repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
2021 Toyota CorollaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 188 owner complaints about the 2021 Toyota Corolla, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-865 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Toyota Corolla has problems
188 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
53Air bags13 crash/fire/injury
41Engine2 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
19Power train1 crash/fire/injury
15Visibility/wiper
8Seat belts
8Forward collision avoidance
8Exterior lighting
7Vehicle speed control
4211 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 53 | 13 |
| Engine | 41 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 4 |
| Power train | 19 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 8 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 2 |
| 11 other systems | 42 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2021 Toyota Corolla recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Corolla year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Corolla median. How we score
0001110223516331426232771631301721761291352251551451331177214778548408363141,4591,244585446201271220216178136205313188103746632181
'69'70'71'73'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Toyota Corolla safety ratings
2021 Toyota COROLLA 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Corolla owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On May 22, 2026, I got off work and started my 2021 Toyota Corolla LE when I noticed the SRS airbag warning light was on. The warning light has remained on ever since. I am concerned that my airbags may not function properly in the event of an accident. I recently contacted Toyota corporate because…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 3 MPH, they were rear-ended by a BMW X5 and pushed forward, crashing into a Ford Explorer. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his son sustained injuries consisting of lacerations to…
On December 12, 2025, I was in a head on car accident in my 2021 Toyota Corolla nightshade. I was slammed into the steering wheel which caused injury. My car has over $14,000 worth of damage to the front yet my airbags did not deploy. I have taken my car to Toyota several times over the past few…
Own a 2021 Corolla?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.