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2021
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Toyota Highlander

EPA MPG: 23 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View of 2021 Toyota Highlander Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2021 Toyota Highlander
Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2021 Toyota Highlander Side Profile, facing to left view of 2021 Toyota Highlander
Front (full) view of 2021 Toyota Highlander Rear (full) view of 2021 Toyota Highlander
Front 3/4, facing to the right view of 2021 Toyota Highlander Drivers Dash view of 2021 Toyota Highlander

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2021 Highlander is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2021 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission died at 69,000 miles. Changed my view of Toyotas forever. They are trying to give me a good deal for a new one. Supposed to get back to me on aug 4"

Anonymous, PA (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"transmission needs replacemment, ave been waiting 5 months for one."

Anonymous, SC (2021 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

"Noticed a whine sound at about 50000 miles whenever the footfeed was engaged. Researched to learn a Service Notice had been put out by Toyota for 2019 - 2021 Hylanders related to this issue. Dealer advised it was a transmission failure and the vehicle was taken out of service until a new updated transmission was available. Toyota paid for all replacement costs."

Anonymous, MN (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Need new transmision and there is a likely 6 to 12 month wait."

Anonymous, SC (2021 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

"At 78000 the transmission started to whine when accelerating. I brought it into a transmission specialist. They told me it was a known issue for my make and model Highlander and the repair would have to be a new transmission. I confirmed this with Toyota and I decided to trade the car in rather than spend 9000. Very disappointed in Toyota for not having a recalll. We really liked the Highlander and bought it because of the Toyota reputation. We have now gone back to Honda"

Anonymous, CT (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"Cant remember exactly, but the dealer replaced the transmission."

Anonymous, NC (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
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In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"Apple CarPlay fails to connect often. I have discussed this with Toyota a number of times. It works for a while then develops connection problems. Its been quite frustrating."

Anonymous A., UT (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"airplay does not consistently connect or stay connected"

Anonymous, GA (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum Unsure)
Display screen goes blank

"Display screen quit working. It had to be replaced at $1400. It was two months past the warranty."

Anonymous, WY (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
Hardware replacement

"Screen went black and couldn't control radio, heat/air. Had to take in repeatedly to show them. Finally found an article online that mentioned specific problem and showed them that, then they replaced the screen/monitor."

Anonymous, TN (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"I have had great difficulty with our phones pairing correctly. Problem still not resolved. We use apple play when we need to use the phones. That is when apple play works"

Anonymous A., UT (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"New Iphone 16 will not stay paired with Toyota bluetooth"

Anonymous A., VA (2021 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)
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Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"rear hatch won't close automatically. started a couple months ago and is erratic in frequency."

Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Headlights replaced under manufactures recall"

Anonymous A., AZ (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"Rear door sometimes fail to open when pushing the open button. Sometimes it has seemed stuck when trying to close."

Anonymous, OK (2021 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

"The battery was bad when I purchased but I wasn't told. Cost was over $300."

Anonymous, TX (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
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Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Fan blew warm air when air conditioner was on."

Anonymous, IN (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
Other climate system problem

"Bought the car in November , the A/C worked in March on a trip to Florida . In May it was not blowing cool and was low on refrigerant"

Anonymous, PA (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
Refrigerant leaks

"The air was blowing but was no longer cool or cold . The refrigerant was low and needed recharged on a 4 year old car"

Anonymous, PA (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Leaks around fittings."

Anonymous, NY (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
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Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Same air leak"

Anonymous, FL (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
Other noises & leaks problem

""When you are driving over, like, 35 miles per hour you can hear the motor whine. It's not loud but once you notice it, it's very annoying.""

Anonymous A., MA (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"knocking when firmly applying the brakes while going 20 mph"

Anonymous, CO (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE Unsure)

""A slight rattle from the passenger side dash, exact source undetermined. Been going on past couple of years.""

Anonymous, TX (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
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Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"The front bumper fell off driving down the highway. Two months later we received a recall notice on this exact issue... faulty clips. It was repaired by Toyota at no cost to us."

Anonymous A., KS (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"The lights are way too bright. I constantly have people flashing at me because they are too bright!!"

Anonymous A., OH (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Remote engine starter

"Remote engine start stop working."

Anonymous, OH (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Transmission sensor or solenoid

"A loud whistling noise started in August 2024. Dealer replaced transmission in April 2025"

Anonymous, NC (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Other paint & trim problem

"Paint chips easy"

Anonymous, OR (2021 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

2021 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
SEATS
Mar 05, 2026
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 26V128000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 686588
Hide Recall Details
TIRES
Jun 18, 2024
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V452000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4763
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Dec 20, 2023
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V865000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 999901
Hide Recall Details
STRUCTURE
Oct 26, 2023
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V720000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 750795
Hide Recall Details
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