Worst 2021 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brakes
Airbags
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 148 | 3 | — | 52,142 mi | |
| Brakes | 63 | 4 | — | 14,854 mi | |
| Airbags | 41 | 5 | — | 30,400 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 40 | 3 | 1 | 26,110 mi | |
| Fuel System | 30 | 2 | — | 1,050 mi | |
| Body Structure | 30 | — | — | 4,000 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | — | 1 | 27,109 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | 28,501 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | 20,000 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 5 | 1 | — | 40,306 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Bumpers | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Sidewall | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Toyota Highlander
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,305,466 vehicles.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
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."
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.
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.
Other Toyota Highlander Years
2021 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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