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
520 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jul 15, 2025
Our vehicle has 72k miles at normal use- no towing or off roading. Due to a whining noise we took in the vehicle at a Toyota dealer and after a $200 diagnostic fee concluded we need a new transmission priced at $10,800. There was no explanation/diagnosis summary- just we need a new transmission.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2025
Air conditioning lines eroded and needed to be repaired after 26,000 miles/ 3 or 4 years. A/C line repair cost was $2500. Vehicle is garage kept and cleaned regularly during winter, it should not be having rusting problems, especially in this good of condition.
Power train, Jul 7, 2025
I purchased a 2021 Toyota Highlander in June of 2024 with about 45k miles. The transmission completely failed at 67k miles, when I brought it in to have checked in April of 2024. This is not covered under warranty and is costing 7-8k in repairs and over 3k in rental vehicles. I'm told the transmissions are on back order for 3-6 months. No lights went off in the car warning me of this. I smelled burning fumes on and off and reported it to the service dept around 59k (January 2024) miles. I did feel a jump at times, but didn't report that. After my routine oil change at the end of March of 2025, I heard a whining noise only when accelerating and would immediately stop when I released my foot. Two Toyota Service departments diagnosed my car with a failed transmission. I haven't been able to drive my car for 2 months now. My family's safety has been at risk while this issue with this transmission failure has been known and not reported to the consumers prior to my purchase in June of 2024. Potential consequences to a failed transmission while driving are as follows: -Sudden Stop or Coast to a Stop: The car might stop moving entirely, especially if internal components seize or it just loses power and I coast to a stop. -No Response to Acceleration -Pressing the gas has no effect, which is dangerous if I'd be in traffic or on a highway. -Locked-Up Transmission -Rare but possible, especially in catastrophic mechanical failure which could cause wheels to lock briefly. -Stranded
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 7, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE Approximate Mileage: 92,000 Location: Boerne, TX (Texas Hill Country) ⸻ Summary of the Problem: My vehicle experienced serious electrical failure after heavy rainfall in the Texas Hill Country, where catastrophic flooding recently occurred. At a red light, the dashboard began flashing, power windows stopped working, and the electronic parking brake would not disengage. I was nearly rear-ended with my children in the car because the vehicle temporarily lost responsiveness. ⸻ Pattern of Issue: This problem only occurs after rain. Once the vehicle dries out, the systems return to normal. Toyota tested the battery and alternator and found no faults. The dealership and Toyota Corporate have been notified, but they have so far refused to approve a Goodwill Repair or perform deeper inspection for water intrusion into the fuse box, firewall harness, or Body Control Module (BCM). ⸻ Suspected Cause: I believe there is water intrusion due to a design flaw, likely through the windshield cowl or firewall. Other Highlander XSE owners have reported nearly identical symptoms following rain exposure. Toyota has issued service bulletins in the past about water reaching electrical components in other models. ⸻ Safety Concern: This is a serious safety issue. A near-crash involving my children occurred. If Toyota does not resolve this issue and it leads to an accident, I will hold them fully accountable. I am reporting this so it can be formally investigated and linked with similar complaints.
Structure, Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the front bumper became detached. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and zip-tied the bumper to the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (STRUCTURE); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,330.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2025
My 2021 Toyota Highlander experienced transmission problems mainly related to the transmission models. My vehicles reported issues such as whining or grinding noises, which were attributed to problems with the pinion shafts in the front carrier assembly.
Power train, Jun 25, 2025
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Vin # [XXX] 2021 Toyota Highlander 4DR AWD XLE I am writing to report a potentially dangerous transmission defect in my 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE, at approx. 60-70k miles. The vehicle recently developed a high-pitched whining noise while accelerating, which a certified Toyota service technician suspects is internal to the transmission. This exact issue is outlined in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21, issued February 9, 2021, for 2021 Highlanders equipped with the UA80E or UA80F 8-speed automatic transmission. According to the TSB, the cause is worn pinion shafts in the front carrier assembly, and the prescribed repair is complete transmission replacement. Unfortunately, my vehicle was just outside the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty window, despite experiencing the failure consistent with a known manufacturer defect. Numerous other owners have reported identical symptoms between 60,000–80,000 miles, often facing repair costs over $8,000 and multi-week delays due to part availability. This is not a typical wear-and-tear issue. A failure of the transmission at highway speeds or during critical maneuvers could lead to loss of power or control, posing a real safety risk to drivers and passengers. I respectfully urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further. I am happy to provide: Thank you for your commitment to driver safety. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 25, 2025
I have a high pitched whine noise during acceleration from the transmission area. The noise gets louder with acceleration but goes away immediately when I take my foot off the gas pedal and starts again when you press the gas pedal again.
