2021 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 520 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 16 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, mid/rear assembly, reclinerMar 5, 2026
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.
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 26V128000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresJun 18, 2024
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."
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V452000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 20, 2023
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.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 23V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, bumpersOct 26, 2023
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.
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V720000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
222 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Apr 28, 2025
The transmission started to make a higher pitch sound when accelerating. We brought the vehicle in for evaluation @ 70,500 miles. We were advised the vehicle needed a new transmission for $ 9,900.00 Not even 4 years old, and Toyota Warrantee department said past the 60K drive train warranty so no support from them.
Power train, Apr 15, 2025
There is a whining noise that occurs when the car is accelerating. At times, there car will skip when accelerating. There is also a vibration. I was informed the issue is with the transmission. A bad transmission can make driving very difficult, potentially causing the vehicle to stall or become unresponsive, and can be a safety concern. I drive my child to school daily, over an hour from our home, and drive to homes to provide hospice care to terminally ill patients. This issue causes great concern, both financially and for safety.
Power train, Apr 15, 2025
There is a TSB about the transmission whine between certain serial numbers. My transmission was outside of the range but started whining. I took it to the Toyota dealership and they advised me that the transmission needs to be replaced.
Power train, Apr 10, 2025
The transmission is whining at medium speeds of 30-35 mph. The transmission started making the noise about 3 weeks ago. It appears that Toyota was aware of the potential defect in the transmission as Toyota issued a technical service bulletin (T-SB-008-21 and NHTSA # 10188917) on February 9, 2021. The TSB was sent to dealerships 17 days before we purchased the vehicle. Toyota took no steps to notify the owners or to prevent the sale of the vehicle with a know defective transmission. The TSB said the only cure to the defect was a transmission replacement. Toyota offered no extension for this drivetrain defect beyond the standard 60 month/60,000 mile warranty. Our vehicle is just outside of these parameters at 70k miles. The vehicle should not have been sold with know defects in the transmission and Toyota at the very least should offer to extend the standard warranty.
Power train, Apr 5, 2025
Transmission is producing a whining noise during acceleration. Very common with this model transmission.
Power train, Apr 2, 2025
I purchased a new 2021 Toyota Highlander and began to experience a clicking noise coming from under the vehicle which grew in intensity. The vehicle has 76,000 miles. I regularly took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for service where they never mentioned any needed service for the transmission. I informed the dealership of the clicking noise where I was told by a Service Technician that they have seen a large number of newer Toyota Highlanders experience transmission failures. I asked the Technician if a recall was issued and he simply shrugged his shoulders and walked away. This is a serious issue affecting a major component of a vehicle and safety, it is unconscionable that a major reputable manufacturer such as Toyota would be aware of a major defect and refuse to address the issue.
Steering, Power train, Mar 31, 2025
- transmission has a whine sound. - steering while start in to peel off after 25k miles driving
Power train, Mar 21, 2025
The transmission began to do a whining noise at 70K which is a signal of soon deterioration and failure. Toyota acknowledged the widespread issue but for only a very small portion in the T-SB-0008-21, though covered only under the standard 60K warranty. My car doesn't fall in the range of transmission mentioned in the TSB, though it is the same UA80 transmission model, and the symptoms and the problem is exactly the same as verified by the dealer. I have learned that many Highlander owners with UA80 transmissions are having the exact same issue around or right after the 60K miles.
Power train, Mar 19, 2025
Car need. New transmission with only 44,000 miles. Toyota is going to replace but not sure if will happen again.
Power train, Air bags, Mar 19, 2025
Vehicle transmission has a whining sound Dealer stated needs new transmission Parts not available continue driving local only Would not state car is safe to drive and told not to take on long trips. No rental provided Also there is a airbag recall for this model and have not been notified
Power train, Mar 16, 2025
Transmission starting whining at 65k miles. Toyota corporate will do nothing since its technically out of warranty. Transmission in a Toyota should not fail at 60k miles. This is huge problem with this year vehicle. The only solution seems to be NEW transmission which is $8-10k.
Power train, Mar 5, 2025
2021 Vehicle has 105,000 miles, purchased certified used in 2023 from dealership. Whining noise with acceleration began so we brought to dealership to get the recalls fixed and asked about the whine on acceleration. Vehicle inspected at the Toyota dealership and service advisor stated that the transmission needed a full replacement and would have catastrophic failure if we keep driving. Advised that a new transmission is needed and cost of replacement is $10,000. The warranty no longer applies as the vehicle has over 100,000 miles. However we purchased with 66000. Technical service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) notes that transmission issue recognized by Toyota since 2021. Hundreds of posts and complaints by Toyota Highlander owners with 2021 models can be found online. The dealership tried their third party warranty and the claim was denied. There should be more support from Toyota in supporting customers in replacing the transmission as it is clear this is a known issue. A recall is needed and a remedy in place. There is no reason a transmission should fail this early. Toyota needs to provide more support for this safety issue and replace the faulty transmission.
