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, Engine, Nov 27, 2024
The vehicle pulls/jolts foward as I slow down at a stoplight. At first, I thought this was normal, but over the past year, I've noticed something unusual, possibly with the gear shifting. It has become more noticeable over time. It has happened enough where I almost get into a fender bender with the car in front of me. I started researching this issue and it's a common complaint among other Highlander vehicle owners. [XXX] . I reported this issue to the Toyota Dealership and all have stated this was normal. I have also seen other issues with the transmission with the similar year and build. Leading me to believe this car may have an early sign of transmission issues. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Nov 16, 2024
Toyota is not trying to own up to failing transmissions especially in the Highlanders. The Highlander started making a whining noise around 50k miles like a supercharger. The dealer said the car needed a whole new transmission. The transmission is available for inspection upon request. The car is hard to accelerate because the transmission is failing without giving any warning signals on the dashboard.
Power train, Nov 8, 2024
THE DEALER HAS CONFIRMED A PROBLEM ON THE MATTER AND SAID IT WOULD COST $8000.00 TO FIX IT. HAS NOT PUT A RECALL ON IT YET. BUT THERE IS A BULLITON ON THE MATTER.
Power train, Oct 29, 2024
Transmission is making a whining noise.
Power train, Oct 18, 2024
The car started making a whining.humming sound only while pressing the gas. Took to mechanic and they advised it was TSB 0008-21. I need a new transmission. I drive this daily with my own kids, and several that aren't mine. If the transmission were to go out, I would not be able to accelerate and the care would stop moving. I can't even imagine this happening on a high with hundreds of cars speeding or a busy road. This could cause a bad accident, injury or death. No warnings etc. The noise just started and took right to mechanic. I gave the mechanic a copt of power train warrant and hoping it gets covered and fixed.
Power train, Oct 15, 2024
Regarding Toyota TSB T-SB-0008-21, ‘Whine or Grind Noise From the Transmission’, issued February 2021: Some 2021 model year Avalon, Highlander, and Camry vehicles equipped with UA80E or UA80F transmissions may exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission. This condition may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. This is a widespread problem with these specified transmissions. The noise generally starts around 60-70k miles, just outside the warranty period. Toyota knowingly continued to sell vehicles with these defective transmissions. Repair estimates range from $8.5k-$13k.
Power train, Oct 10, 2024
Transmission failure at 70,000 miles waited 3 months for replacement transmission.
Power train, Oct 7, 2024
My wife’s Highlander started whining under acceleration. I am not a trained mechanic but know enough about vehicles that I k ew it was the transmission. I checked Google for 2021 Highlander complaints and found hundreds of them. The vehicle has 90k on it but luckily we bought the extended warranty through Toyota. I took the vehicle in for service and told them the transmission was whining and needed replaced and would be covered under my warranty. They looked at me strange and said ok sure, we’ll check it out. 4 hours later they called to confirm I needed a new transmission. They estimate it to take be 4 weeks before they receive the transmission. Apparently so many being replaced they are on back order. Luckily we bought our vehicle as a “Certified Pre-Owned” so we get a loaner the entire time. Just sad to see Toyota quality going down hill like it has.
Power train, Sep 22, 2024
I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK AND THE BREAK SYSTEM FAIL AND THEN I WAS COMING TO SA STOP LIGHT I WAS ABLE TO BREAK SLOWLY AND I WAS ABLE TO GO INTO SHELL GAS STATION GOT OFF TO PUT GAS AND THE STARTED TALKING TO TAKE IT TO THE NEAR DEALER TOYOTA .I GOT OFF THE VECHICLE PUT GAS AND WHEN I STARTED TO TURN ON I WOULD TURN ON AT ALL I DO T KNOW I GAVE IT SOME GAS AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN IT ON BUT THE MOTER WAS SHAKING AND IT WAS STALING ON ME. THE H AND COLD GAUGE WAS STUCK NOT MOVING ETHIER. THAT FAN FROM THE MOTER STOP WORKING AS WELL I WAS ABLE TO TURN IT ON AND I DRO E IT TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE AND LEFT IT THEIR GOT A TOWTRUCK ON THE JULY 28 2024 TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I HAD TO PAY THE TOW TRUCK AND UNTILL KNOW I HAVENT GOT MY REFUND BACK BECAUSE I HAD TOWNIG WITH THE VECHICLE WHEN I PURCHASED IT. ITS 2 MONTHS OUT I STILL HAVENT GOTTEN MY TRANSMISSION OR GOTTEN FIX AND THE VECHICLE HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AS WELL IT HAS 71,700 ML ON IT AND I ALSO HAVE TO PAY THE RENTAL VECHICLE AS WELL. TOYOTA DOENT WAST TO PAY AT ALL FOR THE RENTAL VECHICLE.
Power train, Sep 12, 2024
A whine developed while accelerating on the highway. The whine continued any time I accelerated higher than about 35 mph. I suspected it was the transmission and Toyota confirmed I was right. I need a whole new transmission. At 59,000 miles, my Highlander is still under power train warranty. However, my car was diagnosed July 9 and I am still waiting for the part to come in at the dealership more than 2 months later. I was told verbally that I would be able to still drive the car while waiting, but I don't feel safe doing so.