Power train, Jun 24, 2025
The transmission has gone out on my 2021 Highlander. It was inspected by the Toyota dealer. I was told by them that this is a known issue with these trucks. There are no warning lights but just a whine when driving the car and I believe it does put my safety as well as other at risk as this could go out at any moment.
Power train, Jun 24, 2025
There is a known defect with transmissions in certain model years of Toyota cars, mine being one of them, per this TSB: [XXX] The transmission can catastrophically fail but Toyota will not replace the defective part unless the vehicle is still under warranty. I had the Toyota dealer verify that the transmission is beginning to fail and requires replacement. The transmission has begun to emit a "whining" noise. Should the transmission fail catastrophically during operation, it could cause a sudden loss of power, seize a drive wheel, or another event causing a loss of vehicle control. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 17, 2025
Whine noise when vehicle is in motion and accelerating. Took it to the dealer for inspection, and advise to replace the transmission
Power train, Jun 15, 2025
Transmission makes whine noise upon accelerating. Cannot be fixed except with new transmission. The longer you drive, the longer it affects and damages other parts. Mechanic was amazed that my relatively new Toyota needed over $10k in repairs. Toyota denying there’s a problem.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2025, crash
Yesterday, as I do a couple times a month, I went to switch parking places, putting my 2021 Toyota Highlander where my 2007 Mazda was parked, in order to drive it and keep the battery from dying. After starting both cars I first moved the Mazda to make room for the Toyota. As I was slowly steering the Toyota at (idle speed) into the now vacant parking spot, the car accelerated on it's own, prompting me to hit the brakes, but to no avail. The car jumped the curb hitting, knocking over and and damaging a large ceramic planter and small tree in my neighbor's yard. My split second reaction upon having no brakes and a run away car was to push it out of drive, which ended up putting the car into reverse, causing a harsh jolt, followed by the car accelerating again on it's own, in reverse towards another neighbor's garage. I live in a condo complex, so all of this took place within about 30 feet of forward/backward/forward motion. My second split second decision (with no brakes) to avoid smashing into the garage was throwing it back into drive, which sent it accelerating back towards the parking place again. This time I had the presence of mind to push the power button on the dash, allowing me to barely come to stop before jumping the curb again. Whole thing lasted about 15 seconds. I had an appointment to attend, so after a brief conversation explaining to my (now outside) neighbor what happened, I left in the older car. Returning later in the day I found damage to the front of my Toyota and wonder if my transmission is damaged as well. I'm reimbursing my neighbor today. I've not attempted to drive the Toyota since, and am seeking your advice on how best to proceed, whether I should initiate contact with Toyota regarding this incident, or is that something you should initiate? Please advise. Thank you.
Power train, Jun 12, 2025
The transmission has a whining, grinding noise and occasional jerks vehicle. I had dealership look at the vehicle and they said it's a problem with this model but Toyota has not done a recall they issued a service bulletin. I was told it needs replacement but Toyota has been reluctant to work with owners outside of the service manufacturers warranty. This proved true, I was denied any goodwill assistance, and after several days of requesting why they denied any assistance, I'm not able to get an answer. This is a safety issue that they are aware of and not taking proper acceptance and assistance in rectifying. We carry our new born and toddler grandchildren in this vehicle as well as elderly parents. The thought of a total transmission failure on a busy highway or street is terrifying, I asked the dealership service manager about the safety of driving the vehicle and he recommended not operating it until it's replaced. In my[XXX] I haven't asked the government for anything, but I am asking you to look into this matter and if called for mandate a recall.. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 12, 2025
The transmission is making a whining noise when accelerating. I took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership and they said the transmission needs to be replaced. And I asked why the Highlander only has 58 thousand miles on it. How is it already going out. And they couldn’t give me an answer
Service brakes, Jun 12, 2025
My 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a braking issue identified in Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement. When going downhill and applying the brake, the vehicle lurches forward temporarily as the braking system transitions from regenerative to hydraulic braking. The first time my vehicle did this, it was very alarming and I had to take additional measures to slow my vehicle as I was driving downhill. My vehicle frequently demonstrates this problem, however, I did not report it to my local Toyota dealer because I read in an online chat group that it was a characteristic of this vehicle. Although the TSB recommends a Reprogram of the Brake Actuator Assembly Control Module, the repair is only covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty which is in effect for 36 months or 36k miles, whichever occurs first. My vehicle is past the warranty limit, and because I did not report it to my dealer previously, this repair is not covered under the TSB or the Toyota Basic Warranty. Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years 2020-2022 are affected. The Technical Service Bulletin was issued August 29, 2023, so if a 2020 model Highlander Hybrid has this problem, 2020 models would have already passed the warranty limit by the time the TSB was issued and thus would not be covered. This is a safety risk as drivers can lose control of the vehicle when braking, particularly when going downhill. The Warranty should be extended, or this problem should be elevated to a RECALL so that older affected vehicles, or those with higher mileage can be covered under warranty. Drivers should not have to pay for a recognized problem that affects the safety of this vehicle and has been identified in a Technical Service Bulletin. This problem puts drivers at risk of losing control of the vehicle and the problem can be mediated with a software reprogram. T-SB-0059.23 should be elevated to a RECALL, or extended regardless of age or mileage.
