2021 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 4 safety recalls and 543 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Toyota Highlander recalls
Recall 26V-128: Seats
Problem: 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.
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 Toyotaâs customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Recall 24V-452: Tires
Problem: 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."
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-865: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-720: Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
2021 Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 237 | |
| Service Brakes | 67 | |
| Unknown or Other | 67 | |
| Structure | 52 | |
| Engine | 47 | |
| Air Bags | 42 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 31 | |
| Electrical System | 28 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 17 | |
| Lane Departure | 11 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 10 | |
| Tires | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 36
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 9
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 5
- Lane Departure › Assist — 4
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 31,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Toyota Highlander complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander: 26V-128 (seats), 24V-452 (tires), 23V-865 (air bags), 23V-720 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Owners report power train problems most often (237 reports), followed by service brakes (67). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 31,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.