How many airbag complaints does NHTSA list for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 42 airbag-related complaints for the 2021 Highlander, which is 8% of the 517 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Yes. Recall 23V865000, reported December 20, 2023, covers an airbag sensor issue on the 2021 Highlander among other Toyota and Lexus models; dealers are to inspect and replace the sensor free of charge.

Did the 2021 Highlander airbag issue cause any injuries?

NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 5 injuries linked to the airbag complaints for this year, with no fires reported.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up on the 2021 Highlander?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this airbag issue is 41,000 miles.

Why are owners still complaining about the airbag recall years later?

Several complaints filed in 2024 and 2025 state that replacement parts for recall 23V865000 remained unavailable more than a year after the recall was issued, delaying repairs.

2021 Toyota Highlander Airbags Problems

Airbags account for 42 complaints on the 2021 Toyota Highlander, 8% of all complaints filed for the year. Owners report non-deployment in crashes and long delays getting recall 23V865000 parts, with 5 crashes and 5 injuries logged. Median mileage at failure is 41,000.

Airbags complaints: 42; 8% of 517
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 41,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Front and side airbags failed to deploy during collisions, including a rear-end hit and a freeway crash that totaled the vehicle.
The dashboard displayed an SRS Airbag System Malfunction or 'Passenger Air Bag Off' message before or after a crash.
Owners under recall 23V865000 report the dealer had no replacement sensor part available, leaving the airbag light on for over a year.
Some owners bought or continued driving the vehicle without being told about the open recall until after an accident.
A few complaints describe unrelated tire-pressure sensor problems mentioned alongside the airbag concern.

When 2021 Toyota Highlander airbag complaints were filed

First complaint May 24, 2021, latest Jun 11, 2026.

42 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2021 to Jun 2026; peak Dec 2024 (4).

Airbags recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

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.

Airbags complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20059 (4%)
200612 (4%)
20072 (2%)
200857 (14%)
20098 (6%)
201014 (6%)
20118 (4%)
201210 (5%)
201317 (8%)
20142 (1%)
20158 (4%)
201610 (9%)
20179 (3%)
201819 (7%)
201914 (3%)
202032 (10%)
202142 (8%)
202223 (9%)
202312 (7%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does NHTSA list for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA lists 42 airbag-related complaints for the 2021 Highlander, which is 8% of the 517 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?: Yes. Recall 23V865000, reported December 20, 2023, covers an airbag sensor issue on the 2021 Highlander among other Toyota and Lexus models; dealers are to inspect and replace the sensor free of charge.
Did the 2021 Highlander airbag issue cause any injuries?: NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 5 injuries linked to the airbag complaints for this year, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up on the 2021 Highlander?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this airbag issue is 41,000 miles.
Why are owners still complaining about the airbag recall years later?: Several complaints filed in 2024 and 2025 state that replacement parts for recall 23V865000 remained unavailable more than a year after the recall was issued, delaying repairs.