2021 Toyota Highlander Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 Highlander years
The 2021 Toyota Highlander ranks worst of 16 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 517 NHTSA complaints. Transmission & Powertrain issues dominate at 43% of complaints (222 cases), plus 4 recalls including an airbag sensor and a bumper cover issue.
- Complaints
- 517
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 18 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
Top 2021 Toyota Highlander problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain222 (43%)
- Brakes67 (13%)
- Other66 (13%)
- Structure & Body57 (11%)
- Engine50 (10%)
- Airbags42 (8%)
- Electrical System33 (6%)
- Fuel System31 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras16 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers14 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the transmission shifting into neutral on its own after the vehicle is parked and shut off, sometimes rolling and causing a crash.
- Some describe sudden brake failure where the car would not stop or turn despite no warning lights.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a freeway collision, with a dashboard message about an SRS Airbag System Malfunction.
- Drivers report a loud high-pitched whining noise followed by brake failure and a vehicle malfunction warning on the screen.
- Front seatbacks reportedly failed and reclined into the second row during a rear-end collision.
- Front bumper covers reportedly detach or their retainer clips break loose after light impacts.
2021 Toyota Highlander 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 24V452000Jun 18, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires4,763 vehicles
Tires
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
- 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.
2021 Toyota Highlander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Among 16 model years of the Highlander tracked, 2021 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 517 NHTSA complaints, earning an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other years.
- What is the main problem with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem area, making up 43% of complaints (222 cases), with a median mileage at failure of 59,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls, covering second-row seat back locking failure, an airbag sensor issue, a front bumper cover repair, and 20-inch accessory tires with insufficient load rating.
- How does the 2021 Highlander compare to other years?
- The 2021 model has the highest complaint index (100) and highest rank position (1, worst) among all 16 years, compared to years like 2016 and 2025 with complaint indexes of 13 and 0.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2021 Highlander gets 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 according to the EPA.