2021 Toyota Highlander

529 federal complaints (660 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 155 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 28 model years of the Toyota Highlander →
Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
20 city / 28 hwy
Federal complaints
529
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
226
Other
70
Brakes
68
Body & structure
52
Engine & cooling
47
Air bags
42
Driver assistance
33
Fuel system
31
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 67 complaints01 years old: 37 complaints2 years old: 48 complaints3 years old: 92 complaints4 years old: 152 complaints5 years old: 127 complaints56 years old: 0 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 523 of 529 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 17 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 4 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 10 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 5 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 1 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 1 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 1 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 0 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 39 of 529 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

226 complaint records3 crash reports
"Transmission went out at 94,000 mils. Loud whinning noise and vechicle very loud sounds like a disel truck once cranked...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Brakes

68 complaint records4 crash reports
"At only 12,000 miles there is significant vibrating and shuddering when applying brakes. I was told after an inspection that it is the rotors...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Body & structure

52 complaint records1 crash report
"Trunk has stopped working. It loudly beeps and will not open on its own. Trunk has to be manually opened and shut with great force to be used...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
26V128000SeatsToyota 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.Normally free
24V452000TiresSoutheast 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.Normally free
23V865000Air BagsToyota 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...Normally free
23V720000StructureToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2026427
2026-09-09
Seats And Restraints52,750Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) may not lock in position and could move in a crash.
2026101
2026-03-05
Seats And Restraints39,897This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-427. Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly.
2023684
2023-12-20
Airbag99,965Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor for the occupant classification system (OCS) may not have been manufactured properly.
2023574
2023-10-26
Structure50,501Issue: On certain vehicles, the front lower bumper cover may not be attached properly. As a result, if there is a minor impact to the front bumper, the lower bumper cover, engine under cover, and the fender liners could separate from the...
2022179
2022-04-13
Brakes41,084Issue: Under certain conditions, the vehicle stability control (VSC) system may not switch on when the ignition is restarted.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0040-24 Rev1
Jun 2026
StructureSome 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating position for the clip gasket.
T-SB-0021-26
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemSome 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory assembly.
T-SB-0106-22 Rev2
Jan 2026
Electrical SystemOBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
T-SB-0001-26
Jan 2026
Electrical SystemSome 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
T-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0086-25
Nov 2025
StructureSome 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly is available to address these conditions.
22TE09
Sep 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemAlthough the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience.
T-SB-0058-23 Rev1
Jun 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemThe air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
T-TT-0780-25
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemTo assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requested by FTS and/or FPE.
T-SB-0106-22 Rev2
Feb 2025
Electrical SystemSome 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
T-SB-0013-24 Rev1
Feb 2025
Electrical SystemThe Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased and can never be reused. Another feature, Add/Remove Key, is also available.
22TD02
Feb 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNFuel/Propulsion System22TD02 expired on 2/7/2025 A seam near the fuel inlet may not have been properly sealed during manufacturing. This can allow water to leak into the interior area of the vehicle, behind the third-row seat, when the vehicle is exposed to wet environmental conditions like rain or a...
LSB006523
Dec 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: Engine Oil Leak between the Lower Oil Pan and Crank Case
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
22TD02
Oct 2024
Unknown Or Other22TD02 Renotification Letter Certain 2021 Model Year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Vehicles Sealant for a Seam near the Fuel Inlet Limited Service Campaign 22TD02
T-SB-0055-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0055-24
Jun 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0103-20 Rev1
Jun 2024
EngineThis Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
Toyota Renotification DL
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherSafety Recall and Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products.
Toyota Renotification RL
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherToyota plans to conduct Safety Recall and Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed
T-SB-0061-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0040-24
Apr 2024
StructureSome 2020 􀂱 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating position for the clip gasket.
T-SB-0035-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24
Apr 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-TT-0754-24
Apr 2024
