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
185 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Jul 16, 2025
This is recall on and OCS that not has been taking of and I'm trying to find out is the problem that is matter has not been resolved. It's been since Dec of 2023 and I still don't have this issue fixed yet. And the light is on the right passanger side.
Engine, Jul 14, 2025
Coolant bypass valve broken
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2025
I was coming to a stop and the clutch slave master cylinder just sank to the floor and wouldn’t activate the clutch. There were no symptoms of the clutch failing or having trouble changing gears prior to its failure. It was inspected by the Toyota tech and he couldn’t give me a reason for its premature failure.
Engine, Jun 23, 2025
Engine maintenance required P268115 engine coolant bypass valve
Engine, Jun 18, 2025
The car shows the message “Engine Maintenance Required” that leads to the coolant bypass hose being bad.
Engine, Jun 17, 2025
The engine maintenance required sign popped up on my 2021 Toyota Corolla and took it to a dealer to get it diagnosed and they reported back it was the coolant bypass valve. They want 1,000$ to fix the issue even tho the person I was dealing with at the dealer shop said it’s happening to all the corollas from 30,000 miles to 50,000 miles .
Power train, Jun 12, 2025
Clutch pedal sticks. Even after Toyota dealership bled lines. Apparent slave cylinder issue. Failure ranges from 35k to 80k miles. Faulty design using polymer is the internet’s general opinion.
Air bags, Seats, Jun 9, 2025
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they were unable to unscrew the rear screws on the seat to remove the seat because the seat failed to move forward to access the rear screws. The dealer stated that the seat bracket had to be fractured and then replaced to be able to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was informed the contact that the dealer would charge more for the additional damage. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was 94,576. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tires, May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Blue Earth, Tire Size: 205/55/R16, DOT Number: FD8K-LL012. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that after stopping to inspect the vehicle, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side tire had experienced a sidewall blowout and tread separation. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local Toyota dealer was notified of the failure. The tire manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 53,253.
Engine, May 27, 2025
Coolant bypass valve has failed. AutoNation Toyota in Cerritos has verified issue. This issue has caused potential engine overheating, engine maintenance required warning light has popped up in my vehicle, was told by AutoNation that my vehicle is not covered for this repair and I will have to pay out of pocket.
Engine, May 21, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex, 2.0L Engine Component Failure: The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve (also called Water Valve) malfunctioned. Its plastic housing cracked and leaked coolant, corroding the electrical connector. This prevents proper electronic control of engine temperature. The failed component is available for inspection if removed. Safety Risk: This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine overheating. Overheating can lead to sudden loss of power or engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a collision, especially at high speeds. A roadside breakdown in unsafe conditions is also a risk. Confirmation: A Toyota dealership service center confirmed the problem, diagnosing it as a leaking coolant bypass valve requiring replacement. Inspection: The vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealership technician. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warnings/Symptoms: The primary symptom was the "Engine Maintenance Required" message illuminating in the instrument cluster. This first appeared approximately [State how long ago, e.g., "3 weeks ago" or "at 45,000 miles"]. No other immediate symptoms like visible leaks or temperature fluctuations were initially noticed, though a leak was confirmed later.
Air bags, May 20, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Other or unspecified, May 15, 2025
Dashboard warning: Engine Maintenance, Visit Dealer Toyota service center diagnostic found code P268115 - engine coolant bypass hose valve circuit short (recommend replacement of coolant bypass hose) An identical error is addressed with Toyota's Customer Support Program 24TE04 covering certain 2020-2021 Corollas (up to mid-January 2021). Reported vehicle's manufacture date is not covered under this Program notice.
Air bags, May 8, 2025
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 unavailable. 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, May 2, 2025
Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Team, I am writing to report a serious and unresolved safety issue regarding the passenger-side airbag recall on my 2020 Toyota [Model], VIN: [Your VIN]. This recall was issued on December 20, 2023, and as of today, Toyota has not provided a remedy or timeline for repair. I have contacted Toyota dealerships in Norwalk and Anaheim, both of which advised me not to bring the car in, stating that no fix is currently available. I was recently offered a rental car, but only if I surrender my vehicle to the dealership — something I am not comfortable doing, as I wish to retain possession of my legally owned and registered vehicle. I keep the vehicle stored safely at my home and do not believe it is fair or necessary to forfeit it for an indefinite period. This situation has caused significant anxiety and mental distress, as I fear for the safety of my passengers every time I drive. It has now been over a year since I was made aware of this critical safety issue, and Toyota has not provided a viable solution. I respectfully request: That NHTSA investigate this delay in remedy. That I be allowed to receive a rental vehicle without surrendering my property. Guidance on my rights under federal law, including any steps I may take toward resolution or compensation. Applicable Laws: Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S. Code § 30120), manufacturers are legally obligated to remedy safety defects at no charge and in a timely manner. Under 49 CFR Part 573, manufacturers must notify owners and report progress on remedy programs. A delay of over a year without remedy seems to violate these requirements. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to proceed and ensure this issue is resolved properly. Your guidance and support in holding manufacturers accountable for safety compliance are deeply valued. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2025
My 2021 Corolla showed an ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED message. This message pertains to replacing the ENGINE COOLANT BYPASS VALVE - a common occurrence for the 2019-2023 corolla/rav4 models. I have seen multiple instances online of complaints of this same issue around the 50k-60k mark of the vehicle. This SHOULD be a RECALL due to how common the problem is. I’m here to add on to that TALLY of complaints that have already been submitted.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 25, 2025
I just had to replace my transmission. 2 days later I have my check engine light, secondary collision, pre collision and parking brake malfunction lights came on. There is a osc recall that could cause these issues, but they’re saying stated my specific vehicle isn’t under a recall
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2025
The horn has failed to work now for the second time. I first had this problem at approximately 97000 right before my warranty was up, and toyota had to replace the entire horn assembly they said that the wiring got wrapped up behind steering wheel and they weren't sure how . Now it started intermittently working the day I was going to let my daughter take her dmv drive test so she was not able to use my car it was sounding sick when I pressed it. Now it will not work at all . My car currently has 140k on it . Complete Safety hazard when someone pulls out of a parking space and you can't alert them to not hit your car! YOU PANIC!!!! . This is A Safety Issue!!!! And I have had no warning lights that came on, nor any messages on my system warning screen on my radio. I've checked all my fuses they are fine. Nobody should have to worry about replacing an 800$ horn assembly every 40k that's ridiculous i have never had a horn failure. I feel this needs to be investigated I may not be the only one with this problem. I think they should be required to fix something of this nature just as they should all air bag and seat belt issues . It SHOULD NEVER FAIL!!!!
Air bags, Apr 2, 2025
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 unavailable. 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.
Engine, Mar 24, 2025
On my 2021 Toyota Corolla SE at 43k miles the “service engine needed” notification came on. As I’m researching it’s a known issue with these models and RAV4 models. The cooling valve is needing to be replaced and Toyota does not cover it costing us about $500-$700 at the dealership.
Air bags, Mar 10, 2025
Indicator is on, saying airbags are at risk.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 5, 2025
When the windshield wipers are set to intermittent they would swipe as if they were set to lo and then they would come to a complete stop at a 45° angle sometimes starting up again but other times I would need to turn the windshield wipers off then back on for them to go again.
Air bags, Mar 1, 2025, crash
Car crash potential safety defect in my 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan , the driver defective air bag didn’t protect the driver from injuries. Passenger and back air bags deployed except the driver’s air bag, the driver was the only one in the car.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 26, 2025
windshield wipers stopping randomly mid-wipe at 45 degree angle, only resume if i continue turning on and off
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 18, 2025
Unknown