52 of the
253 complaints about the 2021 Toyota Corolla are about the
airbag system — 21% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
55,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 3 MPH, they were rear-ended by a BMW X5 and pushed forward, crashing into a Ford Explorer. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his son sustained injuries consisting of lacerations to his face and was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where medical attention was provided. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed, which indicated that the air bags deployed. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11733617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheatland, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 the engine that Toyota fixed for free. I asked them about the recall on the airbags. They again told me there was no remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11707212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frisco, TX
AIR BAGS
I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my 2021 Toyota Corolla. The recall involves the airbag ECU and has rendered the vehicle ineligible for rental on platforms like Turo. I purchased this vehicle specifically for rental income, and the recall has prevented me from listing it for over 14 months. Toyota has acknowledged the recall but has not provided a remedy or timeline for resolution. Their response offered no compensation or alternative solution. Based on comparable Turo listings in Frisco, Texas, I estimate monthly rental income of $810–$1,050, resulting in total lost income of approximately $11,340 to $14,700. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the delay in remedy and consider enforcement action to ensure timely resolution and accountability.
NHTSA complaint #11690829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upland, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11687929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand Oaks, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11685798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, CACrash
AIR BAGS
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 for the life of the vehicle . A horn should never go out. Especially if it not working will keep my air bag from functioning properly . 850 out of my pocket is way steep. The replacement part lasted half as long as the original part did when I bought the car that to me seems like a faulty part this should be obvious and they should just fix the problem cuz I might have to just consult an attorney should they choose not to. The attached photo shows what happens when you can't beep your horn at somebody who's about to back into your car !!! my car still has not turned on any kind of warning lamp for the airbag or any kind of malfunction light, no warnings on my radio. I have noticed that my Lane departure warning seems to work intermittently along with the automatic high beams that like to flash my high beams in people's face for some unapparent reason which also seems like a safety issue. If I had to take my car to an inspection station it would not pass an inspection due to the horn not working ! You cannot take your child to the Department of Motor Vehicles and let them take their drive test if your horn does not work ! which happened to be my case !! Very disappointing to say the least especially when you've paid $30,000 for a car.
NHTSA complaint #11678966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
AIR BAGS
I was notified that my vehicle has had a recall on it due to the OCS Occupant Classification System sensors being improperly manufactured which could lead in appropriately identifying the front occupant's weight and failing to deploy airbags. This recall has been open since December of 2023 and I have been checking with my dealer on scheduling but up until last week have been told that they didn't have the parts for remedy. I have had several instances where sensor light has come on for airbag. I have been making people sit in the back seat only due to the heightened risk however this is limiting and impacts the ability to fully use the full seating in the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11678372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
red light on dashboard indicates passenger airbag is not working, I would like to have this taken care of.
NHTSA complaint #11677634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weirton, WV
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11675289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salisbury, MD
AIR BAGS
This is recall on and OCS that not has been taking of and I'm trying to find out is the problem that is matter has not been resolved. It's been since Dec of 2023 and I still don't have this issue fixed yet. And the light is on the right passanger side.
NHTSA complaint #11674007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,576 milesColumbia, TN
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they were unable to unscrew the rear screws on the seat to remove the seat because the seat failed to move forward to access the rear screws. The dealer stated that the seat bracket had to be fractured and then replaced to be able to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was informed the contact that the dealer would charge more for the additional damage. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was 94,576. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11665823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11662141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frederick, MD
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11659686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pico Rivera, CA
AIR BAGS
Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Team, I am writing to report a serious and unresolved safety issue regarding the passenger-side airbag recall on my 2020 Toyota [Model], VIN: [Your VIN]. This recall was issued on December 20, 2023, and as of today, Toyota has not provided a remedy or timeline for repair. I have contacted Toyota dealerships in Norwalk and Anaheim, both of which advised me not to bring the car in, stating that no fix is currently available. I was recently offered a rental car, but only if I surrender my vehicle to the dealership — something I am not comfortable doing, as I wish to retain possession of my legally owned and registered vehicle. I keep the vehicle stored safely at my home and do not believe it is fair or necessary to forfeit it for an indefinite period. This situation has caused significant anxiety and mental distress, as I fear for the safety of my passengers every time I drive. It has now been over a year since I was made aware of this critical safety issue, and Toyota has not provided a viable solution. I respectfully request: That NHTSA investigate this delay in remedy. That I be allowed to receive a rental vehicle without surrendering my property. Guidance on my rights under federal law, including any steps I may take toward resolution or compensation. Applicable Laws: Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S. Code § 30120), manufacturers are legally obligated to remedy safety defects at no charge and in a timely manner. Under 49 CFR Part 573, manufacturers must notify owners and report progress on remedy programs. A delay of over a year without remedy seems to violate these requirements. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to proceed and ensure this issue is resolved properly. Your guidance and support in holding manufacturers accountable for safety compliance are deeply valued. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11658539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11652392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
Indicator is on, saying airbags are at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11647507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, MACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Car crash potential safety defect in my 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan , the driver defective air bag didn’t protect the driver from injuries. Passenger and back air bags deployed except the driver’s air bag, the driver was the only one in the car.
