2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 4 recalls, 15 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Stability control Vehicle recall #22V239000 · 2022 · 458,110 vehicles
What's wrong: The skid control ECU software May not turn on the vehicle stability control (vsc) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the vsc system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "electronic stability control systems."
Why it matters: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the skid control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #23V720000 · 2023 · 750,795 vehicles
What's wrong: During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover May result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Why it matters: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #23V865000 · 2023 · 999,901 vehicles
What's wrong: A short circuit May develop in the occupant classification system (ocs) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #26V128000 · 2026 · 686,588 vehicles
What's wrong: The second-row seat backs May fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Why it matters: A seat back that fails to lock May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 15 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 22 Highlander Hybrid model years for complaints (well below the 37 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 27,300 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (9 complaints, 4 recalls), 2022 (6 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 35 | 36 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (8), body & structure (4), fuel & propulsion (1).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.