Transport CanadaHigh Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The second-row seatback recliners may not lock properly due to manufacturing defects, causing the seatback to move during a crash.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 450 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
23–36 mpg combined
6.5–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Transmission issues dominate complaints for the 2021 Highlander, accounting for roughly a third of all reports. Owners consistently describe a whining or grinding noise that develops under acceleration, typically surfacing somewhere between 60,000 and 80,000 miles. Several reports specifically mention internal gear wear requiring full transmission replacement, a repair that tends to land outside the factory warranty window and costs owners significantly out of pocket. Brakes are the second most-reported system, with owners describing a loss of braking effectiveness at low speeds, roughly 5 to 10 mph, where the brakes momentarily disengage while slowing, causing the vehicle to lurch before braking resumes. Airbag-related complaints also appear in notable volume, though the brake and transmission patterns carry the most consistent detail across multiple reports.
450
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the second-row seat recliners, which may fail to lock in position and allow the seatback to shift forward during a crash, reducing occupant protection.
The front passenger airbag system is also affected: a faulty passenger seat occupant classification sensor can misread who is sitting in the seat, causing the airbag to not deploy in a crash when it should. On the tire side, certain vehicles were fitted with 20-inch accessory tires that carry a lower load rating than the vehicle requires, meaning those tires can be overloaded during normal driving and fail, potentially causing a sudden loss of control. The front lower bumper cover can work loose and detach during ordinary driving, dropping onto the road and becoming a hazard for vehicles behind. Finally, on Highlander Hybrid models, a software error in the electronic stability control system can cause it to deactivate without warning, leaving the vehicle without the electronic safety net that helps prevent skids and rollovers on slippery or uneven surfaces.
At a glance
What can fail
The second-row seatback recliners may not lock properly due to manufacturing defects, causing the seatback to move during a crash.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Toyota will replace the spring in the second-row seatback recliner assemblies at a dealership.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The second-row seat backs may not lock securely when adjusted, potentially moving unexpectedly during vehicle operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Twenty-inch accessory tires installed on certain 2021-2024 Highlanders have load ratings below what the vehicle's axle weight capacity requires, violating federal tire safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will inspect and replace the tires and information placard at no cost as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A short circuit in the front passenger air bag sensor may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower bumper cover may come loose or detach from minor impacts during normal driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the front bumper covers at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Skid Control computer software may not automatically restart the Vehicle Stability Control system when you restart your vehicle after turning it off. This means VSC could remain disabled without your knowledge.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Skid Control computer software at no cost to restore proper VSC restart operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
