MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Toyota Corolla

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Toyota Corolla

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
181Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE TOYOTA COROLLA

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback slots into the compact car segment as a practical, sport-tinged alternative to the traditional Corolla sedan. Aimed at younger buyers and urban commuters who want efficiency without sacrificing a bit of driving personality, the hatchback body style adds cargo versatility and a lower roofline that gives it a distinctly more athletic stance than its sedan sibling.

VERDICT

The 2021 Toyota Corolla earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Corolla Hatchback as a well-rounded compact that punches above its price point in refinement and practicality. They tend to praise its composed driving character and solid build quality, while occasionally noting the powertrain options feel modest for drivers seeking more performance. It is broadly considered a sensible, trustworthy choice in the segment.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15822

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record13/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexu

Reported 2023-12-20

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

181 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

18reported crash
2reported fire
13reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsAir Bags 52Engine 37Unknown Or Other 31Electrical System 21Power Train 19Visibility/Wiper 15

Other Corolla years

Rivals in Hatchback/Wagon (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15822), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota Corolla 2021. Class rank 1 of 3 in Hatchback/Wagon 2021. Methodology · Disclosure