The Lemon Index

All cars · Toyota Corolla · 2021

2021 Toyota Corolla. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index42100 = average car
Complaints101NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold248,993U.S. model year
Per 100K sold41complaints
Year rank#18 of 23#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 6

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.8L 4-cylAuto (variable gear ratios)FWD30 / 38 / 33Regular$1,900
1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD29 / 39 / 33Regular$1,900
1.8L 4-cyl hybridAuto (variable gear ratios)FWD53 / 52 / 52Regular$1,200
2.0L 4-cylAuto (AM-S10)FWD32 / 41 / 35Regular$1,800
2.0L 4-cylAuto (AV-S10)FWD31 / 40 / 34Regular$1,850
2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD29 / 36 / 32Regular$1,950

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,400 and 77,000 miles. Median 39,200, from 25 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Airbags55,0006,000–92,3009

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Airbags27%
Engine21%
Automatic emergency braking10%
Electrical10%
Wipers & visibility10%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
18618210018

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 23V865000 Dec 2023 Air Bags / Sensor / Occupant Classification

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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 in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Le

Manufacturer communications 170

Toyota filed 170 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Some 2020 model year Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, RAV4, and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Toyota COROLLA 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Toyota COROLLA HATCHBACK 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20183197303,732Airbags
201933104304,850Airbags
202049114237,178Engine
202142101248,993Airbags
20223081222,216Electrical
20232674232,370Steering
20243367232,908Automatic emergency braking

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data