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.
Engine, Jun 4, 2026
Transmission leak requiring torque converter replacement
Power train, Jun 3, 2026
The transmission on the 2021 Toyota Highlander failed at only 5 1/2 years old (66,000 miles). This is a known issue from Toyota and they should be held responsible to cover items just barely out of warranty for well maintained vehicles.
Power train, Jun 1, 2026
We purchased our 2021 Highlander XLE in the spring of 2024. It came with a powertrain warranty up to 60,000 miles. Unfortunately for us, we're at 65,000 miles and recently started hearing a high-pitched, whining noise when we accelerate. We took it to the Toyota dealership and they told us we need the transmission replaced. A new transmission is around 9,000, before taxes and service fees. We haven't had any other issues and haven't had an accident. There's already a class-action lawsuit against Toyota regarding their Highlander models having UA80 transmission issues. Because of this, we called corporate in hopes they will pay for it under their Goodwill Assistance program. However, because we never had the Highlander serviced at a Toyota dealership before, they told us they won't cover anything. We've routinely serviced this vehicle. We happened to purchase it at a Nissan dealership, so getting maintenance at Toyota didn't cross our minds. Regardless of where we got the car serviced, it's obvious there's a recurring problem with the Highlander's transmission that Toyota has refused to acknowledge, which is costing consumers around 9,000 apiece. We feel cheated by Toyota, and we hope they eventually have to make things right.
Power train, May 31, 2026
Subtle issues showed early when trying to accelerate to get on the freeway, the transmission would stall. It was intermittent so, difficult to show at the dealership. At around 50,000 miles I began feeling a drag in the transmission, like it was put in downhill mode. Again, it happened intermittently. At 60,000 it would lunge slightly forward when I put it in park. At 63,000 I started hearing a whining sound at acceleration. The dealership did not address my concerns until it was out of warranty and then they said I needed a new transmission.
Power train, May 26, 2026
I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 100,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable whining noise coming from the transmission/drivetrain area that continues to worsen over time. The noise is most noticeable during acceleration and while driving at highway speeds. I brought the vehicle to Toyota for inspection and was informed that the issue is related to the transmission. However, Toyota denied repair assistance because the vehicle is outside the powertrain warranty period. After researching the issue, I discovered multiple similar complaints involving 2021 Toyota Highlanders equipped with the UA80 transmission, including Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 regarding “Whine or Grind Noise From the Transmission.” The symptoms described in the bulletin closely match the symptoms my vehicle is experiencing. Toyota appears aware of this transmission-related issue, yet many owners outside the warranty period are being denied coverage despite similar failures and complaints. I am concerned this may represent a broader transmission defect that could lead to premature transmission failure, unsafe driving conditions, hesitation, loss of power, or expensive repairs for consumers. I believe this issue should be investigated further by NHTSA due to the growing number of similar complaints involving whining transmission noises and transmission failures in Toyota Highlander vehicles. At this time, the vehicle has not yet experienced a complete transmission failure, but the condition is worsening and raises significant concerns regarding reliability and safety.
Power train, May 26, 2026
My 2021 Toyota Highlander was making a high pitched whine sound upon acceleration with the sound level holding steady at a consistent speed. We took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have it looked at and were told the transmission needs to be replaced. No other warnings were received. We are concerned about our safety if the transmission goes out while on the road.
Power train, May 23, 2026
My 2021 Toyota Highlander makes a whining sound when driving. Took vehicle to dealership and was told it is a $10,000 repair and repair is critical.
Power train, May 21, 2026
My car start with a noise and just lost power in the middle of the road causing almost an accident. This was caused due to the manufacture issue for the transmissions with my car model and brand.
Back over prevention, May 19, 2026
The parking sensor bracket has failed twice now and the sensor keeps falling through. There are no signs of scratches or bumps on the bumper. The dealer said that’s not something they will fix. I have had it fixed once before and now it’s happening again.
Power train, May 18, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Transmission is in the process of failing. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Loss of power train while driving could put the operator and the public at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, I've been told by two separate Toyota dealers that my transmission needs to be replaced. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No.
Power train, May 16, 2026
2021 Toyota Highlander XSE AWD with approximately 60,400 miles. Vehicle has developed a noticeable driveline/transmission humming/whining noise during acceleration, beginning at lower speeds and increasing with vehicle speed under throttle. Noise is most noticeable while pressing the accelerator and appears consistent with Toyota T-SB-0008-21 regarding transmission whine/grind concerns on UA80F transmissions.
Power train, May 14, 2026
60k miles on the car and the transmission needs to be replaced out of pocket due to a gear pinon wearing down. This is a 10k dollar repair and just happens to be after the warranty has expired.
Power train, May 13, 2026
My 2021 Toyota Highlander equipped with the UA80 transmission developed a whining/grinding noise under acceleration around 73,000 miles. Toyota diagnosed internal transmission failure and recommended full replacement costing approximately $9,000. Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0008-21 acknowledging defects involving the front carrier assembly pinion shafts in these transmissions. This defect creates a potential safety hazard due to possible loss of power or drivability during highway operation. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the widespread transmission failures affecting 2021 Highlanders and related Toyota vehicles.
