2021 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 185 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 18 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 20, 2023
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.
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. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Campaign 23V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
52 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Dec 30, 2024
Our car in used for a TURO rental car. The TURO system has unlisted our income making vehicle until this is fixed. It's been over a year and we are losing money every day. We are considering legal action. Hope this submission helps. Thank for your help
Air bags, Seats, Dec 28, 2024
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.
Air bags, Dec 20, 2024
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the ongoing issues related to safety recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. The recall, issued in December 2023, involves a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may have been improperly manufactured. Unfortunately, Toyota has failed to address this recall in a timely manner, significantly impacting my ability to use my vehicle safely and as intended. My local dealership has confirmed that my car is affected by this recall and that the OCS sensor is not functioning. However, despite the recall being issued nearly a year ago, the dealership has informed me that they are unable to obtain the necessary parts to repair the issue, and they do not expect to receive them until at least the end of December 2024—if not later. As a result, I have been unable to use my car's passenger seat in a safe and fully functional manner, effectively rendering the car unsuitable for my needs. This prolonged delay in resolving a critical safety issue is unacceptable, and I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others until this issue is resolved. I kindly request that the NHTSA investigate Toyota’s handling of this recall and take appropriate action to ensure that affected vehicle owners, including myself, are provided with timely repairs and necessary parts. I am also requesting clarification on any steps I can take to expedite the repair process. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
Air bags, Nov 21, 2024
The safety of any passenger in the front seat is potentially affected as the defect can either cause the front passenger airbag to fail to deploy in an accident or cause it to deploy when it shouldn't, either way causing harm to the passenger in the front. This probem was widely reported in the press in 2023 and 2024. One article I read said that Toyota claimed it would start issuing the recalls for repair in Feb 2024 but that still had not happened by the time I bought my 2021 Corolla in April 2024. I bought it as a used car from a local dealer who shared the info about the recall which was on the CARFAX report too. I am reluctant to have family or friends in the front passenger seat because of the risk of injury in the case of an accident of accidental deployment of the airbag. This reduces the value of my car significantly, as it is required by law to be safe for my passengers as well as myself. Very disappointing behavior from a company that used to be reliable.
Air bags, Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Oct 16, 2024
Since January 2024, my vehicle has been recalled. They said there would be a remedy by Q3. We called Toyota Dealership in Irving TX and they said next month. We feel blown off and unsafe considering this is an issue that's been almost a year. It's also Q4. Please help us get this rectified as soon as possible. I would truly appreciate your help.
Air bags, Oct 16, 2024
Hi, This car has had a recall since 12/20/23. Toyota still has no fix for us. I have this car on the TURO rental platform, but they unlisted my car because of this recall. I want to file a complaint on Toyota for not offering me a fix and killing my business. Is they any way to put a hold on this until a fix comes out? TY [XXX] Dec 20,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number23TB15 NHTSA Recall Number23V865 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The subject vehicles have Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, that could have been improperly manufactured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Aug 30, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Air bags, Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2024
No warning lights or notifications I found out using this website. I submitted a service request to del Toyota and they said there was nothing they could do to fix it. The passenger side airbag is malfunctioning and might not deploy of in an accident.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Jul 20, 2024
No remedy for recall within projected time period of Q3 2024.
Air bags, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
Air bags, Apr 24, 2024, crash
The contact's daughter was a passenger in a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while the vehicle was driving at an undisclosed speed, vehicle A abruptly merged into the lane of vehicle B, causing the driver of vehicle B to suddenly apply the brakes, rapidly reducing speeds. As a result, the vehicle in which the contact's daughter was a passenger collided with the rear of vehicle B, and, in turn, the vehicle in which the contact's daughter was a passenger was rear-ended by another vehicle behind. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a towed yard and deemed a total loss by the owner's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact transported his daughter to an area hospital, where she was treated for a contusion to the face, whiplash, and numbness in her left shin. The contact was unaware if any other injuries had been reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Mar 27, 2024
I am filing this complaint to report a significant safety concern regarding my 2021 Toyota corolla LE due to the recall on it. The passenger airbag sensor issue poses a serious risk to the safety of myself and my passengers. Despite being aware of the recall and its associated risks, the remedy for this safety concern is not expected to be available until the end of the year. This delay is concerning as it leaves me and other owners of affected vehicles vulnerable to potential accidents or injuries. I have attempted to address this issue with the manufacturer, but I have not received a satisfactory response or resolution as they said they need to wait for the Toyota HQ to provide the remedy for this manufacturing error. Therefore, I am submitting this complaint to request assistance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addressing this safety concern promptly and effectively. We were told this recall would be completed by February of this year 2024 but it still has not been resolved
Air bags, Oct 14, 2023, crash
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
Air bags, Jul 10, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon approaching it, he observed flames emanating from both the driver's and passenger's side air bags, overtaking the entire dashboard. The local fire department arrived and was able to extinguish the flames. Both police and fire reports were filed following the fire, but no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic but instead towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not repaired pending an insurance claim. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, May 9, 2023, crash
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.
Air bags, Jan 24, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the front passenger's side door. The contact stated that the air bags deployed, except for the driver's side steering wheel air bag. The impact caused her chest to lunge forward, and the contact fractured her neck. A passenger seated in the passenger's side front seat sustained bruising from her neck, her waist, and a fractured collarbone. Medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Steering, Air bags, Seats, Jan 17, 2023, crash
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.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2022, crash
Front end collision at 50mph with deer. No airbag deployment, car was totaled