2021 Toyota Corolla electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngine

   "Engine maintenance required" light is coming up constantly, only when i turn on the AC and doesn't let me view my dash at all. Ive determined it's the Engine coolant bypass valve. Many models have had this same exact issue and there needs to be a recall/repair at no cost to the owners.

   NHTSA complaint #11769512 · source
2. Filed Jul 21, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngine

   This Toyota Corolla hatchback is experiencing an issue where it is constantly giving an “ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED” light and when scanned, it says “coolant bypass valve malfunction”. There is already a recall for many Toyota Corolla Sedans experiencing this issue of this bypass valve being defective, but because this is a hatchback, it is not part of the recall when it should be. There is already a recall for vehicles affected with this issue: T-SB-0112-24

   NHTSA complaint #11751893 · source
3. Filed May 16, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngine

   The vehicle displays an “Engine Maintenance Required” warning message shortly after the air conditioning is turned on. The warning does not usually appear immediately at startup but consistently appears when the A/C system is activated. The vehicle currently remains drivable, but the issue appears related to the engine cooling system and may involve the coolant bypass valve/flow control valve, which has been widely reported by other owners of similar model vehicles. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11738354 · source
4. Filed Feb 25, 2026CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Today I noticed that both of my door front locks passenger and driver side do not even actuate to have the door locked and unlocked by key of by the alarm. They completely stopped working. Even I contacted Toyota Corporate several times about this issue [phone removed] and got ignored. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately. This is a safety concern for me and family.

   NHTSA complaint #11720322 · source
5. Filed Dec 27, 2025CACrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   On December 12, 2025, I was in a head on car accident in my 2021 Toyota Corolla nightshade. I was slammed into the steering wheel which caused injury. My car has over $14,000 worth of damage to the front yet my airbags did not deploy. I have taken my car to Toyota several times over the past few years and every time I’ve asked about a remedy for this recall I’ve been told there is no remedy as early as June or July 2025 I had to bring my car in for a manufacturer defect with…

   NHTSA complaint #11707212 · source
6. Filed Nov 5, 2025GAElectrical System

   The navigational systems shuts off in the middle of driving. The screen will go completely black making it unsafe when using navigational directions. The system also shuts off at the slightest pot holes. Windows also won’t work when trying to put them down from the drivers side

   NHTSA complaint #11697626 · source
7. Filed Oct 22, 2025WIElectrical SystemSteeringVisibility & Wipers

   The problem of windshield wipers going off either once, or at varying speeds has not been able to be reproduced by my Toyota dealership. It goes off right when I turn the car on 50% of the time and is very inconsistent. Wipers typically go off after using the turn signal, making long turns (such as into a parking spot), and driving on long curved roadways. It has been inspected and nothing has been found. There are no warning lights or messages.

   NHTSA complaint #11695133 · source
8. Filed Aug 12, 2025110,000 miNJElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while attempting to sell the vehicle to a Toyota dealer, the dealer informed the contact that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a used car dealer sale. At the time of purchase in October 2024, the vehicle mileage was 60,000, and the current mileage was 74,000. However, the dealer informed the contact that the mileage on the Carfax report was 110,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11680037 · source
9. Filed Aug 7, 2025CACrashAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   My vehicle was backed into while ì was inside of it in a parking lot. Due to my horn failing., I was unable to alert the other driver to see me. The clock spring is what failed the first time at 95k they replaced it. I'm now at 147k and it failed again . Now I'm discovering that if it does not work, there's an electrical circuit failure and that the airbag will not deploy if I get in an accident. This is a serious safety issue and I feel Toyota should be responsible for it…

   NHTSA complaint #11678966 · source
10. Filed Apr 27, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    My 2021 Corolla showed an ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED message. This message pertains to replacing the ENGINE COOLANT BYPASS VALVE - a common occurrence for the 2019-2023 corolla/rav4 models. I have seen multiple instances online of complaints of this same issue around the 50k-60k mark of the vehicle. This SHOULD be a RECALL due to how common the problem is. I’m here to add on to that TALLY of complaints that have already been submitted.

    NHTSA complaint #11657048 · source
11. Filed Apr 25, 2025ILElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    I just had to replace my transmission. 2 days later I have my check engine light, secondary collision, pre collision and parking brake malfunction lights came on. There is a osc recall that could cause these issues, but they’re saying stated my specific vehicle isn’t under a recall

    NHTSA complaint #11656802 · source
12. Filed Feb 7, 2025OHElectrical SystemEngine

    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 miles. The vehicle has been inspected by two different dealers one two separate occurrences for the same issue, even after replacing the failed equipment.

    NHTSA complaint #11641337 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology