2021 Toyota Corolla Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

38Engine complaints

20.9%Of all 182 complaints

#2Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

AIR BAGS52 · 28.6%

ENGINE38 · 20.9%

Unspecified / other31 · 17%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20 · 11%

POWER TRAIN17 · 9.3%

Share of the 182 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Toyota Corolla overview page.

What owners report

“My 2021 Toyota Corolla's engine coolant bypass valve has shorted out once again. This is the second time this has happened in less than 40,000…”NHTSA complaint 11641337 — filed 02/07/2025

“My 2021 Toyota Corolla has 43k miles at this moment and the engine coolant bypass valve went out prematurely. There should be a recall on…”NHTSA complaint 11624945 — filed 11/13/2024

“I recently purchased a 2021 Toyota Corolla SE. After a few days the "Engine Maintenance Required - See Dealer" notification appeared. See as it was…”NHTSA complaint 11624084 — filed 11/07/2024

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have engine problems?

Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Toyota Corolla: 38 of 182 complaints on file (20.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Toyota Corolla have in total?

182 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 18 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 13 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.