2021 Toyota Corolla problems
The Toyota Corolla (Japanese: トヨタ・カローラ, Hepburn: Toyota Karōra) is a series of compact cars (formerly subcompact) manufactured and marketed globally by the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. Introduced in 1966, the Corolla was the best-selling car worldwide by 1974 and has been one of the best-selling cars in the world since then. In 1997, the Corolla became the best-selling nameplate in the world, surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle. Toyota reached the milestone of 50 million Corollas sold over twelve generations in 2021.
The name Corolla is part of Toyota's naming tradition of using names derived from the Toyota Crown for sedans, with "corolla" Latin for "small crown". The Corolla has always been exclusive in Japan to Toyota Corolla Store locations, and manufactured in Japan with a twin, called the Toyota Sprinter until 2000. From 2006 to 2018 in Japan and much of the world, and from 2018 to 2020 in Taiwan, the hatchback companion had been called the Toyota Auris.
Early models were mostly rear-wheel drive, while later models have been front-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive versions have also been produced, and it has undergone several major redesigns. The Corolla's traditional competitors have been the Nissan Sunny, introduced the same year as the Corolla in Japan and the later Nissan Sentra, Nissan Sylphy, Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer. The Corolla's chassis designation code is "E", as described in Toyota's chassis and engine codes.
Social links
Common 2021 Toyota Corolla problems
The common problems reported by owners of the 2021 Toyota Corolla are related to the following issues:
- Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System Fault:
- The most common problem reported is the illumination of the check engine light due to a defect in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. This issue can be challenging to diagnose, with potential causes including a failed charcoal canister or a loose/worn gas cap. The average cost for diagnosis and repair ranges from $88 to $111.
- Automatic Transmission Shifting Issues at High Mileages:
- Owners have reported problems with the automatic transmission not shifting correctly, especially in high mileage models (over 125,000 miles). The shifting issue can often be resolved without requiring a full transmission replacement. Causes may include an adjustment needed for the throttle position sensor or a replacement of a broken shift solenoid.
- Starter Failure Leading to Engine Not Cranking:
- Another common problem is the engine not cranking due to a broken starter. This issue typically arises after around 100,000-125,000 miles. While the starter solenoid can sometimes be the cause, resolving the problem usually involves replacing the entire starter system, with an average cost ranging from $316 to $427.
These issues, although common among some Toyota Corolla owners, do not affect all models. It's essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the continued reliability and performance of the vehicle.
What is the most common problem with Toyota Corolla?
Common Problems with the Toyota Corolla
- Oil leaking/excessive oil use.
- Jerky acceleration.
- MAF sensor problem.
- Car vibrating.
Are there any recalls on Toyota Corolla 2021?
There are no open Safety Recalls or Service Campaigns for this vehicle.
Is 2021 a good year for Toyota Corolla?
Yes, the 2021 Corolla is a good pick if you're shopping for a used compact car. It's a great value, and it comes in either a hatchback or sedan body style with an easy-to-use infotainment system and a long list of standard safety features.
How many miles will a 2021 Toyota Corolla last?
300,000 miles
If you want to enjoy years of dependable and comfortable driving, you owe it to yourself to check out the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Following the recommended maintenance schedule for your Toyota Corolla could give your car a life expectancy up to 10 years or 300,000 miles – maybe more!
What is the most common problem with Toyota Corolla?
Common Problems with the Toyota Corolla
- Oil leaking/excessive oil use.
- Jerky acceleration.
- MAF sensor problem.
- Car vibrating.
Is 2021 a good year for Toyota Corolla?
Yes, the 2021 Corolla is a good pick if you're shopping for a used compact car. It's a great value, and it comes in either a hatchback or sedan body style with an easy-to-use infotainment system and a long list of standard safety features.
Are there any recalls on Toyota Corolla 2021?
There are no open Safety Recalls or Service Campaigns for this vehicle.
What are the disadvantages of Toyota Corolla?
The cabin of the Toyota Corolla might feel upscale, but there is significant cabin noise that can interfere with the feeling of luxury. The road and wind at high rates of speed will make the interior louder than expected. Most compact cars like the Toyota Corolla tend to struggle in the department of cabin noise.