Power train, Jun 11, 2025
My transmission started whining at 63,000 miles and my mechanic said it needs to be replaced. However, there is a nationwide backorder on Toyota transmissions. That should be a sign to NHTSA that this is a widespread issue and needs a recall! Of course this was right after the 60,000 mile Toyota warranty. I have extended warranty but it doesn't cover consultations or taxes.
Power train, Jun 8, 2025
I have a 2021 Toyota highlander platinum. The car makes whining noise when accelerating my car has 70k miles and according to Toyota my warranty expired at 60k miles it’s a common issue with these cars and Toyota knows that but they won’t help with the fix. This affected a lot of people and they want almost 11k for a trans replacement. If it’s a common issue with all their cars then they should take full responsibility and fix the cars. I hope you guys could be of help and hold they accountable.
Power train, Jun 6, 2025
Transmission failure
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2025
My 2021 Toyota Highlander, purchased with 16k miles, has a leak in the AC system in the rear of the vehicle (as of May 2025, at 3 years 10 months into the vehicle's service, with 28k miles). This pipe runs the length of the car and costs $2000-$3000 to repair. This was confirmed at an independent service center that used leak detection dye to identify the problem. I am finding multiple reports of people having this problem in young Toyota vehicles (<4 years old) and with low miles. I believe this is a design flaw and not indicative of normal corrosion, as the vehicle does not exhibit corrosion elsewhere in the under carriage.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2025
This is a supplemental complaint to add more detail to a prior submission. I am the original owner of a 2021 Toyota Highlander with 10,000 miles at the time of the issue worsening to the point that I finally broke down and was forced to pay the Toyota dealership's hefty diagnostic fee. The air conditioning system has failed due to a refrigerant leak in the rear A/C lines, specifically near the exhaust area under the vehicle. The dealership diagnosed the issue and quoted me over $3,000 to replace “all necessary components in the rear.” They offered no coverage or goodwill repair despite the vehicle’s age and mileage. Upon researching the issue for longer than a year at this point, I discovered far too many similar complaints from other Highlander owners (years 2019–2021) describing identical failures — typically rear A/C lines corroding, cracking, or leaking prematurely. In some cases, customers were told Toyota is aware of the issue but not issuing a TSB or recall. In other cases, dealers said no permanent fix exists. These repairs are prohibitively expensive and, in some reports, recurring due to poor line placement or dissimilar metal corrosion near heat sources. This significantly impacts safety in several ways: Impaired Visibility: The AC system is integral to effective defogging and defrosting of the windshield, especially in humid or cold conditions. Without it, visibility is severely compromised, increasing the risk of an accident. Driver Impairment: In extreme temperatures, lack of climate control can lead to driver fatigue, distraction, and reduced concentration, posing an indirect safety risk. I am reporting it to request NHTSA monitor the trend. This seems to reflect a possible engineering or design flaw, and the number of similar owner reports suggests it may warrant further review by Toyota and NHTSA. Customers should not be facing multi-thousand-dollar repairs on near-new vehicles with basic systems failing. Thank you for tracking this issue.
Visibility, Jun 4, 2025
Premature AC refrigerant leak and failure in system in the 2021 Toyota Highlander due to corroded/defective rear AC lines located near the exhaust/spare tire, observed at very low mileage and upon official inspection at the nearest Toyota dealership. Noticed early in ownership and decided to have the vehicle scanned when air being released only continued to grow warmer in the sweltering summer months. Reporting due to advice from friends and owners in my exact situation with the very same issue as well as the pricey three-thousand dollars and upwards quote to have this work done from Curry Toyota, 3026 E Main St, Cortlandt, NY 10567. Vehicle purchased new to avoid these very issues.
Engine, Jun 3, 2025
I am seeing a transmission slip and also engine whining noise. There is a widely known issue with this transmission failing. My serial number A3A20M01780 falls right outside the scope of the TSB issued by Toyota for these transmissions.
Power train, Jun 1, 2025
My transmission is failing in my 2021 Toyota Highlander. Has started making the high pitched whining noise. Fix is to replace the whole transmission. Dealer has confirmed and does have the transmission on order.
Power train, May 28, 2025
Transmission failure at 62000 miles. Toyota issued a service bulletin in Feb 2021. I bought the vehicle new in August 2021 and was not told of service issue. Also, I took vehicle to Toyota dealership for service every 5000 miles up to 55000. I was never told about service bulletin nor advised there could be a full imminent failure of the transmission.