2021 Toyota Corolla Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Toyota Corolla, 5% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,800 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1.experienced sudden acceleration problem at a signal light 2.to control sudden acceleration, need to push brakes harder than a non hybrid car 3.in the reverse direction, it goes too fast without pushing the gas, this may cause a crash missing extra tire and the accessories (jack, lug wrench, other tools etc) even though there is a slotted place holder there. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396391, filed 2021-02, 800 miles“Recently my car was in an accident involving 2 other vehicles. An SUV in front of me rear-ended someone and then I rear-ended the SUV. We were in heavy traffic at a major intersection and were stopped at a red light. The light turned green and we began to move. We were accelerating from a stop and were maybe approaching 10 -15 mph. Traffic started to back up at the next light and so the first car stopped suddenly so as not to block the intersection. Then the driver in front of me crashed into that car. He was on his phone, not looking, and didn't have time to brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #11480884, filed 2022-08“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact discovered brake fluid on the clutch pedal, and the brake pedal was mushy while depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,900.”
NHTSA complaint #11718784, filed 2026-02, 89,900 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving down a dark road he was unable to see the roadway due to poor visibility from the headlights. The contact stated that the failure was evident while using the low-beam or hi-beam headlights. The contact stated that the electronic braking system was inoperable. The contact was concerned for his safety while driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 380.”
NHTSA complaint #11420257, filed 2021-06, 380 miles“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the parking brake warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. Additionally, the brake warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,800.”
NHTSA complaint #11470679, filed 2022-06, 10,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10252251Feb 15, 2024TSB: Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions…
- 10236207Apr 19, 2023TT: Confirm the vehicle meets the following conditions: 1) Rattle noise is coming from the brake pedal bracket assembly area AND not from other areas of the vehicle 2) Mileage is…
- 10234347Mar 31, 2023TSB: Some 2021 ? 2022 model year Corolla and Corolla Hatchback and 2021 model year RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a Parking Brake Malfunction warning message on the Multi-information…
- 10234300Mar 31, 2023TSB: Some 2021 ? 2022 model year Corolla and Corolla Hatchback and 2021 model year RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a Parking Brake Malfunction warning message on the Multi-information…
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10202448Sep 2, 2021TSB: Some 2020 ? 2021 model year Corolla, Corolla Hatchback, and RAV4 vehicles may exhibit a Parking Brake Malfunction warning message on the Multi-information Display (MID) with…
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 17% |
| 2025 | 8 | 26% |
| 2024 | 10 | 15% |
| 2023 | 7 | 9% |
| 2022 | 16 | 16% |
| 2021 | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 | 24 | 8% |
| 2019 | 16 | 8% |
| 2018 | 11 | 8% |
| 2017 | 26 | 15% |
| 2016 | 30 | 14% |
| 2015 | 18 | 8% |
| 2014 | 17 | 6% |
| 2013 | 24 | 12% |
| 2012 | 11 | 2% |
| 2011 | 21 | 4% |
| 2010 | 166 | 13% |
| 2009 | 120 | 8% |
| 2008 | 26 | 8% |
| 2007 | 45 | 5% |
| 2006 | 35 | 4% |
| 2005 | 37 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 3% |
| 2003 | 32 | 4% |
| 2002 | 8 | 7% |
| 2001 | 12 | 9% |
| 2000 | 9 | 6% |
| 1999 | 7 | 5% |
| 1998 | 15 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 7% |
| 1996 | 13 | 10% |
| 1995 | 21 | 12% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 6 | 10% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 13% |
| 1988 | 1 | 4% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2021 Toyota Corolla
53 complaintsEngine
41 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Toyota Corolla
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology