2021 Toyota Highlander recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander and 531 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (227), service brakes (68), unknown or other (67). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of any Highlander model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seats · mid/rear assembly · recliner
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Tires
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Structure · body · bumpers
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
On November 19, 2025, the 12.3-inch infotainment display in my 2021 Toyota Highlander Limited went black and never recovered. That screen is the only display for the rear-view backup camera. With it dead, there is no backup camera image when reversing. The failure started as an intermittent blank screen with the reverse camera still working, then progressed to a fully dead scre…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud high-pitched whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and the transmission was shifting rough. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced an internal transmission failure. The manufactu…
Noticed a whine noise slowly progressing over a couple of weeks. Researched the sound and took it for diagnostic eval. with Holman Toyota in Mt. Laurel, NJ on 10/3/2026. As suspected, the transmission is failing. Mechanic documented via video the fluid sample containing suspended metallic particles with discoloration and burnt odor. They also verified the whining sound coming…
Safety ratings
2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
Highlander
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L · SIDI & PFI
Regular
Highlander
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L · SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start
Regular
Highlander AWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, most recently for seats · mid/rear assembly · recliner (03/05/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Based on 531 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (227), service brakes (68), unknown or other (67).
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander safe?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Toyota Highlander?
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of any Highlander model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Toyota Highlander range from 23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Toyota Highlander in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: HIGHLANDER, Highlander.