Toyota characterizes the brand name based on the standards of quality and reliability that the Toyota vehicles offer. The 2021 Toyota Corolla justifies this trend by holding up to the expectations from a Toyota. With 22 registered complaints, the sedan comes across a few flaws and problems which range from engine stalling to seatbelt malfunctions. Nonetheless, the Toyota sedan sees a positive general reception from the customers. The Toyota Corolla contends in the compact sedan class with the likes of the Honda Civic, the Mazda 3, and the Hyundai Elantra. Although the car shows a record of complaints, there have been no recalls recorded for the 21 Corolla so far. NHTSA approves the sedan with a 5-star safety rating. Here’s a better look at the car.
2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid
1
Recalls0
Investigations86
ComplaintsUpdated on: August 6, 2024
Senior Editor
User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Engine - The engine exhibits abrupt loss of power inducing engine stalling. Users experience a drastic drop in speed under driving conditions. The issue has resulted in multiple records of vehicle crashes.
- Brakes - The problem with the 2021 Toyota Corolla braking system is vulnerable to acceleration on the application of brakes. This puts the vehicle occupants and other motorists at risk of crashing.
- Powertrain - The 2021 Corolla powertrain tends to falter on occasions. This results in a jerky and stuttering drive above the speeds of 20 MPH. The fix to this requires the user to replace the car’s transmission.
Electrical Problems
- Driver aids-2021 Toyota Corolla driver aid malfunctions are common. They range from false collision avoidance triggers to auto emergency braking failures. In some cases, users have experienced unprompted auto emergency braking with the vehicle. Many crash cases report driver aid malfunctions as the cause. A few complaints report auto emergency braking with the vehicle being in 'park' mode.
- Cruise control- The problem occurs with the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) feature. Despite the cruise control set on a speed limit, the car tends to raise the RPM above safe limits while descending a slope.
Safety Problems
- Airbags- Complaints report a failure of airbag deployment in event of crashing. Airbag deployment failures in case of a frontal collision report serious injuries and casualties.
- Seatbelts- The vehicle seatbelts fail to restrict the movements of occupants in an event of a crash. This compromises the safety of the occupants and increases the risk of injury.
Exterior Problems
- Headlights- User complaints report headlamp illumination to be inadequate. The issue poses a safety hazard. This occurs under the highway or interstate driving conditions.
- Tires-2021 Toyota Corolla tires are vulnerable to blowouts. Many complaints report blowing and flattening of the stock soft tires under driving conditions. This increases the chances of a crash.
- Windshield- The front windshield of the vehicle is prone to cracking without external damage. Toyota claims the ambient environment temperature to be the primary cause.
- Wipers- 2021 Corolla users report the windshield wipers to be ineffective under heavy and moderate rains. This compromises driver visibility and safety and increases the risk of crashing.
Recalls
As a manufacturer, Toyota ensures a safe and reliable vehicle experience. However, when the need arises, Toyota showcases a stringent approach to vehicle recalls. Here, in the case of the 2021 Toyota Corolla, the sedan maintains a clean record. As per NHTSA records, the ‘21 Corolla has reported 22 complaints but 0 recalls registered so far. The competing Honda Civic also shows a clear record with 0 registered recalls. As for the Hyundai Elantra, the sedan tops the list with 3 recalls followed by the Mazda 3 with 1 registered recall.
Should you buy the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
Over the years, the Corolla has preceded its reputation as a 'safe and sound' sedan. The 2021 Toyota Coralla continues on this trend. The car offers a reliable sedan experience with the right proportion of performance, comfort, and practicality. The Toyota sedan is a versatile drive that suits both the role of a city commuter as well as that of a tourer. All in all, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is a worthy investment for those looking forward to a reliable sedan with multi-role capabilities.
- Complaints
- Recalls
- Investigations
- Manufacturer Communications
September 11, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11614341
Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA ID Number:
11614341
Incident Date:
September 11, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number:
5YFS4MCE7MP
Consumer Location:
DAVENPORT, IA
Summary
Engine coolant bypass valve malfunctioned at 34xxx miles, causing engine maintenance required this ...
September 10, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11614017
Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NHTSA ID Number:
11614017
Incident Date:
September 10, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number:
JTND4MBE1M3
Consumer Location:
Unknown
Summary
I was sitting idle in my car. The two cars crashing icon came on even though I was in the parking lot doi...
September 3, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11612604
Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NHTSA ID Number:
11612604
Incident Date:
September 3, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number:
5YFS4MCE3MP
Consumer Location:
Unknown
Summary
At 61,000 miles I got an engine maintenance required light. After doing research on the Internet, I see t...
September 1, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11612183
Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NHTSA ID Number:
11612183
Incident Date:
September 1, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number:
5YFS4MCEXMP
Consumer Location:
BROWNSBURG, IN
Summary
Coolant bypass valve needs replaced. Car states 'engine maintenance required visit dealer.'
August 29, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11611760
Components: 140000 AIR BAGS
NHTSA ID Number:
11611760
Incident Date:
August 29, 2024
Vehicle Identification Number:
5YFEPMAE9MP
Consumer Location:
AVON PARK, FL
Summary
See attached document for complaint.
