# Toyota Corolla brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 28 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (6) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 28 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Toyota Corolla (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (6). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Toyota Corolla brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 5 | 220 | 2% | | 2016 | 4 | 215 | 2% | | 2017 | 1 | 189 | 1% | | 2018 | 1 | 136 | 1% | | 2019 | 3 | 206 | 1% | | 2020 | 2 | 314 | 1% | | 2021 | 6 | 188 | 3% | | 2022 | 3 | 103 | 3% | | 2023 | 2 | 74 | 3% | | 2024 | 1 | 68 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Toyota Corolla recalls related to the brake warning light **[24V708000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V708000)** (2023-2025 models, reported 2024-09-20): A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the skid control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2024. Additionally, notifications to owners of the Corolla Hybrid vehicles were mailed January 17, 2025. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Toyota Corolla owners report - "All the electronics stayed on and flashed the messages 'Parking brake malfunction' and something along the lines of 'Secondary collision brake system malfunction'. I was stuck coasting in traffic and could not start the engine in neutral. I had to make the car come to a complete stop on the freeway in a lane with no..." -- owner of a 2024 Toyota Corolla, complaint filed 2024 - "A message saying press the brake down to restart appeared. Then a message saying steering power low appeared. The check engine light came on. I pressed the break down, and the vehicle did not restart. I put the car in park then restarted it and was able to drive again. But at the very next light, the same thing..." -- owner of a 2023 Toyota Corolla, complaint filed 2023 - "The contact stated that several messages including the parking brake, ABS, and low power steering fluid were displayed. After restarting the vehicle several times, the messages disappeared. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet..." -- owner of a 2022 Toyota Corolla, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Toyota Corolla brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (24V708000) covering 2023-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Toyota Corolla years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2021 Corolla model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 6 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Toyota Corolla with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Toyota Corolla has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Toyota dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Toyota Corolla warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/toyota-corolla): 38 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/toyota-corolla): 79 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/toyota-corolla): 41 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/toyota-corolla): 33 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-corolla): 21 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Toyota Corolla - [Toyota Corolla specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-corolla) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/toyota-corolla Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.