2021 Toyota Corolla car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Corolla problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Toyota Corolla vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2021 Toyota Corolla
The NHTSA has received 90 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2021 Toyota Corolla vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5YFS4MCE1MP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Apparently my car's Engine Coolant Bypass Valve is broken and it's a common case with my car's model that's made after 2020. Seems like it there's a need a recall for such a thing since it's a defective part they knew about since my car was screaming at me for an engine maintenance. However, the check engine wasn't on. I went to Toyota at Elk Grove, CA and knew what the issue was pretty quick and charging me $700 to get it replaced. I feel like it's intentionally being handled poorly so they keep charging me 700 every few years to replace a $80 part. As well my story is very common with other customers of Toyota Cars made after 2020. I wanted to report this since that's potentially harmful to put out a car that could have engine problems easily. Especially it's a fairly newer car. Also, they have yet to replace the part for the known recall on this vehicle.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE7MP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE9MP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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)
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-10
- VIN: JTDS4MCE5MJ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine Maintenance Required message came on. Took the vehicle to the dealership and was told that it was the Cooling Bypass Valve. The service advisor said he knew what the problem was before even looking at the vehicle but still wanted to run a diagnostic and charge $800-$900 for the repair. I was told my vehicle was no longer under warranty.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-05
- VIN: 5YFS4MCE7MP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Engine coolant bypass valve malfunctioned at 34xxx miles, causing “engine maintenance required” this could cause the engine to get too hot or not hot enough and affect the internal components of the engine. After speaking to others with the same model and even other models, it seems to be a ongoing issue for many people.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-11
- VIN: JTND4MBE1M3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was sitting idle in my car. The two cars crashing icon came on even though I was in the parking lot doing nothing. There was also issues with the other indications where I would use the back arrow on my steering wheel to clear the issue and it would not clear. Seems unsafe and scary.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 5YFS4MCE3MP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: At 61,000 miles I got an engine maintenance required light. After doing research on the Internet, I see that many people with the corolla similar years have had this issue. It is an engine coolant bypass valve.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-02
- VIN: 5YFS4MCEXMP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Coolant bypass valve needs replaced. Car states 'engine maintenance required visit dealer.'
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE9MP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-11
- VIN: JTND4MBE1M3
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have been taking my Toyota to Sun Toyota for routine maintenance and inspections. Upon today’s inspections they are claiming the battery looks like it leaked on the axial, some of the undercarriage components look broken and rusty. Possibly needing replacement. The overall car is less than 60k in mileage so that seems odd to me. I also brought the car in at 45k and they made no mention of these issues during that vehicle inspection. I asked about my brakes and braking issues. I do not slam on my brakes and the technician said I should stop braking too hard. There is noticeable wear now on them. I asked them to change them at the previous visit and they refused saying it did not need it. I am concerned for my safety and lack of care at this sun Toyota.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE4MP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-22
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE5MP
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Yes the car can be inspected. Yes took to dealership today and they don’t know what’s causing it but what between $855 - 1,100 to fix. When it rains the front wipers automatically come on as they should. Then without warning, they stop working and on three occasions a wiper flew off and my teenager had to stop and run into middle of road to get the wiper. She was on a rural highway and could not see well without the wipers working. I replaced the wipers, but when it down poured rain again, like before they just stopped working with no warning. She had to drive 25 mph on a road that was ranges 45 -55 mph. She had a very hard time seeing and could have wrecked. This could have caused an accident had she been on the freeway going 70 mph. A Google search shows others have experienced this issue with their car. The only person who has inspected the issue / car is the Toyota dealership today. They said they don’t know what’s causing it and would cost more money to try and diagnose, but they said it appears if you run the wipers at the very slowest speed it does not malfunction. I don’t have the money to fix it right now, so we are going to try and not drive in rain and if caught in a storm while driving, like before, we will try running wipers at lowest speed as they suggested. First incident was April or May 2024. Most recent incident was July 2024. Sorry I don’t have exact dates.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-02
- VIN: 5YFS4MCE4MP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Coolant bypass Valve
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- VIN: 5YFS4MCE5MP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine code P2681(15) which after lookup is the coolant bypass valve which is a common faulty part that Toyota seems to not care about and charge upwards of 700$ at the dealer to fix. I took the part out and it indeed has a crack around the case
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 5YFS4MCE3MP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My car reached 52,254 miles and I got a engine maintenance required a scary message I have never seen before I thought it was the oil maintenance one but it’s not I keep dismissing the message because I can’t see my speed and it stays in the way I have realized that if I start the car with AC on the message pops up but if I don’t have ac on and start the car it never appears unless I turn on the ac as the car is already on so it seems to be the coolant valve bypass I received the error message as I was parked for no longer than 40 seconds at most
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE9MP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE5MP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-20
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE6MP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: No remedy for recall within projected time period of Q3 2024.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- VIN: 5YFEPMAE3MP
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield wipers stop working intermittently. It can be anywhere from 1 second to 15 seconds. It is very dangerous in inclement weather and could be life threatening as wipers are basic safety features. I have gotten them checked out by multiple Toyota service centers and the issue cannot be found. There are many comps into across the internet. Please look into this issue. This has been happening since 30,000 miles. I’m currently at 47,000. It is getting worse and I believe they will fail in the next year at 4 years old. This is immature for a new car.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-30
- VIN: JTDM4MCE4MJ
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Los wipers (limpia parabrisas) no funcionan de forma correcta, ya que se quedan arriba cuando estan prendidos, los pones en funcion baja y van rapidos, los apagas y ellos se quedan encendidos por largos segundos y cuando apagan lo hacen arriba o amitad de cristal.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-29
- VIN: 5YFS4MCE9MP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Collant by pass malfuntion 2 time
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
- VIN: 5YFP4MCE8MP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Passenger seat belt will not latch
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-17
- VIN: 5YFP4MCE3MP
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: After hitting 45k miles my engine light turned on and required a coolant bypass valve replacement. This issue has occurred for all Toyota Corolla drivers and rav4 drivers I have came in contact with. This issue should be resolved my car is only 3 years old and should not require pricey engine repairs.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- VIN: 5YFP4MCE5MP
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: After x amount of miles a random service light will come on that states “engine maintenance required, visit your dealer “. It’s nerve racking for your every day drivers.
