general problems of the 2021 Toyota Corolla

27 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2021 Toyota Corolla. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2021 Toyota Corolla based on all problems reported for the 2021 Corolla.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/24/2026

Today I noticed that both of my door front locks passenger and driver side do not even actuate to have the door locked and unlocked by key of by the alarm. They completely stopped working. Even I contacted Toyota corporate several times about this issue (800) 331-4331 and got ignored. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately. This is a safety concern for me and family.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/20/2026

“engine maintenance required, see your dealer” light comes on the dashboard with a warning bell. Did a diagnostic test, and the code is the coolant bypass valve malfunction. This seems to be a common issue among 2020-2021 models. This has been inspected by professional mechanics.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/19/2025

Data communication module activation failed message at start of car. It's loud and my baby gets woken up by this. .

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2025

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.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2025

My vehicle was backed into while ì was inside of it in a parking lot. Due to my horn failing. , I was unable to alert the other driver to see me. The clock spring is what failed the first time at 95k they replaced it. I'm now at 147k and it failed again . Now I'm discovering that if it does not work, there's an electrical circuit failure and that the airbag will not deploy if I get in an accident. This is a serious safety issue and I feel Toyota should be responsible for it for the life of the vehicle . A horn should never go out. Especially if it not working will keep my air bag from functioning properly . 850 out of my pocket is way steep. The replacement part lasted half as long as the original part did when I bought the car that to me seems like a faulty part this should be obvious and they should just fix the problem cuz I might have to just consult an attorney should they choose not to. The attached photo shows what happens when you can't beep your horn at somebody who's about to back into your car !!! my car still has not turned on any kind of warning lamp for the airbag or any kind of malfunction light, no warnings on my radio. I have noticed that my lane departure warning seems to work intermittently along with the automatic high beams that like to flash my high beams in people's face for some unapparent reason which also seems like a safety issue. If I had to take my car to an inspection station it would not pass an inspection due to the horn not working ! you cannot take your child to the department of motor vehicles and let them take their drive test if your horn does not work ! which happened to be my case !! very disappointing to say the least especially when you've paid $30,000 for a car.

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2025

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.

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/11/2025

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.

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/02/2025

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!!!!.

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2025

Fallo DE la pieza válvula DE control DE refrigerante del motor la cual ES defecto DE fabricación del vehiculo.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2024

-coolant bypass valve -it risked my safety by possibly destroying my perfectly good car -yes my Toyota dealership confirmed the faulty coolant bypass (which many people have had this exact issue with these Toyota models) -no -yes about a week before it was serviced.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/11/2024

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.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2024

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.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 09/04/2024

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.

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2024

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.

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2024

Coolant bypass valve.

16 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 07/02/2024

Coolant bypass valve needs replaced. Car states 'engine maintenance required visit dealer. '.

17 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2024

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.

18 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/30/2024

A crack appeared in my windshield on the passenger side. Ther is no damage from a rock and we haven’t had extreme temperature changes. It is growing and will soon be on the drivers side.

19 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2023

I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2021 Toyota Corolla. The recall involves the airbag ecu and has rendered the vehicle ineligible for rental on platforms like turo. I purchased this vehicle specifically for rental income, and the recall has prevented me from listing it for over 14 months. Toyota has acknowledged the recall but has not provided a remedy or timeline for resolution. Their response offered no compensation or alternative solution. Based on comparable turo listings in frisco, texas, I estimate monthly rental income of $810–$1,050, resulting in total lost income of approximately $11,340 to $14,700. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the delay in remedy and consider enforcement action to ensure timely resolution and accountability.

20 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/28/2023

I smell gas whenever I drive my car. My car has less than 33,000 miles on it.

21 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/12/2023

I was parked in my parking space I reversed into the space. I left the car running in park to dispose of trash. When I come back to my car to retrieve my cell phone and key out of the ignition. When the car turned off, the car began to roll down as my space is at a slight decline and the result of this was me bumping into a motorcycle who is parked directly across from my spot. I attempted to brake and I wasn’t able to steer as I had vehicles to my left and right and this happened in a distance of maybe 20-25 ft. The other party was notified no one was hurt but both my vehicle and his bike took damage. I have damage to my front grill because of this malfunction. This has never happened before but as this is a new car, this concerns me greatly and has been brought to Toyota’s attention. I wanted to file a complaint as I know others have my same vehicle and they may have had or might end up in the same situation as I was in. I believe it is the parking brake that was the issue.

22 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/08/2022

Every thing is good.

23 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 08/31/2022

No problem.

24 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/11/2021

While driving the vehicle the brake hold system was activated at a red light. While proceeding through the light within (about) 5 minutes the vehicle indicated a brake hold malfunction. An odor of smoke was also present, at that point I turned off the vehicle and inspected the origin; the trunk. Upon opening the trunk the right side had a sizeable fire growing towards my assets. Police did arrive on scene, an adjuster has examined the damages, however this has not seemed to be replicated. I believe the risks associated with this incident are quite evident. There was no collision.

25 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2021

After bringing my 2021 Corolla into a certified mechanic that I personally trust is the most skilled and talented for Toyota brand, as a specialist for asian make vehicles. I was told that my unit was given a old battery despite the year of my vehicle. The safety of starting the engine was discovered 3 days ago. When I couldn't start the car. I brought it to mountain view auto mechanics, in mountain view, CA. The mechanic I spoke with visually scans the engine and said that everything was not tampered with, but requires a replacement battery, by the Toyota dealership; any of the locations. Because the car is a 2021 it falls in the category of standard brand new warranty. A diagnostic fee has been said by Toyota of stevens creek of the amounts of 230. 00$ to find the issue. Even though I in with in warranty. I work at quiktrak inc. As field inspector/authorized inspector my id# is cnp995 I perform inspection audits for vehicles and vessels all in the northern areas of California. I am complaining about my vehicle being un-safe for long term use, because of contraindications of how my car is. For the record. I have not modified any thing that would void my vehicles basic warrenty. Nor the CA emissions warenty.

26 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2021

The rear back up camera continues to adhered road salt and sand debris that blocks the camera's ability to project a clear view in the dashboard monitor every winter season here in upstate new york from early November through last snow in spring April-may). I addressed with Toyota office ( I 800-331-4331) at least four times and told to go back to the area Toyota dealer as I previously had done that previous 3 years. I get strange looks as to why their going to resolve this safety concern as the maintenance manual on page 240 of the owner's manual states on right top page,: "if diet or foreign matter ( such as drooletsz,snow, mud etc. ) is adhering to the camera, it cannot transmit a clear image. In this case, flush with a large quantity of water and wipe the camera lens clean with a soft and wet cloth. " this cleaning procedure doesn't work in subfreezing temperatures and only causes the water to freeze to this area of the rear hatch area and to the floor or driveway! this is a serious safety flaw having to rely on a dirty camera monitor when backing up which every time I leave my single lane driveway going directly to the avenue I reside. Besides with water and wet soft cloth leaving road grit debris on the camera will further risk to scratching up the view lense cover! so where's the safe solution to this repeated issue every winter now for the 3rd year?.

27 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2021

On 4 occasions, after engaging cruise control (65mph) the steering wheel went hard and it appeared that the wheel alignment was off and the vehicle veered left and it would create to small amount of torque on the steering wheel. Again, only when I engaged the cruise control. VIN: jtdepmae3mj151997 (there is no "y") (change "y" to "t". Sorry :-(.


Other Equipment related problems of the 2021 Toyota Corolla


Corolla Service Bulletins
Corolla Safety Recalls
Corolla Defect Investigations