P0571 Code: Toyota Corolla (2020-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database.

Note on the data: The provided NHTSA data for 2020–2024 Toyota Corolla includes one owner complaint for P0401 (not P0571) and no recalls. This guide on P0571 uses general automotive knowledge plus Toyota Corolla characteristics for 2020–2024 models, but it does not reflect a Corolla-specific NHTSA entry for P0571 in the data you supplied. Treat any model-year specifics as typical behavior unless your vehicle’s service manual indicates otherwise.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code meaning: P0571 stands for a Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Range/Performance fault. In practical terms, it denotes a fault in the brake switch input to the cruise control system (often called Brake Switch A) or in that circuit’s wiring/ECU interpretation. The cruise control system uses this input to know when the brake is pressed; a fault can disable or intermittently deactivate cruise control.
• Likely impact on a 2020–2024 Corolla: Cruise control may not engage or may disengage unexpectedly. It can also indicate a fault condition in the brake switch circuit, which may affect brake-light operation depending on the switch design in your trim.
• Severity: Generally considered a non-safety-critical fault by itself (it may not affect braking performance), but it can prevent the use of cruise control and could be accompanied by symptoms that affect vehicle safety/comfort. If the brake switch is failing, it can also affect brake-light operation, which is a safety concern.

COMMON CAUSES ON TOYOTA COROLLA (2020–2024)

• Faulty or misadjusted brake light switch (Brake Switch A): Most common cause. If the switch does not read the brake pedal movement correctly, it can send erratic or invalid signals to the cruise control ECU.
• Damaged or corroded wiring/connectors around the brake pedal area: Wires can rub, become frayed, or corrode at connectors, especially in the dash/bulkhead region near the pedal.
• Faulty brake switch connector or harness corrosion at the pedal assembly: Poor connections can create intermittent signals.
• Blown fuse or relay related to cruise control or brake-switch circuits: A secondary electrical fault can trigger P0571.
• Faulty brake pedal position switch or integrated sensor (if Toyota uses a separate or combined pedal sensor in your trim): A bad sensor can misreport pedal position.
• Faulty cruise control module/ECU or related software/firmware issue (less common in modern Toyotas but possible after updates or replacements).
• Electrical or voltage issues: Low battery voltage or charging system problems can cause intermittent digital input faults.
• Aftermarket modifications or accessories near the brake pedal area interfering with the switch/wiring.

SYMPTOMS (P0571-typical manifestations in a Corolla)

• Cruise control cannot be engaged, or it disengages soon after being set.
• Cruise control indicator may fail to illuminate or show a fault when attempting to engage.
• Brake lights: possible intermittent or constant brake-light activity if the switch is misadjusted or stuck; in some cases the brake lights function normally but the ECU still records a brake-switch fault.
• DASH or instrument cluster may show a warning light or the cruise control system fault warning.
• In some cases, other related codes may appear (P0570, P0572) if the fault involves multiple brake-switch circuits.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (structured approach)

Preparation:

• Use a scanner capable of live data and freeze-frame data for P0571; note any other codes (P0570, P0572, etc.).
• Verify vehicle condition: key on, engine off or running as appropriate for the test.

Step-by-step:

Confirm the fault with live data

• With the ignition on, observe the Brake Switch A input live data when you press and release the brake pedal. It should toggle consistently (pedal press = one signal; pedal release = another). Note any irregularities.

Check brake lights

• Have an assistant press the brake pedal while you observe all brake lights (including the center high mount if equipped). If the brake lights do not operate normally (stay off when pressed or stay on with pedal up), the brake light switch is suspect or misadjusted.

Inspect brake light switch and wiring

• Locate the brake light switch mounted to the brake pedal assembly. Inspect for physical damage, misalignment, moisture intrusion, or corrosion on the connector.
• Check the wiring harness between the switch and the vehicle harness for damaged insulation, exposed conductors, or pin-back connectors. Reseat any loose connections.

Measure brake switch function with a multimeter (or reference the service manual)

• Typical test (values vary by model year; confirm with the Toyota service manual): with pedal released, the switch output should be one state (often 0 V or 5–12 V depending on the circuit); with pedal pressed, it should switch to the opposite state. If it does not toggle cleanly, replace the switch.