Power train, Sep 6, 2024
Transmission/differential - Took my car in around 80k miles for a routine transmission service. I got my car back and it started making a whining noise when you accelerate. Never did I get a code, check engine light nothing. Took it back to get looked it since the sound never went away. I am being told it needs a new transmission. I was told my car transmission was too hot for them to even look at after sitting for 24hr parked! I have read and done a lot of research that this is a common issue and never has been recalled. Even a shortage now on transmissions with so many needing them now! My car is only 3 years old and won’t be covered.. this should have been recalled and or known to buyers before purchasing if it was known to have issues early 2021…
Power train, Aug 22, 2024
Transaxle Repair/Replacement: recommend transmission replacement due to whining noise coming from transmission due to internal failure. The transaxle is the transmission for front wheel drive vehicles. The transaxle transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Unsafe driving conditions issue is stemming from faulty transmission, not only on this particular vehicle but many 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles for the same transaxle repair/replacement issue. I have gone to Toyota multiple times before and even with a Technical Service Bulletin in place for this transmission issue, they did not correct the problem, nor fix it while it was under warranty. Toyota has been aware of this Technical Service Bulletin since Feb 9 2021. T-SB-0008-21 [XXX] Owners of the 2021 Toyota Highlander have reported various transmission problems, including: Whine or Grind Noise: Some vehicles exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission, which may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts1. Jerky Gear Shifts: Drivers have experienced jerky gear shifts, especially when accelerating from a stop or slowing down to very low speeds2. Delayed Shifts and Hard Shifts: There have been complaints about delayed shifts, hard shifts, and lurching when shifting gears3. Transmission Slipping: Instances of the transmission slipping between gears and jerking when accelerating have also been reported4. Safety Concerns These transmission issues pose several safety risks: Loss of Control: Jerky and delayed gear shifts can lead to a loss of control, especially in situations requiring quick acceleration or deceleration. Increased Accident Risk: Transmission slipping and hard shifts can cause unexpected vehicle behavior, increasing the risk of accidents. Driver Distraction: The noise and irregular shifting can distract drivers, reducing their focus on the road. Mechanical Failure: Persistent transmission issues, or stalling. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 13, 2024
Excessive whining noise, shift flare. The vehicle is only a couple of years old. I was told by the dealer that the transmission will likely need to be replaced. There are numerous complaints within the Toyota Nation forums. It was recommended that we report the incidents here, as having a large number of cars on the road with failing transmissions can certainly be considered a road hazard/safety issue.
Power train, Aug 2, 2024
Transmission is failing. Making whiny noise on acceleration.
Power train, Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Power train, Service brakes, May 11, 2023
While parking, the shifter was inadvertently left in reverse. The engine was turned off while foot was still on the brake. After preparing to exit the car and removing my foot from the brake, the car began rolling forward until I noticed and slammed on the foot brake. We are used to the vehicle parking brake engaging automatically as there is no way to do so manually, that we know of. There was no warning that the shifter was not in park and no audible or noticeable visual notification that the vehicle was not in park. In some cases, on a flat surface when the vehicle wasn't in park, it didn't allow me to shut off or arm the security system. In this case, I was able to stop the vehicle and fortunately there was nothing in front of the vehicle. Since the vehicle was powered off, anti-collision likely would not have stopped a collision.
Power train, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 15, 2023
Warning lights appeared while driving on city streets.
Power train, Jan 9, 2023
Vehicle self drained 12 volt battery, causing hybrid drive system to not start up, leaving vehicle stranded, wife stranded alone at night. Dealership installed new software, 2 days later the hybrid drive system glitched again and this time the 12 volt battery was not drained but the vehicle hybrid system would not go into the ready mode and left the vehicle stranded, again with wife alone at night. Took to the dealer, service dept said "no trouble found". Has not glitched again but no longer trust this vehicle. Warning lights? Just about every light on the dash was flashing. Center screen said "hybrid system failure"
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 29, 2022
We rented this vehicle from Avis at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Tuesday, 11/22/22 at approx. 7:50 pm. It was raining, cold and temperature was dropping. We drove approx. 1/8 to 1/4 of a mile from the facility. As we turned left on to a major roadway (Goddard) southbound, I turned on the rear defroster. Suddenly, the engine went into limp mode. I tried to make a U-turn to drive back to the facility. Engine lights flashed (low oil pressure, check engine, etc) and then the engine stopped. We barely had enough power to turn the vehicle out of the turn lane before we would have been struck by a bus. We sat in left northbound lane of Goddard for approx. 2 min without our hazard lights on. The vehicle would not start. I then pressed the defroster again and the engine fired up. We drove back to the facility and demanded a new vehicle. While we waited for a new vehicle to be prepared, I demonstrated to the manager what had happened. Again, after depressing the rear defroster button, the engine shut off and would not restart. Again, after turning off the defroster button, the engine started back up. This engine condition was replicated multiple times. I warned the Avis manager not to rent this vehicle as it was a death trap.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 26, 2022
On July 19, the car was parked and refused to start. Tried Jump start and the gas was at more than half a tank. The car would operate for 30 seconds, stutter and then stop. On July 20, took the car to ED MARTIN TOYOTA in Noblesville, IN. They could not diagnose the issue. Replaced Fuel Pump system. Evaluated all electrical and no issues observed. Escalated to TOYOTA Regional Engineering to teoubleshoot. The car is still in the shop with no root-cause. If the car was in motion and this issue would have occured, could have resulted in a serious accident.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2022, crash
Several minutes after leaving my vehicle once I parked and shut the engine routinely, it rolls back a hundred feet and crashes into another vehicle. When I come back I became aware of this as I noticed the back of the driver side of my vehicle is lodged into the side of another vehicle. This caused damage to both vehicles.
Power train, Nov 4, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated his wife pulled into a parking spot and turned off the engine while the vehicle was in reverse. The vehicle then switched gears to neutral on its own, started reversing, and slightly crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The warning message "Put Transmission Into park Illuminated". The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 2000.