Power train, Feb 28, 2025
Vehicle has 84,000 miles, purchased new in 2021. Started to experience whining noise with acceleration and irregular shifting of gears. Knew it was a transmission problem. Vehicle inspected at the Toyota dealership and service advisor stated that metal shavings are seen in the transmission oil. Advised that a new transmission is needed but may take several months before it is available. Cost of replacement >$9000. The extended warranty that I purchased previously no longer applies as the vehicle has more than 72,000 miles. Technical service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) notes that transmission issue recognized by Toyota since 2021. There should be more support from Toyota in supporting customers in replacing the transmission. There appears to be many other owners who have experienced similar issues. Due to well recognized safety issue related to transmission failures, a recall should/need to be pursued. Please help.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2025
On February 16, 2025 the vehicle was parked. The temperatures that day were in single digits. After approximately 1 1/2 hours the 12V system was drained. The driver panel was blank and the vehicle did not respond to any attempt to start. This vehicle had a similar incident the prior year, also in extreme cold conditions. During that incident the vehicle was towed to the dealership. They recharge the 12V system and did not find any problems once the faults were cleared. For the February incident, an attempt was made to jump start the vehicle. After the jump start the driver panel was active, but the vehicle reported a hybrid system malfunction and would not start the engine. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership. Attached is the report from service team. Problem #1. Under cold weather conditions this vehicle will drain the 12V system leaving the driver stranded in dangerous weather. Problem #2. The jump start procedure leaves the ECU exposed to severe damage. This leaves the vehicle inoperable.
Power train, Feb 27, 2025
My transmission has a whining noise and is just over warranty. It is likely to fail soon. Toyota knows the transmission has had issues and has only recalled a select number of them but the issues are all over the board. The issues is consistent across all makes that use the UA80 trans mission (Sennia, Highlander, Camry, etc). In fact, these transmissions (new and remanufactured) all out of stock across the country because the issue is so bad. Research verifies this issue. Please see actual customer experiences below. There are way more out there when you research. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Feb 9, 2025
Transmission failure at 94k miles. Driving on I90 the truck started making very loud whining noise. TSB0008-21 was issued by Toyota Feb-21 and I bought my truck Apr-21. Toyota did NOT disclose this to me.Vehicle failure happened exactly like the TSB. Toyota takes no responsibility-extended warranty is 100% unethical as I am still waiting 4 weeks later for repair. Toyota has no new transmissions available either. Please look into issuing a recall- thousands of people are impacted- please investigate. Toyota is choosing profit over people and safety.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
39,000 miles- Transmission starting to make a loud whining noise while driving. Dealership stated failed carrier bearing, unsafe to drive as this could cause the transmission to lock up at any moment. Toyota has a TSB out for this and has provided a loaner. My car does not fall within the TSB VIN range however still has same failure.
Power train, Jan 21, 2025
At 4 years of ownership and 45,723 miles our 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE experienced a Transfer Case Failure
Power train, Jan 16, 2025
Transmission make grinding noise scared to drive when I check online on Google it states that all 2021 toyota highlander make grinding noise and only solution is to replace it
Power train, Dec 26, 2024
My transmission started to make whining noise took to the dealer to check they confirmed it was a transmission issue that it needed to be replaced. After doing some digging I came across a toyota service bulitin that claimed this issue only affected a batch of vehicles. ( T-SB-0008-21 ) I have searched on forums and found out that a lot of people are haveing the same issue and Toyota is not doing anything about it. PLEASE HELP !!!
Power train, Dec 17, 2024
I purchased my new 2021 Highlander in Sept. of 2021. At about 88K miles, my car started making a whining or buzzing noise when accelerating. I am scheduled to take my highlander to the dealership to be looked at, but in the meantime, research on multiple forums and NHTSA -this is found to be a common issue with the 2021 toyota highlander transmission. Upon further research, I discovered that prior to buying the car, Toyota was already aware of this problem as they issued a Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 in February of 2021 yet they did not inform me or hold the cars for sale to correct what could cause accidents when the transmission fails. Upon further investigation, there are numerous people with this problem in their 2021 Highlanders. This needs to be addressed immediately and deserves a recall, as most owners discover this issue after the 60K power train warranty has ended.
Power train, Dec 13, 2024
The Highlander only have 62000, miles and still has a new car smell ,but it need a transmission was told by service advisor that it could stop in the middle of the of traffic with no warning no engine light on dash nothing upon further research a lot of customers are having the same problem Please help Toyota has been my brand since 1996 and I’m sad that the don’t stand behind the brand for such a major issue
Power train, Dec 10, 2024
I purchased my new 2021 Highlander in Sept. of 2021. At about 70K miles, my car started making a whining or buzzing noise when accelerating. I took it to the Toyota dealership in Fort Collins, CO. They told me my transmission is failing. They stated I needed completely replaced for just a few dollars under $8000. They stated that the Highlander transmissions are on backorder for replacement. They said it could go completely in a year or a month, they didn't know but I couldn't get it fixed for months because of the backordered transmissions. There is no warning light or alert. This is very concerning since I commute at night alone long distances, or if the transmission goes while I'm on an interstate, etc...I did some research and found that prior to buying the car, Toyota was already aware of this problem as they issued a Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 in February of 2021 yet they did not inform me or hold the cars for sale to correct what could cause accidents when the transmission fails. Upon further investigation, there are numerous people with this problem in their 2021 Highlanders. This needs to be addressed immediately and deserves a recall.
Power train, Dec 10, 2024
Transmission went out at 94,000 mils. Loud whinning noise and vechicle very loud sounds like a disel truck once cranked.
Power train, Dec 2, 2024
Transmission is shifting roughly and whining. Has to be replaced, on backorder for a month. This is a safety issue as it could fail while driving. Online search finds a service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) and many, many consumer complaints about the same issue.