Service brakes, May 5, 2026
When applying the brakes when slowing down fro a traffic light or in traffic, the brkaes suddely stop workign for a few sseconds at a speed of 5-10 mph, causing car to lurch forward before the brakes reengage. This has existed for a couple of year but has gotten worse in thelast 6 month.s The risk is that the lurch occurs prior ot the full stop ,potentilly causing the car to run into the car directly in ftont of our car. Toyota is aware of the problem and issued a technical sevce bulletinT-SB -0059-23 whichidentified this and a software update helps in resolving the issue. The bulletin however states the cost needs ot be paid by th cusotmer if it is out of warrnaty. This does not makes snse as it is a potetnail safety issue that coudl casue a collisiion and wodul seem to rise to the level of a recall. There are many refermces to the issue on social media. It seems Toyota should be rqeuired to make this a recall item at no cost to the customer.
Power train, May 5, 2026
I noticed transmission whining shortly after purchasing on 3/12/24. Odometer reading at purchase 62,347. I justified whining to myself as luck of the draw. Until a few months ago I started hearing grinding noise coming from the transmission. Had transmission diagnosed at Lancaster Toyota on 4/22/2026. Approximate odometer reading, 78,700. Was told that a replacement transmission was needed. Cost 9,526.17 No warning lamps or messages appeared. Transmission type UA80F SN A4A20J O 4195
Power train, May 4, 2026
Car was making whining sound with acceleration at 62k miles. Dealer told me I need to spend 8k on a replacement.
Power train, May 4, 2026
Transmission. My 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 94,500 miles developed a consistent whining noise during acceleration. The issue occurs daily during normal driving and appears to be worsening. A Toyota dealership diagnosed the problem and confirmed the noise is coming from the transmission and that the transmission requires replacement. This appears to be a premature failure of a major drivetrain component. The condition could lead to loss of power or transmission failure while driving, creating a potential safety risk. There was no prior warning, and the vehicle has been properly maintained.
Suspension, May 1, 2026
Early failure of front struts on a 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE, leaking fluid at 29,000 miles. Manufacturer does not seem to have any reported issues with these components. Issue discovered just one month after warranty expiration. Given the low daily use and time, this might be a manufacturer defect/concern. Could potentially be a safety concern affecting the vehicle handling and maneuverability.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 30, 2026, fire
My vehicle was parked for about an hr 30 min , and it started smoking from dashboard area and immediately went into flames .
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 29, 2026
The rear hatchback of my Toyota Highlander fails to open. I tried resetting it and that did not correct the problem. The only way I’m able to open the trunk is by manually crawling into the trunk, removing the back panel on the hatch door and pressing an internal latch release. While no injuries have happened because of this problem, if someone was stuck in this car or if there were an accident and a passenger needed to be accessed through the rear trunk, this would create a problem as it is not accessible from the outside of the car.
Power train, Apr 27, 2026
2021 Toyota Highalnder UA80F Transmission Whine / Known Defect - Potential for Sudden Failure I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum V6 AWD (UA80F 8-speed automatic transmisstion) purchased in July 2021. Current milage is 78k. Starting 3 days ago I noticed a faint whine noise coming from the transmission. The pitch changes with speed and when the throttle is depressed (It's louder under load/acceleration). This matches the exact symptoms described in Toyota TSB T-SB-0008-21 for whine/grind noise caused by the front carrier assembly pinion shaft issues in 2021 Highlanders with UA80 transmissions. On April 27, I went to a Toyota dealer to confirm the source of the noise and diagnose. As per their diagnosis report "Tech took vehicle on road test to duplicate concern, after confirming complaint vehicle was then lifted up and inspected while under a load, tech as able to isolate noise to transmission at this time, fluid level and condition was inspected to ensure there were no signs of shavings or discoloration and after inspection tech found nothing abnormal during fluid level check. Tech then ran a health check to ensure there were no DTC present related to transmission concern and found no DTC present. Recommend replacing transmission and torque converter at this time". They provided a quote of $9,392. This condition represents a safety concern because the internal wear can progress to harsher shifting, loss of power, limp mode, or complete transmission failure while driving, potentially causing a crash or stranding the vehicle in traffic. I have audio/vehicle recordings of the whine and service records showing regular Toyota dealer maintenance. I am requesting the the NHTSA investigate this ongoing UA80 transmission issue as it appears to be a known manufacturing or design defect tat continues beyond the narrow TSB applicability and warranty limits.
Power train, Engine, Apr 27, 2026
Car makes a high pitched whining noise at low speeds of approx. 10-30 mph
Power train, Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that there was an abnormal winding sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called a transmission shop and was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Power train, Apr 21, 2026
2021 Toyota Highlander transmission failure
Structure, Apr 21, 2026
Rear power lift gate routinely malfunctions, stopping partway while opening or closing. Dealer recommends resetting the lift gate, which occasionally works to address the problem but is not a reliable fix. Issue has been ongoing for several years without remedy.