2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Highlander Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a complaint index of 93, ranked 2nd worst out of 16 model years, with 15 complaints and 4 recalls. Airbags are the top problem area, making it an Avoid year relative to other Highlander Hybrid model years.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 35
- 35 city / 35 hwy
Top 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags8 (53%)
- Structure & Body4 (27%)
- Fuel System2 (13%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Electrical System1 (7%)
- Engine1 (7%)
What owners report
- Owners report delayed parts availability for the airbag sensor recall, leaving the airbag warning light on or the sensor deactivated.
- Some describe the master warning light staying illuminated even after a visit to the dealer for the airbag recall.
- One owner reported the front bumper detaching while driving at 70 MPH, discovered after another driver flagged it down, at 27,300 miles.
- A separate structure complaint described the hatchback failing to open completely, with the dealer recommending motor replacement at 50,000 miles.
- One owner reported the fuel gauge showing full while the tank would not accept the rated amount of fuel and the distance-to-empty reading fell short of expectations.
- Another owner reported the instrument panel flashing and the vehicle repeatedly shutting off and restarting, traced to a low battery at 77,900 miles.
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V128000Mar 5, 2026Structure & Body686,588 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly:recliner
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyotaâs customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
- NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
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 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
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. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
- NHTSA 23V720000Oct 26, 2023Structure & Body750,795 vehicles
Structure:body:bumpers
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 35 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 35 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,850
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Highlander Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2021 Highlander Hybrid has a complaint index of 93, ranking 2nd worst among 16 model years, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years of this model.
- What problems does the 2021 Highlander Hybrid have?
- Airbags account for 53% of complaints (8 of 15), followed by Structure & Body issues at 27%. NHTSA also lists 4 recalls for this year, covering airbags, structure, and brakes.
- Does the 2021 Highlander Hybrid have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Highlander Hybrid, including an airbag sensor campaign (23V865000), a front bumper structure issue (23V720000), a second-row seat back campaign (26V128000), and a skid control ECU software update (22V239000).
- How does the 2021 Highlander Hybrid compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 93 is worse than most other Highlander Hybrid years, second only to 2010 at 100. Years like 2011 (33), 2013 (40), and 2019 (47) scored much better and were rated Good.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Highlander Hybrid?
- EPA rates the 2021 Highlander Hybrid at 35 mpg combined (35 city/35 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,850.