Check fuses and relays

• Locate and inspect the fuse for Cruise Control and any related relays. Replace if blown. A blown fuse/relay can mimic a switch fault.

Check for other codes and conditions

• If P0571 persists after brake switch replacement and wiring check, scan for related codes such as P0570 (Brake Switch A Circuit Malfunction) or P0572 (Cruise Control/Brake Switch B Circuit). Review related ABS/traction control codes if present, and check battery voltage and alternator health.

If the fault persists

• Consider testing the brake switch signal to the ECU with a scan tool; check for ECU or software updates related to cruise control or brake-signal input.
• If the brake switch, wiring, and fuses are sound, the issue may lie with the cruise control ECU/module or its internal input conditioning. A dealer-level diagnostic or TSBs (if applicable) may be required.

RELATED CODES

• P0570: Brake Switch A Circuit Malfunction
• P0572: Cruise Control/Brake Switch B Circuit Range/Performance
• Other codes may appear if related systems also report faults (e.g., ABS or other brake-related codes). If a broader system fault exists, address those codes in parallel.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Prices are approximate ranges for 2025 and can vary by region, shop, trim, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.

• Brake light switch replacement (most common fix)

  • Parts: roughly $15–$60
  • Labor: about $40–$120
  • Typical total: $60–$180

• Brake pedal position/Brake switch assembly (if separate from a simple stop lamp switch)

  • Parts: $25–$120
  • Labor: $60–$180
  • Typical total: $85–$300

• Wiring harness/connector repair (frayed wires, corrosion, or connector replacement)

  • Parts: $5–$75 (connectors/wires)
  • Labor: $60–$200
  • Typical total: $70–$275

• Cruise control ECU/module replacement or reprogramming (rare)

  • Parts: $250–$900 (ECU or module)
  • Labor: $100–$250
  • Typical total: $350–$1,150
  • Note: Reprogramming/updates may add diagnostic fees or software charges.

• Fuses/relays replacement

  • Parts: $5–$20
  • Labor: minimal (if DIY, often no labor charge)
  • Typical total: $5–$20

• Complete brake system electrical diagnostic (if required)

  • Labor: $100–$300
  • Total can be higher if multiple components are tested and replaced.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly options:
  • Replacing a brake light switch is typically straightforward and a common DIY task if you’re comfortable around the dash area and basic electrical work. You’ll want to disconnect the battery before working with airbag-related systems or sensitive electronics as a precaution, then replace the switch and test the brake lights and live data signal.
  • Basic wiring checks (insulation, corrosion, connector seating) can be done by a competent DIYer.
• When to seek a professional:
  • If brake lights fail to operate reliably or you’re not comfortable with electrical work near the pedal area.
  • If the brake switch and wiring check out, but P0571 persists with no clear switch fault, as the issue may involve the cruise control ECU, software/firmware, or more complex wiring that requires dealer-level diagnostics.
  • If you encounter SRS/airbag implications or if the service manual specifically indicates dealer-only steps for brake-switch-related problems.
• Safety note: Brake lights are a safety-critical function. Ensure any brake-light-related work is tested thoroughly before driving in traffic.

PREVENTION

• Regular brake-light switch inspection: Periodically verify that the brake lights illuminate properly when the pedal is pressed and turn off when released.
• Ensure proper brake switch alignment and mounting: Misadjustment is a common cause of P0571-like symptoms.
• Keep the area around the brake pedal clean and free of interference that could affect switch operation (floor mats shifting under pedal, debris, etc.).
• Maintain electrical health: A healthy charging system and stable 12V supply help avoid intermittent sensor input faults. Address battery or alternator issues promptly.
• Inspect wiring harnesses in the pedal region for wear and protect them from abrasion or moisture exposure.
• Update or maintain software/firmware as recommended by Toyota: If a dealership has issued an ECU or cruise-control software update, apply it to prevent known input-handling issues.

Important data note

• No recalls found in NHTSA database for the 2020–2024 Corolla in relation to this guide. The provided data only includes a P0401 complaint; no P0571-related recalls or TSBs are reported here. This guide relies on general automotive knowledge and typical Corolla configurations for the model years in question.

If you want, I can tailor the diagnostic steps further to your exact trim (L, LE, XLE, SE, Hybrid, etc.) or provide a checklist you can print for your shop visit.