Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have a bumper recall?

Yes. Recall 23V720000 covers 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models where minor front bumper impact can cause the cover to detach; dealers replace the bumper covers free of charge.

Is there a seat recall on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Yes. Recall 26V128000 covers 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models where second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position; dealers replace the seat back recliner return springs free of charge.

How common are structure and body complaints on the 2021 Highlander?

NHTSA lists 57 Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Highlander, which is 11% of the 517 total complaints filed for that model year.

Were there any injuries from structure and body problems on the 2021 Highlander?

NHTSA data shows 5 injuries and 2 crashes associated with Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Highlander, with no fires reported.

At what mileage do structure and body problems typically appear on the 2021 Highlander?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for Structure & Body complaints on the 2021 Highlander is 31,000 miles.

2021 Toyota Highlander Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 57 Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, 11% of its 517 total complaints, with 2 crashes and 5 injuries reported. Two related recalls cover front bumper detachment and second-row seat back locking failures, both tied to median failure mileage of 31,000 miles.

Structure & Body complaints: 57; 11% of 517
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 31,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Front lower bumper cover detaches or falls off at highway speeds, sometimes with no warning, linked to recall 23V720000.
Second-row seat backs fail to lock and can fold forward unexpectedly during braking or impact, addressed by recall 26V128000.
Owners report water intrusion through roof rack seals into the A-pillars, raising concern about airbag and wiring damage.
Rear power liftgate stalls partway through opening or closing and requires repeated resets.
Some owners describe cracking along door frames that causes doors and windows to bow outward.
A few owners report persistent excessive wind noise measured at 79 decibels at 55 mph that dealers could not resolve.

When 2021 Toyota Highlander body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint May 28, 2021, latest Sep 2, 2026.

57 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2026 (4).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

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 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.

Structure & Body complaints by Highlander model year

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

200514 (6%)
20066 (2%)
20076 (5%)
200816 (4%)
200919 (14%)
201016 (7%)
201127 (15%)
201227 (15%)
201328 (14%)
201436 (27%)
201537 (19%)
20169 (8%)
201711 (4%)
201815 (6%)
201919 (4%)
202031 (10%)
202157 (11%)
202259 (24%)
202350 (28%)
20246 (14%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have a bumper recall?: Yes. Recall 23V720000 covers 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models where minor front bumper impact can cause the cover to detach; dealers replace the bumper covers free of charge.
Is there a seat recall on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?: Yes. Recall 26V128000 covers 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models where second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position; dealers replace the seat back recliner return springs free of charge.
How common are structure and body complaints on the 2021 Highlander?: NHTSA lists 57 Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Highlander, which is 11% of the 517 total complaints filed for that model year.
Were there any injuries from structure and body problems on the 2021 Highlander?: NHTSA data shows 5 injuries and 2 crashes associated with Structure & Body complaints for the 2021 Highlander, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do structure and body problems typically appear on the 2021 Highlander?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for Structure & Body complaints on the 2021 Highlander is 31,000 miles.