Toyota Highlander 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2021 and 529 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Toyota Highlander between 2016 and 2025.

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2021

Seats
NHTSA campaign 26V128000 · 2026-03-05

What happens

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.

Consequence

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 Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 26V128000

Tires
NHTSA campaign 24V452000 · 2024-06-18

What happens

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."

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 24V452000

Air bags
NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 2023-12-20

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V865000

Structure and body
NHTSA campaign 23V720000 · 2023-10-26

What happens

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.

Consequence

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V720000

Complaints from other owners

529 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

16 with a crash · 4 with a fire · 18 injuries

Most reported problems on the Toyota Highlander 2021

• Powertrain and transmission: 225 (43% of complaints)
• Brakes: 67 (13% of complaints)
• Structure and body: 52 (10% of complaints)
• Engine: 47 (9% of complaints)
• Air bags: 35 (7% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Toyota Highlander 2021

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Brake hard somewhere safe: the car shouldn't pull to one side and the pedal shouldn't sink; check rotors and pads.
• Look for frame rust, welds or uneven paint that point to accidents.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Toyota Highlander recalls by year

• 2016 : 2 recalls · 111 complaints
• 2017 : 3 recalls · 270 complaints
• 2018 : 4 recalls · 268 complaints
• 2019 : 3 recalls · 492 complaints
• 2020 : 4 recalls · 319 complaints
• 2021 : 4 recalls · 529 complaints
• 2022 : 5 recalls · 261 complaints
• 2023 : 9 recalls · 185 complaints
• 2024 : 7 recalls · 43 complaints
• 2025 : 4 recalls · 10 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander 2021 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Toyota Highlander 2021?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (225 of 529 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.