2021 Toyota Highlander
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 527
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
43% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 527 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 207 |
| 2014 | 136 |
| 2015 | 192 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 269 |
| 2018 | 267 |
| 2019 | 490 |
| 2020 | 317 |
| 2021 | 527 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 181 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
43% · 225 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
The transmission has failed due to a defect within the transmission. Toyota is aware of the defect but refusing to assist owners claiming warranty expiration despite the transmission failure occurring due to a defect and not normal wear and tear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for oil filter maintenance and a spark plug change, and after the maintenance, the vehicle made an abnormal sound each time while accelerating.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
Our Transmission is failing on our 2021 Highlander. It has a little over 76,000 miles on the vehicle. 2021 and 2022 seem to have many issues with the transmission failing. The dealership's estimate is almost $11,000!
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10
Service brakes
13% · 67 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Varias veces mientras conduzco en la ruta la velocidad permitida, el carro frena, pierde potencia el motor, el sistema de aceleración no responde, esas veces me salve de accidentes mortales junto a mi familia, reclame a toyota corporación indicar...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-04
Also filed under Engine and vehicle speed control
Upon attempting to engage the brakes, it was found that they did not work. Immediately thereafter, the car began an uncommanded full acceleration. The insurance company has totaled the car. Our safety as occupants was obviously at serious risk.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-06-02
Also filed under Engine
Structure
10% · 52 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Engine
9% · 46 reportsAir bags
8% · 42 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Traveling south bound on SC11 (in Seneca South Carolina) a vehicle that was traveling east bound, failed to stop and traveled across my path. The front end of my vehicle impacted the drivers side / passenger door area of the other vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-05-24
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021Complaint volume 527 complaints filed for this model year.
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2024-04-22Structure23V720000 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.
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2024-08-16Tires24V452000 Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed.
Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
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2024-10-31Air bags23V865000 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.
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Date not on fileSeats26V128000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 225 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 67 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 52 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V128000 · Seats
- Recall 23V720000 · Structure
- Recall 24V452000 · Tires
- Recall 23V865000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.