The Lemon Index2021 Toyota Corolla.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 101 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 42, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 1 recall, and it gets 31 to 52 mpg combined. The best Toyota Corolla year is 2002.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 186 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Corolla year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 77K miles on the car (25 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- airbags 2023
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 170 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota COROLLA 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota COROLLA HATCHBACK 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1250–2050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine coolant bypass valve short to battery. Throwing code - P2681-15 at 33,000 miles.
2021 Toyota Corolla owner · NHTSA complaint 11589830
More owner reports
I was rear-ended by a large truck F250 estimated speed 20 25 miles an hour no airbags deployed at all was enough to injure my neck and back
NHTSA complaint 11549992
Coolant bypass valve stuck shut at 65k miles. Seems like itâs a common occurrence with newer Toyotas. Was told to report it as a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint 11591354
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 42; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Corolla year by this measure since 2010 is 2012.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Corolla problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (27%), engine (21%) and automatic emergency braking (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Corolla get?
31 to 52 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Toyota Corolla problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,400 and 77,000 miles. The middle report was at 39,200 miles, from 25 complaints.
Does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Corolla cost in fuel a year?
About $1250 to $2050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Toyota Corolla year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2013 and 2022.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works