Electrical SystemCustomers have expressed concerns about the performance of Qi Wireless Chargers. Wireless chargers on applicable vehicles are designed to work with Qi Certified devices only. MagSafe devices, that are not Qi Certified, may not charge as expected with Qi Wireless Chargers.
T-SB-0064-18 Obs
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemOBSOLETE NOTICE March 11, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0013-24.
T-PANT-2024-004-
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
T-SB-0013-24
Mar 2024
Electrical SystemTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased and can never be reused. Another feature, Add/Remove Key, is also available.
TSB010622
Feb 2024
EquipmentTSB: Some 2018 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
TSB010421
Feb 2024
Lane DepartureTSB: Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/discolored engine oil. ?An ?Oil Pressure Low? warning message on the Multi-information Display (MID).
22TC01 Technical
Oct 2023
Electrical SystemTI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 22TC01 DATA COMMUNICATION MODULE (DCM) REPROGRAMMING CERTAIN 2021 MODEL YEAR C-HR, RAV4 PRIME, TUNDRA CERTAIN 2021-2022 4RUNNER, HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HV, PRIUS PRIME, SEQUOIA, TACOMA CERTAIN 2022 PRIUS
TSB005923
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemTSB: Some drivers of 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles may be sensitive to the momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking under certain driving conditions, such as while driving downhill, or turning with light brake pedal application.
TSB005823
Aug 2023
VisibilityTSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in this service bulletin to aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks
TSB002123
Aug 2023
VisibilityTSB: Some 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander and RAV4 vehicles, and 2022 model year Tundra vehicles equipped with a start/stop switch may exhibit water entry to the vehicle from the HVAC drain hose being disconnected from the air conditioning radiator assembly and/or a grease/oil...
TTT073723
Aug 2023
CommunicationTT: A very small percentage of customers experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own.
TSB005123
Aug 2023
Unknown Or OtherOBSOLETE NOTICE August 17, 2023: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Air BagsTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-TT-0726-23
Jul 2023
Back Over PreventionTT: Some 2021 - 2023 Highlander HV, RAV4 HV and Sienna HV vehicles equipped with Rear Motor Generator, MGR (Q610), may duplicate an abnormal noise (Drone, Growl, Humming, and/or other) from the MGR at various vehicle speeds and normal drive conditions.
TSB-0033-23
Jun 2023
Fuel SystemTSB: Some 2020 ? 2023 model year Highlander Hybrid and 2021 ? 2023 model year RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, Sienna Hybrid, and Venza Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present: ?P24517F ?
T-SB-0021-23
May 2023
Electrical SystemTSB: Some 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander and RAV4 vehicles, and 2022 model year Tundra vehicles equipped with a start/stop switch may exhibit water entry to the vehicle from the HVAC drain hose being disconnected from the air conditioning radiator assembly and/or a grease/oil...
23TE01 Dealer Pa
Apr 2023
Fuel SystemDP: Although the high-pressure fuel pump is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience.
T-TT-0699-22 Rev
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: Some Model Year 2018-2023 vehicles equipped with A25A-FKS/FXS or M20A-FKS/FXS engines may display the following message ?Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer? on the combination meter
T-TT-0726-23
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: Some 2021 - 2023 Highlander HV, RAV4 HV and Sienna HV vehicles equipped with Rear Motor Generator, MGR (Q610), may duplicate an abnormal noise (Drone, Growl, Humming, and/or other) from the MGR at various vehicle speeds and normal drive conditions.
T-TT-0723-23
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: Some 2021 to 2023 MY vehicles equipped Rear Motor Generator, MGR (Q610) may experience an oil leak concern. This issue is currently under investigation
T-SB-0115-22 Rev
Mar 2023
Fuel SystemTSB: Some 2019 ? 2022 model year Avalon, 2018 ? 2023 model year Camry, 2017 ? 2022 model year Highlander, and 2017 ? 2020 model year Sienna vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FKS engine may exhibit a knocking noise from the vacuum pump at idle.
T-TT-0690-22 Rev
Mar 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: On some 2021-2022MY Highlander HV, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime and Venza models, the connector cover for the Under Floor Wire Harness for the Rear Motor Generator may have the appearance of being damaged or missing
T-SB-0115-22
Dec 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTSB: Some 2019 ? 2022 model year Avalon, 2018 ? 2023 model year Camry, 2017 ? 2022 model year Highlander, 2017 ? 2020 model year Sienna, and 2016 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FKS engine may exhibit a knocking noise from the vacuum pump at idle.
T-TT-0611-20 Rev
Dec 2022
EquipmentTT: To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns, it may be requested as part of the remanufactured head unit return to recover MMR data from the head unit.
T-SB-0049-21 Rev
Dec 2022
Electrical SystemTSB: Some 2020 ? 2022 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid and 2021 ? 2022 Sienna Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure ?
T-SB-0106-22
Dec 2022
EquipmentTSB: Some 2018 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System, require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
T-SB-0094-21 Rev
Nov 2022
Air BagsTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-TT-0699-22 Rev
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTT: Some Model Year 2018-2021 vehicles equipped with A25A-FKS/FXS or M20A-FKS/FXS engines may display the following message ?Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer? on the combination meter.

Showing 60 of 155 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  3. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Highlander →