After a well-received redesign in 2020, the Corolla holds up as one of the top 10 fastest-selling cars in the U.S. market this year. However, some owners have already experienced unsettling mechanical problems worth filing a complaint with the NHTSA. They aren’t unique, either; in researching NHTSA data, I found many folks flagging the same gremlins repeatedly. Here are some of the common problems plaguing newer Corolla owners now.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla has an expensive coolant system flaw

The 2021 model year has 17 engine complaints filed with the NHTSA, most of which involve a coolant bypass valve malfunctioning. The issue seems to occur anywhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.

The coolant bypass valve cracks and starts to leak. The problem triggers what looks like a  “universal” maintenance warning light. Some owners say it looks just like an oil change reminder, but it’s actually an engine fault. The dealer will scan for diagnostic codes (P2681-15) and recommend the repair. One owner removed the part themselves and indeed found a crack in it.

Since cooling systems are “closed,” meaning your engine should never be run low on coolant, If drivers continue without addressing the problem, severe engine damage may result.

Several complain about the repair estimate, which could run owners between $700 and $900. One owner shared that their coolant bypass valve failed twice in about two years.

To date, there are no investigations or recalls covering this problem.

“Serious” electrical issues plague some 2022 and 2023 Corolla owners

So far, the 2023 Corolla Cross has 143 NHTSA complaints, with dozens involving what owners consider seriously concerning electrical malfunctions. The 2023 Corolla (non-Cross) also has several complaints about these symptoms.

While driving, owners experience dash warning lights illuminating followed by a loss of power. This might include “steering power low” warnings. Many report complete engine power loss when the auto stop/start feature turns off the engine at a traffic light.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla has 55 NHTSA complaints logged. 12 involve the electrical system. Certain complaints are quite alarming; several owners report losing power due to loose battery cables or an “unknown” electrical problem. However, all of these are dated November 2023 and older.

Switch to the 2022 Corolla Cross, though, and it has 22 complaints, also including several about electrical issues, like the engine randomly shutting off. Unfortunately, several 2024 complaints involve the charging system – the battery and alternator – not working properly and “allegedly causing” multi-car accidents or unsafe scenarios.

The combination of these symptoms leaves some 2022 and 2023 Corolla owners stuck in the middle of traffic or in high-risk scenarios. Many report getting scared for their safety and the safety of other roadgoers. They say that dealerships find nothing wrong. However, these issues reoccur. None of these model years have any active NHTSA investigations or recalls to date.

Despite these reported malfunctions, the Corolla remains one of the fastest-selling models in 2024…and admittedly, for overall good reason. The LE starts at $22,050 and gets owners upwards of 41 mpg with plenty of standard tech.

If you’re looking for a used Toyota Corolla with relatively “few” NHTSA complaints, the 2018 and 2019 model years boast lower filings considering to their age. You can check out MotorBiscuit’s seamless car buying tool to compare Corolla prices and find the best deal near you.