2021 Toyota Corolla recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Toyota Corolla.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 2, 2024. A second notice will be mailed once the remedy is available. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Negative 2021 Toyota Corolla car reviews
Positive 2021 Toyota Corolla car reviews
-
It's a great little car for anybody looking for their first. It has all the bells and whistles that you could probably think of too.
-
This is the best car I've ever had. I'll love this car for the rest of my life.
-
I'm so glad to hear that you love all the high tech and reliability!
-
I've only had my 2021 Corolla for three days, but I absolutely love it! As a proud owner of four Corollas, including my most recent 2018 model, I feel qualified to leave this review. The 2021 model has even more features than the 2018, making driving it an absolute pleasure. While I have noticed a slight hard idle when the engine is still cold and in park or neutral, it becomes as smooth as silk once it warms up. I have asked Will to keep an eye on it to see if it's a defect, but it may just be a characteristic of the new Corollas. I purchased the LE model, which unfortunately isn't listed in the drop-down menu below.
-
I bought this car because I got a good price, especially for a Toyota. Although it doesn't hug the road well on curves and has a bit of a boxy ride, I'm confident that it will serve me well into the next decade because of its longevity, gas mileage, and safety features. That's exactly what I was looking for!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Toyota Corolla problems:
2021 Toyota Corolla Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
May 10, 2023 ... Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Corolla include paint chipping on the hood, seat belt issues, along with some automatic braking system ...
2021 Toyota Corolla Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Toyota Corolla? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2021 Toyota Corolla Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · Electrical Accessories · Paint And Trim · Engine Electrical · Brakes · Drive System · Steering And Suspension · Climate ...
Mechanic says newer Toyotas have “a lot of problems” : r/Toyota
Jan 21, 2022 ... I drive a 2019 Toyota Corolla le, and I have had many issues with my car. ... I had a 2019 rav4 for 20k miles then bought a 2021 Camry in April.
2021 Corolla EPB malfunction, shame on you Toyota! | Toyota ...
Jan 14, 2022 ... I, too, have been known to violate the statutes of man... ... My toyota before this one never had any problems. ... Parking Brake Malfunction Bought ...
Other years of Toyota Corolla
Are you having problems with your 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Toby Casper 2024-10-09
I have experienced some issues with the engine starting twice within the first 6 months of ownership. However, I am confident in Toyota's care and support, which is still in effect. While this experience has been unexpected, I have been a satisfied Corolla owner for many years and I trust that Toyota will address any concerns I may have. Therefore, I will continue to be a loyal Toyota customer.
Xavier Robel 2024-08-29
The interior could use some improvement. The large electronic screen on the dash seemed a bit too prominent and the two-tone interior gave it a cheap look.
Jay Quitzon 2024-08-25
I'm only 4'11
Quentin Sauer 2024-08-24
The car has a fuel efficiency of 11 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, after driving it for 1500 miles, I have decided to return it.
Ezra Rippin 2024-07-06
I recently leased the 2021 Corolla SE with the upgraded JBL stereo system. Unfortunately, the back speakers stopped working within just 2 days. When I contacted the dealer, they suggested that it might be an issue with my iPhone and advised me to reset it without syncing my contacts. I was confused and frustrated by this response, especially since I have a $1000 phone and a $26,000 car that should work seamlessly together. After speaking with Apple, I learned that Toyota needs to release a firmware update to make the iPhone compatible with the car. While I'm disappointed with this situation, I must say that the car is otherwise okay. I have noticed some sluggishness when accelerating quickly, but it seems to handle well in the snow. If you're considering the Corolla, I would recommend going with the Honda Civic or Kia instead. And if you do decide on the Corolla, I wouldn't bother paying for the upgrade. Overall, I'm quite unhappy with my experience, but I'm hopeful that Toyota will be able to resolve the issue soon. I'm currently on hold with them, but I'm confident that they will be able to help me out.