2021 Toyota Corolla Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 188 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Corolla. The EPA rates it 31 to 52 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 1
- Owner complaints
- 188
- Crashes / fires reported
- 18 / 2
- EPA combined
- 31–52 MPG
2021 Toyota Corolla recalls
Air BagsDec 20, 2023 · NHTSA 23V865000+
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Toyota Corolla problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Air Bags53
- Engine41
- Unknown or Other33
- Electrical System23
- Power Train19
- Visibility/Wiper15
- Seat Belts8
- Exterior Lighting8
2021 Toyota Corolla gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla Hybrid | 1.8 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 53 | 52 | 52 | $1,250 |
| Corolla Hatchback | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S10) | 32 | 41 | 35 | $1,850 |
| Corolla | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S10) | 31 | 40 | 34 | $1,900 |
| Corolla APEX | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S10) | 31 | 38 | 34 | $1,900 |
| Corolla XSE | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S10) | 31 | 38 | 34 | $1,900 |
| Corolla | 1.8 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 | 38 | 33 | $1,950 |
| Corolla | 1.8 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 29 | 39 | 33 | $1,950 |
| Corolla Hatchback XSE | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S10) | 30 | 38 | 33 | $1,950 |
| Corolla | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 29 | 36 | 32 | $2,000 |
| Corolla XLE | 1.8 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,000 |
| Corolla APEX | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,050 |
| Corolla Hatchback | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Toyota Corolla, most recently for the air bags (Dec 20, 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Corolla problems?
Owners filed 188 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are air bags (53), engine (41), unknown or other (33).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Corolla get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Corolla at 31 to 52 MPG combined (best version: 53 city / 52 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.