TOYOTA , TOWING IS FREE, BUT YOU MUST PAY FOR THE FLAT REPAIR OR BUY A NEW TIRE (ABOUT $250) EVERY TIME THERE IS FLAT AS YOU DO NOT HAVE EXTRA TIRE, JACK, LUG WRENCH. (THIS CAN BE RACKETEERING - SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS) 5.2ND CAR (2021 HYBRID) CAME WITH THE LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVELS, CLOSE TO THE LOW/MIDDLE VS BRAND NEW CAR WITH NEW BRAKES, FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CLOSE TO MAXIMUM. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS AND PLAYING CHEAP, BESIDES SAFETY ISSUE) 6.TO REPAIR FLAT TIRE, THE AIR PUMP AND GLUE KIT IS A JOKE, THIS DOESN'T WORK - TOYOTA SHOULD PROVIDE NON-FLAT ABLE TIRES BEFORE THIS GENIUS MICKEY-MOUSE INVENTION. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS) *DT*JB
2/16/2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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. ON 1/16/2021 I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, EVERYTHING JUST POWERED DOWN. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THIS WAS AROUND 6:00PM. I THEN CALLED MY FAMILY AND TOLD THEM WHERE I WAS AND WHAT HAPPENED. A PASSERBY STOPPED TO ASSIST ME AND GOT MY CAR RUNNING BY JUMPING IT OFF. AN HOUR LATER I WAS SITTING IN A PRIVATE DRIVE WAITING ON TRAFFIC TO PASS BEFORE PULLING OUT. THE NEXT THING I KNOW I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME THEN WENT OVER TO THE OTHER LANE AND SIDESWIPED A TRUCK THAT HAD A LOW BOY TRAILER ATTACHED TO IT. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WHEN THE TRUCK HIT THE OTHER TRUCK AFTER HITTING ME THAT IS WHEN THE 3 PEOPLE IN THE TRUCK WERE KILLED. TWO OF THE PEOPLE WERE EJECTED AND THE OTHER PARTIALLY EJECTED. THE PEOPLE IN THE 2ND TRUCK TOLD POLICE THAT I FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. THEY NEVER ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED AND TOOK THE OTHER DRIVERS WORD AT WHAT HAPPENED. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS FROM EITHER TRUCK ON THE ROADWAY. IF I WAS PULLING OUT I AM SURE THERE WOULD BE SKID MARKS.*DT*JB
3/8/2021
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.
9/30/2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
14 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Windshield wipers are not fast enough the motor isn't fast enough to keep up with moderate to Heavy Rain and occasionally wipers will just stop
9/18/2021
I purchased this vehicle new in June 2021. It is the hatchback model. Prior to that I drove a motorcycle since 2015. I noticed right at the beginning that the headlights don't illuminate far enough ahead at night for what I consider safe. My ability to see off into the distance ahead of the vehicle is far less than what I would get from my motorcycle, which doesn't make any sense to me because this car has LED headlights which are supposed to be better. I live in Washington, DC and have family in New Jersey that I visit regularly. There are two ways I can go. The first is Interstate 95 which has a speed limit of 65 but I set my cruise control at 60. When I come to an area where there is no street lighting and there are no other cars around which are helping illuminate the roadway, I am overdriving my headlights. This is not safe. The second route is taking Route 50 to the Annapolis Bay Bridge, then getting on Route 301 North towards Middletown, Delaware and then New Castle, Delaware, over the Delaware Memorial Bridge and then Route 295 towards Burlington County where my family lives. Route 50 is 65 mph until you get to Annapolis where its reduced to 55, then stays 55mph all the way to Route 301, and then Route 301 is 55 mph, until the Delaware Memorial Bridge. When I get to Route 301 North there is very little other lighting on the road other than my headlights. There are far fewer cars than on Interstate 95 so I get very little illumination from passing cars. Even if I reduce my speed to 50 mph, I am still over-driving my headlights. There has to be something wrong with how the headlights have been positioned. They are not shining for any reasonable distance ahead of the car. I have gone to the Toyota dealer in Bethesda, MD where I purchased it, Jim Coleman Toyota three times to tell them about it. Each time they have told me that there is nothing wrong with the lights. But I don't know what they did to check them.
