ToyotaCorolla2021Overview/toyota/corolla/2021/base/

2021 Toyota Corolla

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Corolla.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine that requires 4.1 quarts of 0W-20 viscosity oil for optimal operation. Owner complaints for this model year totaled 182, with airbags representing the top reported concern, and the vehicle carries a single recall. Compared to the model's complaint history spanning 1990 through the tracked period, where complaints peaked at 1,533 in 2009, the 2021 Corolla sits well toward the lower end of the spectrum—a trajectory that reflects the model's evolution into one of Toyota's more refined and reliable offerings.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.1 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque76.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 140R · 310 CCA battery, OE oil filter 90915YZZN1. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 140R · 310 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnRELAYOEM · verified
Tire size195/65R15 91SOEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter90915YZZN1
Engine air filter1780177050 alt 17801F0020
Spark plug9091901289 alt 9091901297
Battery2880037130 alt 2880025010
Front wiper blades8522212A90 alt 8521252220
Serpentine belt90916A2024 alt 90916A2035
Thermostat90916A3004 alt 163250T030
Cabin air filter8713958010 alt 871390R030

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.7 in
Overall width69.3 in
Overall height55.9 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Curb weight3042 lb
Track (front / rear)59.8 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Corolla of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.3–8.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.30 sec — 2021 XSE 5-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021XSE 5-door Hatchback 2.0L I-47.30 sec15.70 sec168 hpFWD
2021SE Apex Sedan 2.0L I-47.90 sec16.20 sec169 hpFWD
2021XSE Apex Sedan 2.0L I-48.20 sec16.40 sec169 hpFWD
2021XSE Apex Sedan 2.0L I-48.80 sec16.70 sec169 hpFWD
2020SE Sedan 2.0L I-47.80 sec16.10 sec169 hpFWD
2020XSE Sedan 2.0L I-48.00 sec16.30 sec169 hpFWD
2020XSE Sedan 2.0L I-48.20 sec16.30 sec169 hpFWD
2020XLE Sedan 1.8L I-410.20 sec17.80 sec139 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.1 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, SAE J1703 · Dot 3 · SAE J1704 · Dot 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 76.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity3.8 qt
Brake FluidSAE J1703 · Dot 3 · SAE J1704 · Dot 4
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant
Engine Coolant Capacity6.1 qt
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.5 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs20 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs20.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts76.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Curb Idle Speed (No Load)1,000 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)±50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)750 In Park or Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)±50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)800 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)±50 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)±50 rpm

Battery & A/C

Oil TypeND-11 or equivalent
Oil Capacity3.73-4.22 oz
Oil TypeND-12 or equivalent
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity0.93-1.06 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Oil Capacity2.37-2.88 oz

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure MinimumStandard: 44.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure MaximumStandard: 50.0 psi
Residual Pressure21.0
Fuel Pump Pressure MinimumStandard: 44.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure MaximumStandard: 50.0 psi
Residual Pressure21.0
Fuel Pump Pressure MinimumStandard: 44.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure MaximumStandard: 77.0 psi

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness0.039" in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°15 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°15 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
128.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°28 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
128.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°28 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
128.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°28 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
136.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 45°36 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
136.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 45°36 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°37 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°37 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°37 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
136 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9036 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9030 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°30 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°30 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
145.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°45 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 120,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Hybrid Battery Compartment Air Filter (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 10,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miBrake Power Booster Unit (inspect) · Brake Vacuum Pump (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla sits in a favorable spot on the federal-record arc, with 182 complaints, 1 recall, 0 investigations, and 169 TSBs. Compared with 2020, which logged 302 complaints and 5 recalls, 2021 shows meaningful improvement across every metric, and it precedes the even lower 2022 figures of 95 complaints and zero recalls. Within the broader dataset, the modern period from roughly 2014 onward reflects far lower complaint volumes than the peaks seen around 2003–2010, and 2021 falls squarely in that quieter post-peak era. The leading 2021 complaint categories are air bags (42), engine (27), power train (16), and unknown/other (14), with 18 crash-related and 2 fire-related complaints; the data does not specify root causes. Because 2021 combines a steep drop from 2020's elevated activity with only one recall and no open investigations, it presents as a comparatively sound used-car choice in this record.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
169
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
182
Owner complaints
18 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 182 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags42
Engine27
Power Train16
Unknown Or Other14
Visibility/Wiper10
Tires5
Seat Belts4
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

23V865000Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant ClassificationReported 20/12/2023

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 169 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
T-SB-0104-21 Rev22026-02-27EngineOBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now…
T-SB-0106-22 Rev22026-01-30Electrical SystemOBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
T-SB-0001-262026-01-28Electrical SystemSome 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic…
T-SB-0055-24 Rev22026-01-07Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a…
T-SB-0088-23 Rev22025-08-19EngineOBSOLETE NOTICE August 19, 2025: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0059-25.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Corolla. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Corolla take?

4.1 qt of 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Corolla have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.