Toyota sold the 2021 Corolla as a sedan and a hatchback across sixteen trim levels, and put three four-cylinder engines behind them: the hybrid 1.8L (2ZR-FXE), the gasoline 1.8L (2ZR-FAE) and the 2.0L (M20A-FKS). Fuel and ignition control, drivetrain hardware and torque figures all move with that combination, so a number read off the wrong one of those three is simply the wrong number for the car in front of you.
Engines
- 1.8L 1798CC l4 HYBRID DOHC Naturally Aspirated
- 1.8L 1798CC l4 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
- 2.0L 2000CC l4 GAS Naturally Aspirated
Trims
- Hybrid LE
- L
- LE
- SE Apex
- SE Nightshade, 4D Hatchback
- SE Nightshade, 4D Sedan
- SE, 4D Hatchback, Automatic CVT Trans
- SE, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans
- SE, 4D Sedan, Automatic CVT Trans
- SE, 4D Sedan, Standard Trans
- XLE
- XSE Apex, 4D Hatchback
- XSE Apex, 4D Sedan
- XSE, 4D Hatchback, Automatic CVT Trans
- XSE, 4D Hatchback, Standard Trans
- XSE, 4D Sedan
Known issues on the 2021 Corolla. One recall is on federal record for this model year, and it covers the occupant classification sensor in the air bag system. The consequence on record is that an air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. Campaign 23V865000 reaches a group of 2020-2021 Toyota and Lexus models that includes the Corolla. Owners have filed 243 complaints against the 2021 Corolla, and Toyota has issued 169 technical service bulletins for it.
Those public records name the fault; they do not tell you how to trace it or set it right on your own car. That is the job this factory service and repair manual does for the 2021 Corolla, against the engine and trim it was actually written for.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4,
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safet
OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
Some 2018 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
Some 2005 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Servic
OBSOLETE NOTICE August 19, 2025: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0059-25.
Some 2020 2025 model year Corolla vehicles may exhibit a vibration or rattle noise from the right-hand engine mounting insulator sub-assembly. This condition will usually go away when the engines Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) are above idle.
The specific condition covered by this program is for a small engine coolant leak that can occur from the flow shut-off valve that can allow coolant to drip on other parts of the vehicle. This can cause "Engine Maintenance Required" to be d
Some 2021 2022 model year Avalon, 2018 2024 Camry, 2019 2025 model year Corolla, 2022 2025 model year Corolla Cross, and 2019 2025 model year RAV4 vehicles with A25A-FKS and M20A-FKS engines may have a MIL ON condition with one or more of t
Showing the 8 most recent of 169 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while at a stop light in the turning lane, another vehicle re
The contact owned a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle
I was rear ended. During the impact, which was enough to accelerate my vehicle from 9 mph to 36 mph, the steering wheel
On December 12, 2025, I was in a head on car accident in my 2021 Toyota Corolla nightshade. I was slammed into the steer
I was rear-ended by a large truck F250 estimated speed 20 25 miles an hour no airbags deployed at all was enough to inju
Showing the 5 most serious of 184 complaints filed with NHTSA.