12/30/2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I-20 0400. TRAVELING IN THE RIGHT LANE. 18 WHEELER AHEAD WAS PULLED TO THE SHOULDER. I MOVED OVER TO THE LEFT LANE. WHILE MOVING OVER THERE WAS METAL IN THE ROAD(LEARNED FROM STATE POLICE LATER FROM THE 18 WHEELER). UNABLE TO AVOID THE OBJECT THE RESULT WAS A BLOWN TIRE. THE DESIGN OF THE LEFT HEADLIGHT IS MADE SO ON A TWO LANE ROAD THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WONT BE BLINDED. HOWEVER, WITH AN INTERSTATE IF IN THE RIGHT LANE THE LEFT LANE HAS A BLIND SPOT. THE HEADLIGHT IS 1/2 THE LENGTH OF THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT. PLEASE PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. I WAS LUCKY WITH ONLY A BLOWN TIRE MORE SEVERE DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO LACK OF VISIBILITY ON DIM SETTING IS FRIGHTENING.
9/21/2020
Turn signal light fogged up when washing vehicle. Must be moisture getting in somehow. On a 2 month old car. Not good
9/29/2021
POWER TRAIN
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Car was in dealership twice in one week for jerking while driving dealership said it was abc and was so called âfixedâ both times only had my car for a little bit back before I had to take it back . 3rd time in the same week my transmission went out on me while on the highway with young kids in the car and almost caused a wreck. Car got towed in was confirmed it was my transmission and a dozen other codes going off . Toyota is lucky that the semi that was behind me when this happened did not plow into me
12/29/2021
I was driving home from school, and while trying to change lanes on fairly busy road on a hill and my car with a CVT transmission stalled out and a check engine light appeared on my dash with a message reading âdrive-start control malfunctionâ. While trying to limp the car home, the engine killed power three or four times within like a five minute drive up some hilly roads and I constantly had to pull to the side and turn the car off and on just to make it up the next hill. I took it in the same day the issue were happening and they didnât diagnose the issue until two three week after I had originally brought it in and said it was a CVT issue. A week or two prior to this happening, I was coming down a hill towards a stop light and when I get hit the stop light my car jerked and the âdrive-start control malfunctionâ messages appeared then immediately went away, so I paid it no mind.
7/12/2022
SERVICE BRAKES
6 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
1.EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM AT A SIGNAL LIGHT 2.TO CONTROL SUDDEN ACCELERATION, NEED TO PUSH BRAKES HARDER THAN A NON HYBRID CAR 3.IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION, IT GOES TOO FAST WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS, THIS MAY CAUSE A CRASH MISSING EXTRA TIRE AND THE ACCESSORIES (JACK, LUG WRENCH, OTHER TOOLS ETC) EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A SLOTTED PLACE HOLDER THERE. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS, TO ORDER A NEW KIT THIS WILL COST APPROX $1,500 PER MISSING KIT, IF YOU WERE TO ORDER INDIVIDUALLY, THIS CAN POTENTIALLY BE A SERIOUS PERSONAL SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU'RE IN A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD AND WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK VS QUICKLY CHANGE THE TIRE AND LEAVE) 4.CHEAP SOFT TIRES, GOT A SCREW WITHIN 2 MONTHS? CALLED TOYOTA , TOWING IS FREE, BUT YOU MUST PAY FOR THE FLAT REPAIR OR BUY A NEW TIRE (ABOUT $250) EVERY TIME THERE IS FLAT AS YOU DO NOT HAVE EXTRA TIRE, JACK, LUG WRENCH. (THIS CAN BE RACKETEERING - SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS) 5.2ND CAR (2021 HYBRID) CAME WITH THE LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVELS, CLOSE TO THE LOW/MIDDLE VS BRAND NEW CAR WITH NEW BRAKES, FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CLOSE TO MAXIMUM. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS AND PLAYING CHEAP, BESIDES SAFETY ISSUE) 6.TO REPAIR FLAT TIRE, THE AIR PUMP AND GLUE KIT IS A JOKE, THIS DOESN'T WORK - TOYOTA SHOULD PROVIDE NON-FLAT ABLE TIRES BEFORE THIS GENIUS MICKEY-MOUSE INVENTION. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS) *DT*JB
2/16/2021
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle came to a squeaky stop. The contact was able to get off the road safely. The contact stated once on the side of the road, he noticed the electric parking brake was engaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the regular service brakes were inoperable while the electric parking brake was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,200.
