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2021 Toyota Mirai Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson
2021 Toyota Mirai Report

Overall Score

6.9/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The primary concern for used Mirai buyers is the limited and often unreliable hydrogen fueling infrastructure, which can severely impact usability.
  • A significant recall campaign affects the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system software; ensure this has been addressed.
  • The Mirai boasts excellent EPA-estimated fuel economy, achieving 65 MPG combined.
  • While core vehicle components may be robust, the operational environment for this FCEV is a significant risk factor.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2021 Toyota Mirai

The 2021 Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) with impressive 65 MPG combined efficiency. Its advanced powertrain provides a smooth, quiet ride. However, the Mirai's viability as a used purchase is heavily dependent on the availability and reliability of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. With 10 recalls documented, primarily for the ESC system software, potential buyers must factor in the risks associated with this niche technology and its limited support network. The potential for high fuel costs is mitigated by its efficiency, but the limited fueling network remains a critical consideration.

Critical Failure Risk

The ESC system may fail to re-enable automatically after being manually disabled, potentially compromising vehicle stability control in critical situations. This is addressed via a software update to the Skid Control ECU.

Early detection can help you avoid a repair of about $0.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls10
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
65
MPG
City
67
MPG
Highway
64
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.0/ 10

Practicality

9.5/ 10

The score is supported by solid day-to-day usability signals.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Environmentally conscious drivers who live in areas with readily available and reliable hydrogen fueling infrastructure.

+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers who live in areas with limited or no hydrogen fueling stations.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2021 Toyota Mirai Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2021 Toyota Mirai.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Hydrogen
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
65

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Fuel System

Most reported

Usage: 1 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- General Inspection

Est. shop cost: $150 - $250

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
10 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2021 Toyota Mirai reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2021 Toyota Mirai is 9.0/10. Reliability score is 9.0/10. NHTSA recalls: 10. Owner complaints: 1.

How practical is the 2021 Toyota Mirai for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 9.5/10. The score is supported by solid day-to-day usability signals. EPA combined economy is 65 MPG. Seating capacity is 5.

What is the overall score for the 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2021 Toyota Mirai is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Tuning 1.0/10. Practicality 9.5/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - General Inspection at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $750. Repair prediction highlight: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ECU Software (estimated cost Min: $0).

What is the MSRP range for the 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

Base MSRP is $49,500.

What transmission does the 2021 Toyota Mirai use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Mirai, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is Rear-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2021 Mirai require Hydrogen gas?▾

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Hydrogen.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

EPA combined estimate is 65 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

14 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Mirai, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Mirai, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2021 Toyota Mirai use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Toyota Mirai, drivetrain is Rear-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

Is the 2021 Toyota Mirai good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 1/10. The 2021 Toyota Mirai is a unique vehicle in the automotive landscape, operating as a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

What are the most common fuel/propulsion system problems on the 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

Top complaint category: fuel/propulsion system (1 reports, 100% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 Toyota Mirai?▾

This model year has 10 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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