2021 Toyota Highlander: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Toyota Highlander: 4 recalls, 529 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
Tires Vehicle recall #24V452000 · 2024 · 4,763 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Set will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024.
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. 4 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (226): the most common themes are noise or vibration (117), hard / delayed shifting (34), stalls / loses power (29).
- Brakes (67): the most common themes are warning light on (11), brake failure / soft pedal (8).
- Other / unknown (67): the most common themes are noise or vibration (15), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (6).
- Body & structure (52): the most common themes are door / lock issues (9), noise or vibration (8), leaks (7).
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 529 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 28 Highlander model years for complaints (2.6× the average Highlander year). Complaints peaked in 2026 (167 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 20,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (319 complaints, 4 recalls), 2022 (261 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | 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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. 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 problems?
Owners have filed 529 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (226), brakes (67), other / unknown (67).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Toyota Highlander 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.