4/21/2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
2/3/2021
The vehicle does not keep the set speed. Ex. When cruise is set to 65, the vehicle will remain at 64 never making it to 65. This occurs with clear road ahead and no traffic.
9/26/2021
STEERING
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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
2/3/2021
While driving approx. 35-40 mph driver impacted front left side with a stop sign post . Causing very little body damage but completely ripped the control arm out of the sub frame which caused an unreasonable amount of other significant damages . The axle broke off at the transmission . These 3 parts alone costing almost 2500$ plus labor to repair. It ripped part of my bumper cover which had to be replaced and dented the fender which is being repaired . Had the cars subframe held up in what should have been a minor incident none of the other parts would have been affected the way the were. I had the car inspected and aligned at the Toyota dealership and was directed by two employees to file this complaint. They too felt the sub frame shouldn't have ripped apart like it did. Had I been involved in a collision with another car my car would have crumbled . Trading it in as soon as its repairs are complete . Scares me to think what would've happened if my child were with me.
7/30/2021
SEAT BELTS
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
While driving down a two-way street an oncoming car departed its lane resulting in an offset frontal collision on the driver's side. The driver's side airbag did not deploy, the seat belts did not pretention/lock and the pre-collision system did not engage brakes or alert the driver. The driver of the car suffered a broken bone as a result. The driver of the oncoming colliding car was okay, their airbags deployed.
2/8/2022
I have brought my car to Toyota of New Orleans (the same place I bought it) regarding an issue where if my kids are in the backseat unbuckled the seat belt alert does not ring to indicate that the seatbelts are not hooked also if I undo the seatbelt while driving it does not alert either. Also, when I am driving and nobody is in the backseat, and nothing is on the seats etc. the seat belt alert will begin to ring. I have record this on my phone and showed Toyota they have checked my care twice and I let if at the dealership for 3 days and they cannot duplicate the problem I explained it happens at different times however they said they see the video but can't get it to do it at the shop. so now I am stuck with a car that is a safety concern for me and my children.
10/7/2022
WHEELS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
1.EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM AT A SIGNAL LIGHT 2.TO CONTROL SUDDEN ACCELERATION, NEED TO PUSH BRAKES HARDER THAN A NON HYBRID CAR 3.IN THE REVERSE DIRECTION, IT GOES TOO FAST WITHOUT PUSHING THE GAS, THIS MAY CAUSE A CRASH MISSING EXTRA TIRE AND THE ACCESSORIES (JACK, LUG WRENCH, OTHER TOOLS ETC) EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A SLOTTED PLACE HOLDER THERE. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS, TO ORDER A NEW KIT THIS WILL COST APPROX $1,500 PER MISSING KIT, IF YOU WERE TO ORDER INDIVIDUALLY, THIS CAN POTENTIALLY BE A SERIOUS PERSONAL SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU'RE IN A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD AND WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK VS QUICKLY CHANGE THE TIRE AND LEAVE) 4.CHEAP SOFT TIRES, GOT A SCREW WITHIN 2 MONTHS? CALLED TOYOTA , TOWING IS FREE, BUT YOU MUST PAY FOR THE FLAT REPAIR OR BUY A NEW TIRE (ABOUT $250) EVERY TIME THERE IS FLAT AS YOU DO NOT HAVE EXTRA TIRE, JACK, LUG WRENCH. (THIS CAN BE RACKETEERING - SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS) 5.2ND CAR (2021 HYBRID) CAME WITH THE LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVELS, CLOSE TO THE LOW/MIDDLE VS BRAND NEW CAR WITH NEW BRAKES, FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CLOSE TO MAXIMUM. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS AND PLAYING CHEAP, BESIDES SAFETY ISSUE) 6.TO REPAIR FLAT TIRE, THE AIR PUMP AND GLUE KIT IS A JOKE, THIS DOESN'T WORK - TOYOTA SHOULD PROVIDE NON-FLAT ABLE TIRES BEFORE THIS GENIUS MICKEY-MOUSE INVENTION. (SHAME ON TOYOTA FOR DOING THIS) *DT*JB
