2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 370 |
| 2007 | 110 |
| 2008 | 197 |
| 2009 | 40 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 15 total reports mention: air bags.
3 of 15 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240209
1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate forward before coming to a stop.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240108
1 of 15 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 15 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03.
Campaign 22V239000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 23V720000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022...
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.
Campaign 23V865000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed April 27, 2026.
Campaign 26V128000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V128000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V239000 (electronic stability control (esc)) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V720000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V865000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.