2021 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 425 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2021 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2021 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2021 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has 425 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 425
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Toyota Highlander?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and other reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on the transmission and brakes.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and other reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on the transmission and brakes.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and brake system, with a notable number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the complaints warrant caution.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Brake system complaints are the second most common, followed by uncategorized issues.
- There are 16 crash-related complaints, indicating possible safety concerns.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported problem.
- Brake System problems are a recurring theme in the complaints.
- Structural Problems and Engine Problems also appear in the top concerns.
All 2021 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 154 | 3 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 63 | 4 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 54 | 3 | 1 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 46 | 1 | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 41 | 3 | 1 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 41 | 5 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 30 | 2 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | β | 1 | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 11 | 2 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 2 | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 8 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Insert | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Padding | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Buckle | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Harness | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Car makes a high pitched whining noise at low speeds of approx. 10-30 mph
2021 Toyota Highalnder UA80F Transmission Whine / Known Defect - Potential for Sudden Failure I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum V6 AWD (UA80F 8-speed automatic transmisstion) purchased in July 2021. Current milage is 78k. Starting 3 days ago I noticed a faint whine noise β¦
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that there was an abnormal winding sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failureβ¦
Rear power lift gate routinely malfunctions, stopping partway while opening or closing. Dealer recommends resetting the lift gate, which occasionally works to address the problem but is not a reliable fix. Issue has been ongoing for several years without remedy.
2021 Toyota Highlander transmission failure
My automatic transmission failed per the dealership and is just outside of the warranty but is considered a premature failure based on the expected life of the vehicle.
I am an owner of a 2021 Highlander XLE AWD (bought new). In October of 2024 around 34000 miles the transmission started to make a whining noise and seemed to be surging/bucking , hesitation and hunting for gears. Toyota determined it fit the criteria of a TSB to have the transmisβ¦
Transmission has failed as have many others of the same year make and model without acknowledgement of a manufacturer defect
This appears to be a fuel pump or something with the fuel issue on a 2021 Toyota Highlander L series. While driving it would stop and switch off at stop lights and stop sign. The codes that come up have to do with fuel being lean. However this also affects the braking system and β¦
Transmission Failure. Had to have it replaced.
Rear lift gate doesn't fully open or close sometimes. I have to manually assist in opening or closing after trying the key fob, inside push button and rear switch above the license plate. I have attempted to reset the height adjustment thinking it would fix it, with no success. Iβ¦
The vehicle experienced a transmission failure at approximately 62,000 miles, which required a transmission replacement. Toyota replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Immediately after the repair, the vehicle began experiencing multiple issues that were not preseβ¦
When accelerating at all, the engine emits a whining noise. The only time the whine stops is when the foot is removed from the pedal. It does not whine at idle. I believe it is the transmission going bad. The problem has been confirmed by a local service center. No warning lamps β¦
A whining noise was observed at around 78k miles. Brought to the dealer and they indicated parts in the transmission are failing and it requires replacement. They said this has been happening more frequently on 2021 Highlanders (also see T-SB-0008-21). It's also a well-documentedβ¦
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced transmission failure while driving. There was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating, and the sound increased in volume while driving. There was no warning ligβ¦
The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering malfunction while driving. Warning messages including βPower Steering Malfunctionβ and βLow Voltage Abnormalityβ appear, and the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. This has occurred multiple times during normalβ¦
Transmission has started to whine, my understanding is this is common for the transmission I have. I have had this verified by 2 different garages. There are no engine lights showing. The noise started around 90K.
My 2021 Toyota Highlander was my first car I purchased that I saved up for and has had a sudden issue accrue with a winning sound out of now where. I took it to the dealer ship and they told me I need a new transmission. My vechile only has 73k miles and I noticed this sound is gβ¦
Upon inspection at my local Toyota dealership, the UA80F 8-speed transmission on my 2021 Toyota Highlander has a known whining noise attributed to a failed transmission pump. The whining noise occurs when the car accelerates from 0 to around 50 miles per hour. When it gets to higβ¦
Transmission failure @110,000miles and a $9000.00 replacement cost. Service advisor at Toyota Dealership indicated they have seen other similar failures on this Highlander Platinum Model at their dealership but unit is out of warranty by a few thousand miles
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
2021 Toyota Highlander Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 425 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (154 complaints). #2: Brake System (63 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (54 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 425 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
The 2021 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.