2/16/2021
Recently my car was in an accident involving 2 other vehicles. An SUV in front of me rear-ended someone and then I rear-ended the SUV. We were in heavy traffic at a major intersection and were stopped at a red light. The light turned green and we began to move. We were accelerating from a stop and were maybe approaching 10 -15 mph. Traffic started to back up at the next light and so the first car stopped suddenly so as not to block the intersection. Then the driver in front of me crashed into that car. He was on his phone, not looking, and didn't have time to brake. I was about 2-3 car lengths behind when he came to a complete stop. I was also still accelerating, as were most cars, since the light had just turned green. As soon as the vehicle in front of me hit the other car and stopped moving, I immediately applied my brakes. Based on the distance I believe I should have been able to stop. I remember thinking there was plenty of room. Except that the ABS came on and, instead of stopping my car before hitting the object in front of me (because the car is also capable of doing that), it just continued to let my car slide right into the back of the vehicle in front of me. I was then "at fault" according to my insurance company despite my explanation of the details. This led to a $500 deductible for repairs and an increase in my insurance rate. I honestly believe that the ABS should not have activated in that situation. If the car is able to recognize and even stop for objects in front of it, why would it let me slide into another car? I've had similar situations with my other cars in the past and they always stopped quickly, often avoiding this very situation. To summarize, I feel that the antilock brake system in my car failed to act in a safe and appropriate manner, thus causing an increased risk of damage or injury to the vehicle and passengers. In my case it resulted in damage to my car and a lot of extra money to cover those damages. Thank you
8/23/2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The vehicle does not keep the set speed. Ex. When cruise is set to 65, the vehicle will remain at 64 never making it to 65. This occurs with clear road ahead and no traffic.
9/26/2021
The problem seems to occur when activating the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) feature, as detailed next. During a recent trip, the car behaved in a potentially dangerous, life-threatening manner when the DRCC function was activated. Specifically, the car seems to increase the RPM of the engine to dangerous levels when going down a slope even if there is a speed limit set using the cruise control. In other words, the car does not change gear properly to keep the RPM in normal ranges. The engineâs RPM getting close, entering the red zone indicated by the RPM tachometer, and staying there even for seconds may cause an engine explosion which at highway speeds can be extremely dangerous for the passengers and other nearby vehicles on the road.
11/8/2021
SUSPENSION
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
REAR SUSPENSION SPRING WAS NOT IN THE RIGHT SPOT. IT WAS LEANING ON MY FRAME. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
3/1/2021
While driving approx. 35-40 mph driver impacted front left side with a stop sign post . Causing very little body damage but completely ripped the control arm out of the sub frame which caused an unreasonable amount of other significant damages . The axle broke off at the transmission . These 3 parts alone costing almost 2500$ plus labor to repair. It ripped part of my bumper cover which had to be replaced and dented the fender which is being repaired . Had the cars subframe held up in what should have been a minor incident none of the other parts would have been affected the way the were. I had the car inspected and aligned at the Toyota dealership and was directed by two employees to file this complaint. They too felt the sub frame shouldn't have ripped apart like it did. Had I been involved in a collision with another car my car would have crumbled . Trading it in as soon as its repairs are complete . Scares me to think what would've happened if my child were with me.
