How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?

NHTSA lists 222 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Highlander, which is 43% of the 517 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue. Some owners reference a Toyota service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) about a whine or grind noise, but that is not a recall.

At what mileage does the 2021 Highlander transmission usually fail?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 59,000 miles.

What does the transmission problem feel or sound like?

Owners describe a whining or grinding noise during acceleration, sometimes with jerking, hesitation, or a failure to respond in drive or reverse.

Were there any crashes linked to this issue?

NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 3 injuries associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Highlander, with no fires reported.

2021 Toyota Highlander Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 222 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, 43% of all 517 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 59,000 miles. No related recall is on file, though owners cite a Toyota service bulletin covering the issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 222; 43% of 517
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 59,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a whining or grinding noise from the transmission during acceleration, often between 15 and 50 mph, that grows louder over time.
Some drivers describe the transmission jerking, skipping, or hesitating to accelerate when the pedal is depressed, sometimes forcing them to pull over.
Multiple owners say dealers diagnosed internal transmission failure or told them a full transmission replacement was needed.
One owner reported the vehicle shifted itself from park into reverse and neutral after the engine was shut off, rolling backward and striking another vehicle.
Several complaints reference a Toyota service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) describing a whine or grind condition tied to the UA80E/UA80F transmission's front carrier assembly.

When 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 4, 2021, latest Sep 23, 2026.

222 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Jun 2026 (19).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Highlander model year

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

20106 (3%)
201116 (9%)
20127 (4%)
201311 (5%)
20148 (6%)
20157 (4%)
20161 (1%)
201773 (27%)
201865 (25%)
2019195 (40%)
2020125 (40%)
2021222 (43%)
202253 (21%)
202320 (11%)
20243 (7%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?: NHTSA lists 222 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Highlander, which is 43% of the 517 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this issue. Some owners reference a Toyota service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) about a whine or grind noise, but that is not a recall.
At what mileage does the 2021 Highlander transmission usually fail?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 59,000 miles.
What does the transmission problem feel or sound like?: Owners describe a whining or grinding noise during acceleration, sometimes with jerking, hesitation, or a failure to respond in drive or reverse.
Were there any crashes linked to this issue?: NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 3 injuries associated with Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 Highlander, with no fires reported.