2021 Model Year

Toyota Highlander

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
395
Recalls
0
Crashes
16
Severe
29

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Structure
Dec 2026

The liftgate has had issues from the moment I purchased this vehicle. It had 30,000 miles and we purchased all extended warranty options. The liftgate...

Power Train
Dec 2026

Known transmission failure.whining noise when accelerating. T-SB-0008-21

Power Train
Dec 2026

Transmission started to make a whining noise. After a month the sound increased in loudness and took to dealer to check. Came back with needing transm...

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 2026

•The transmission malfunctioned and developed an abnormal internal noise at approximately 67,000 miles, which is an unexpected failure at low mileage....

Power Train
Oct 2026

The transmission in my 2021 Toyota Highlander began making a loud whining/whirring noise that increases with vehicle speed. The vehicle was inspected...

Power Train
Oct 2026

Toyota is asking me to pay for a brand new transmission replacement in my car that is only 5 years old, 74,000 miles on it. The cost is $10,000. How i...

Power Train
Oct 2026

In May 2021 I purchased my Highlander XLE with 5 miles on the odometer. In Feb 2021 dealerships were notified of Toyota Technical Service Bulletin (T...

Power Train
Sep 2026

I am writing about my 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD VIN # [XXX] . I purchased this vehicle brand new on 3/29/2021 at ‘Koons Easton Toyota’ in Easton,...

Brakes
Sep 2026

Under braking conditions, typically at higher speeds or while going downhill, vehicle will lurch or accelerate momentarily before braking again. This...

Power Train
Aug 2026

We began noticing a whining sound that has progressively gotten louder and more frequent upon acceleration. After taking it to the dealership, they cl...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 395 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Power Train. 16 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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