7/30/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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. ON 1/16/2021 I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, EVERYTHING JUST POWERED DOWN. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. THIS WAS AROUND 6:00PM. I THEN CALLED MY FAMILY AND TOLD THEM WHERE I WAS AND WHAT HAPPENED. A PASSERBY STOPPED TO ASSIST ME AND GOT MY CAR RUNNING BY JUMPING IT OFF. AN HOUR LATER I WAS SITTING IN A PRIVATE DRIVE WAITING ON TRAFFIC TO PASS BEFORE PULLING OUT. THE NEXT THING I KNOW I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME THEN WENT OVER TO THE OTHER LANE AND SIDESWIPED A TRUCK THAT HAD A LOW BOY TRAILER ATTACHED TO IT. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WHEN THE TRUCK HIT THE OTHER TRUCK AFTER HITTING ME THAT IS WHEN THE 3 PEOPLE IN THE TRUCK WERE KILLED. TWO OF THE PEOPLE WERE EJECTED AND THE OTHER PARTIALLY EJECTED. THE PEOPLE IN THE 2ND TRUCK TOLD POLICE THAT I FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. THEY NEVER ASKED ME WHAT HAPPENED AND TOOK THE OTHER DRIVERS WORD AT WHAT HAPPENED. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS FROM EITHER TRUCK ON THE ROADWAY. IF I WAS PULLING OUT I AM SURE THERE WOULD BE SKID MARKS.*DT*JB
3/8/2021
My 2021 Toyota Corolla, with 3000 miles and less than a year on it, is repeatedly exhibiting a "check gas cap" warning message followed a day or two later by a "check engine, visit your dealer" warning. This has happened twice. I have returned to the dealer once to have the system reset, after which the same sequence of warning messages recurred. This message wipes out my dashboard display and keeps me from using my cruise control and radar distancing feature. I have not yet determined what other safety features are neutralized by this recurring malfunction. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
5/1/2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
While driving approx. 35-40 mph driver impacted front left side with a stop sign post . Causing very little body damage but completely ripped the control arm out of the sub frame which caused an unreasonable amount of other significant damages . The axle broke off at the transmission . These 3 parts alone costing almost 2500$ plus labor to repair. It ripped part of my bumper cover which had to be replaced and dented the fender which is being repaired . Had the cars subframe held up in what should have been a minor incident none of the other parts would have been affected the way the were. I had the car inspected and aligned at the Toyota dealership and was directed by two employees to file this complaint. They too felt the sub frame shouldn't have ripped apart like it did. Had I been involved in a collision with another car my car would have crumbled . Trading it in as soon as its repairs are complete . Scares me to think what would've happened if my child were with me.
7/30/2021
While driving my car I noticed a sloshing noise like water, I thought it was a bottle of wiper fluid until I opened and closed my passenger rear door. The door was full of water, I looked it up online and found tips to loosen a plug on the bottom of the door to let the water drain out. I did this and it was pouring out of the door. I called for service, took the vehicle in, asked about damage to electrical inside the door like speakers and locking systems. The man explained due to the way the door is made IF any water got in it would not affect these systems. They advised the plugs can get full of debris and to loosen the plugs after heavy rain. This has now happened several times, I have to check all my doors and drain them after it rains. Note there are three plug holes, all have plugs so no water can freely drain on it's own.
11/29/2023
TIRES
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2021 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE RUPTURE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE TIRE RUPTURED. THE CONSUMER CALLED TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAS NOT PROPERLY ASSISTED. THE CONSUMER CALLED AAA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR HAVING TO USE AAA AND FOR THE NEW TIRE.
10/25/2021
Primewell PS830 205/55/R16 - These tires were discontinued by the manufacturer one or two years ago and replaced with an upgraded tire because of tread skid and wear issues. The tires were on a Certified Used Toyota Corolla I purchased on September 29, 2023 from Toyota of Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL. I mentioned on the test drive that the brakes were making noise at every stop, with an occasional thud sound. The salesman, Dustin Dolan, first told me the noise was because the car hadn't been driven recently, then that the noise was normal and then that he agreed the sound wasn't right. He said he'd have the brakes "looked at." They weren't. The car consistently made skidding noises when braking. The dealer continued to tell me the brakes were fine and the tires were fine because they would never sell at car with unsafe tires. I also found a slit in the rear passenger sidewall. Took car to a reputable dealer. They found the tires with uneven wear and choppy condition. They also discovered rusted rotors. They repaired the brakes and replaced the unsafe, discontinued tires with new tires.
10/13/2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Around 1900-2000 miles of ownership, 6 months after purchase, I was driving on I95 in the rain, 65 MPH, traffic in West Palm Beach, Fl, on my way to Apple(Mall). Upon exit, my engine completely stalled out. I pulled off road, not smoothly at all, turned off the car and it restarted 30 minutes later so I resumed my travels. The next day, my vehicle alerted me that the communication module had blown, not in those words. I had called Toyota and told the representative of the spoken alert and she informed me to go to dealership. They were clueless how to fix and reset battery. This communication is vital for all modules to perform safety features. Today I had a large screw in tire and no alerts of low pressure. Tire read 12 lbs pressure. My lane departure/correction doesnt work half of the time. My attorney has informed me that he hears there are concerning issues involved and noncompliance has led to him filing suit today. Software Source code leaked and left open on GitHub for 5 years has compromised the safety of all connected customers and their devices.
10/28/2022
I purchased my Toyota corolla SE 2021 in May 2021 with 11 miles on it. I received safety connect trial for one year. It was so unsafe. I believe there was an invasion of privacy because after requesting my data held at Toyota Corp., I read of times of install/deactivation that were not proper in accordance of my purchase and my understanding of the set up at time of purchase. It appears this safety connect was already connected before my purchase, which is a safety issue and is a violation of privacy and lead to data breach. With my connected device, iPhone, acting crazy and miss reading my locations and redirecting, etc., I was on my way to Apple in December 2021 with 2016 miles on my car. I believe the remote connect was being controlled by others as up to five devices are allowed on the module. GPS worked accordingly obviously, because when I exited the interstate, immediately my engine stalled out at 50 miles an hour in the rain. I was scared to death and found the closest gas station to pull over and stop my engine. About 30 minutes later, I continued to apple, 1 mile away. After restarting my car, I was alerted to be safe and contact my provider. I found out that that meant that my control module was blown. This has affected me in a few ways. Maps have read I am in China, South Florida, north, Florida, Georgia, California. I also went to the local Toyota for an oil change and tire rotation in October 2022 and learned that I needed a tire replacement and the pressure was down to 15 pounds. No light appeared. If the communication module is destroyed, then all of the safety features are, as well. No lights alert, no Blindspot warning days, automatic emergency, braking has failed as well, as I recall when it worked and it is not even sensing a vehicle or anything in front of it. Also the red signs that display, stop, certain miles per hour, etc. are reading incorrectly. Furthermore, Toyota wants to disclaim all warranties associated.
12/21/2022
SEATS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I was rear ended. During the impact, which was enough to accelerate my vehicle from 9 mph to 36 mph, the steering wheel came completely off of the car and hit me in the head. The steering wheel was in the back seat immediately following the impact and my vehicle was traveling at 36 mph with no way to steer out control it and no airbags in front of me in case of a secondary collision. This happened on a busy interstate with dozens of drivers endangered by my out of control vehicle. Traffic had slowed for construction and it was a miracle I wasn't further injured or caused injury to anyone else. Toyota sent an inspector to look over the vehicle, and it may still be available on the wrecker lot.
1/17/2023
On December 20, 2023, a safety recall was officially generated for my 2021 Toyota Corolla. It has been over a year, and there is currently no remedy for this recall. I was originally notified that there would be an option to fix this by the third quarter of 2024. However, that was not the case. On December 26, 2024, I contacted the service center at Sam Leman Toyota in Bloomington, Illinois by phone, and they confirmed that there is still no remedy for repair.
12/28/2024
PARKING BRAKE
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2021 Toyota Corolla. Consumer writes in regards to emergency brake system. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM ACTIVATES EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. THE CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS UNNATURAL.
5/27/2021
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving down a dark road he was unable to see the roadway due to poor visibility from the headlights. The contact stated that the failure was evident while using the low-beam or hi-beam headlights. The contact stated that the electronic braking system was inoperable. The contact was concerned for his safety while driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 380.
6/9/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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.