NHTSA complaint #11645711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humble, TX
AIR BAGS
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11643368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Littlestown, PA
AIR BAGS
Recall 12-20-2023. Passenger air bag sensors on passenger seat that could have been improperly manufactured. This would not allow airbag system to properly classify the occupant’s weight and the airbag may not deploy as designed in certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury. Remedy, as of 2-14-2025, is still not available! What happens to my passenger if we are in an accident? More than a year of not coming up with a solution is totally unacceptable! Please update me on the date this is going to be available to keep people safe. Please look into this safety issue for all Toyota Corolla owners and passengers. This is really an emergency situation.
NHTSA complaint #11642825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashua, NH
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11640357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NY
AIR BAGS
After buying the car I got an email from car fax that my car has a recall on it. The recall says: PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY The date of the recall is: 12/20/23 I bought the car on 08/10/24 NHTSA: #23V865 I called my local Toyota dealership multiple times and they say the recall is not available yet.
NHTSA complaint #11640064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11639401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11637560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRound Rock, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for an upcoming diagnostic test. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11636043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,200 milesSalisbury, MD
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11633675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tempe, AZ
AIR BAGS
Our car in used for a TURO rental car. The TURO system has unlisted our income making vehicle until this is fixed. It's been over a year and we are losing money every day. We are considering legal action. Hope this submission helps. Thank for your help
NHTSA complaint #11633202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Urbana, IL
AIR BAGS
On December 20, 2023, a safety recall was officially generated for my 2021 Toyota Corolla. It has been over a year, and there is currently no remedy for this recall. I was originally notified that there would be an option to fix this by the third quarter of 2024. However, that was not the case. On December 26, 2024, I contacted the service center at Sam Leman Toyota in Bloomington, Illinois by phone, and they confirmed that there is still no remedy for repair.
NHTSA complaint #11632814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, MA
AIR BAGS
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the ongoing issues related to safety recall 23TA15 for my 2021 Toyota Corolla LE. The recall, issued in December 2023, involves a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, which may have been improperly manufactured. Unfortunately, Toyota has failed to address this recall in a timely manner, significantly impacting my ability to use my vehicle safely and as intended. My local dealership has confirmed that my car is affected by this recall and that the OCS sensor is not functioning. However, despite the recall being issued nearly a year ago, the dealership has informed me that they are unable to obtain the necessary parts to repair the issue, and they do not expect to receive them until at least the end of December 2024—if not later. As a result, I have been unable to use my car's passenger seat in a safe and fully functional manner, effectively rendering the car unsuitable for my needs. This prolonged delay in resolving a critical safety issue is unacceptable, and I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others until this issue is resolved. I kindly request that the NHTSA investigate Toyota’s handling of this recall and take appropriate action to ensure that affected vehicle owners, including myself, are provided with timely repairs and necessary parts. I am also requesting clarification on any steps I can take to expedite the repair process. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.
NHTSA complaint #11631735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belmont, MA
AIR BAGS
The safety of any passenger in the front seat is potentially affected as the defect can either cause the front passenger airbag to fail to deploy in an accident or cause it to deploy when it shouldn't, either way causing harm to the passenger in the front. This probem was widely reported in the press in 2023 and 2024. One article I read said that Toyota claimed it would start issuing the recalls for repair in Feb 2024 but that still had not happened by the time I bought my 2021 Corolla in April 2024. I bought it as a used car from a local dealer who shared the info about the recall which was on the CARFAX report too. I am reluctant to have family or friends in the front passenger seat because of the risk of injury in the case of an accident of accidental deployment of the airbag. This reduces the value of my car significantly, as it is required by law to be safe for my passengers as well as myself. Very disappointing behavior from a company that used to be reliable.
NHTSA complaint #11626587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Springfield, VA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11626361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.