2021 Toyota Corolla engine 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, 2026TXEngine

   Notification spontaneously received as Engine Maintenance Required; Visit Your Dealer. Service appointment immediately scheduled for Toyota of Plano for the following day. My service advisor recommended replacing the coolant bypass valve, which amounted to a total bill of $745. My agent informed me of CSP 24TE04, however my service advisor didn’t acknowledge any eligibility of VIN pertaining to it. Toyota Brand Engagement Center also did not report any eligibility of my VIN…

   NHTSA complaint #11751945 · source
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed Mar 24, 2026FLEngine

   Engine maintenance required, call dealer. The engine coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. Known issue in Toyota corolla’s yet no recall to remedy the repair.

   NHTSA complaint #11726859 · source
6. Filed Jan 20, 2026OHEngineOther / Unknown

   “Engine Maintenance Required, See your dealer” light comes on the dashboard with a warning bell. Did a diagnostic test, and the code is the coolant bypass valve malfunction. This seems to be a common issue among 2020-2021 models. This has been inspected by professional mechanics.

   NHTSA complaint #11712005 · source
7. Filed Sep 22, 2025GAEngineSteering

   My car wouldn’t start and the dashboard says “Engine Stopped / Power steering low” car will stop driving completely randomly. No codes are popping up when I test the car.

   NHTSA complaint #11689005 · source
8. Filed Sep 9, 2025CAEngine

   I turned on the vehicle and an Engine Maintenance Required light and warning went off on my car. I noticed the warning would only come up once I turned on the A/C so I presumed it was an issue with the Coolant Bypass Valve

   NHTSA complaint #11685922 · source
9. Filed Jul 22, 2025CAEngine

   I was driving yesterday morning to work in freeway and a Message appeared in the dash saying Engine Maintenance Required. The message stills appears and it’s a safety issue that needs to be addressed by Toyota for defective parts or defective car and Toyota needs to replace my current vehicle for a new car. Furthermore this is a safety issue for me and others while the car is running.

   NHTSA complaint #11675236 · source
10. Filed Jun 17, 2025CAEngine

    The engine maintenance required sign popped up on my 2021 Toyota Corolla and took it to a dealer to get it diagnosed and they reported back it was the coolant bypass valve. They want 1,000$ to fix the issue even tho the person I was dealing with at the dealer shop said it’s happening to all the corollas from 30,000 miles to 50,000 miles .

    NHTSA complaint #11667578 · source
11. Filed May 27, 2025CAEngine

    Coolant bypass valve has failed. AutoNation Toyota in Cerritos has verified issue. This issue has caused potential engine overheating, engine maintenance required warning light has popped up in my vehicle, was told by AutoNation that my vehicle is not covered for this repair and I will have to pay out of pocket.

    NHTSA complaint #11663283 · source
12. Filed May 21, 2025NCEngine

    Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex, 2.0L Engine Component Failure: The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve (also called Water Valve) malfunctioned. Its plastic housing cracked and leaked coolant, corroding the electrical connector. This prevents proper electronic control of engine temperature. The failed component is available for inspection if removed. Safety Risk: This issue poses a safety risk due to potential engine overheating. Overheating can lead to sudden loss of power or…

    NHTSA complaint #11662260 · 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