9/30/2021
Around 1900-2000 miles of ownership, 6 months after purchase, I was driving on I95 in the rain, 65 MPH, traffic in West Palm Beach, Fl, on my way to Apple(Mall). Upon exit, my engine completely stalled out. I pulled off road, not smoothly at all, turned off the car and it restarted 30 minutes later so I resumed my travels. The next day, my vehicle alerted me that the communication module had blown, not in those words. I had called Toyota and told the representative of the spoken alert and she informed me to go to dealership. They were clueless how to fix and reset battery. This communication is vital for all modules to perform safety features. Today I had a large screw in tire and no alerts of low pressure. Tire read 12 lbs pressure. My lane departure/correction doesnt work half of the time. My attorney has informed me that he hears there are concerning issues involved and noncompliance has led to him filing suit today. Software Source code leaked and left open on GitHub for 5 years has compromised the safety of all connected customers and their devices.
10/28/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving down a dark road he was unable to see the roadway due to poor visibility from the headlights. The contact stated that the failure was evident while using the low-beam or hi-beam headlights. The contact stated that the electronic braking system was inoperable. The contact was concerned for his safety while driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 380.
6/9/2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle when depressing on the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into a building. The contact stated the "vehicle was needing to be serviced" warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries or seek medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact towed the vehicle to an unknown location. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
6/15/2021
PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle came to a squeaky stop. The contact was able to get off the road safely. The contact stated once on the side of the road, he noticed the electric parking brake was engaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the regular service brakes were inoperable while the electric parking brake was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,200.
4/21/2022
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I purchased my Toyota corolla SE 2021 in May 2021 with 11 miles on it. I received safety connect trial for one year. It was so unsafe. I believe there was an invasion of privacy because after requesting my data held at Toyota Corp., I read of times of install/deactivation that were not proper in accordance of my purchase and my understanding of the set up at time of purchase. It appears this safety connect was already connected before my purchase, which is a safety issue and is a violation of privacy and lead to data breach. With my connected device, iPhone, acting crazy and miss reading my locations and redirecting, etc., I was on my way to Apple in December 2021 with 2016 miles on my car. I believe the remote connect was being controlled by others as up to five devices are allowed on the module. GPS worked accordingly obviously, because when I exited the interstate, immediately my engine stalled out at 50 miles an hour in the rain. I was scared to death and found the closest gas station to pull over and stop my engine. About 30 minutes later, I continued to apple, 1 mile away. After restarting my car, I was alerted to be safe and contact my provider. I found out that that meant that my control module was blown. This has affected me in a few ways. Maps have read I am in China, South Florida, north, Florida, Georgia, California. I also went to the local Toyota for an oil change and tire rotation in October 2022 and learned that I needed a tire replacement and the pressure was down to 15 pounds. No light appeared. If the communication module is destroyed, then all of the safety features are, as well. No lights alert, no Blindspot warning days, automatic emergency, braking has failed as well, as I recall when it worked and it is not even sensing a vehicle or anything in front of it. Also the red signs that display, stop, certain miles per hour, etc. are reading incorrectly. Furthermore, Toyota wants to disclaim all warranties associated.
12/21/2022
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while at a stop light in the turning lane, another vehicle rear-ended the contact, causing minor damages to the rear bumper of the vehicle. The contact was unsure of the damages to the other vehicle. No air bags deploy. The contact stated that the front driver side and front passenger side seat belts did not restrain causing both the contact and the passenger to strike their head. The contact noise was broken along with other head, eyes, and face injuries and the passenger also head and eyes injuries, both the contact and passenger sought medical attention and were transported to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 5,000.
5/9/2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Coolant bypass value sensor failure
5/10/2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to a Toyota dealer, the dealer informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a used car dealer sale. At the time of purchase in October 2024, the vehicle mileage was 60,000, and the current mileage was 74,000. However, the dealer informed the contact that the mileage on the Carfax report was 110,000.
8/12/2025
TIRES:SIDEWALL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Dunlop SP Sport 5000 - 225/40R18 - DOT EUT74DDR5220 3 of the 4 tires are splitting on the side walls
10/31/2025
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:SLAVE CYLINDER
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot, the clutch pedal failed to function as intended. The clutch pedal was depressed and failed to return after being released. The contact used his foot to raise the clutch pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the slave cylinder had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the six-speed manual transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and assisted with the labor cost. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
12/2/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota Corolla a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Are complaints about the 2021 Toyota Corolla severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Toyota Corolla: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 215
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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