2021 Toyota Highlander VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 403 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (127), Service Brakes (45), Air Bags (43).
Highlander reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Toyota Highlander before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Toyota Highlander issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Power Train127
- Service Brakes45
- Air Bags43
- Unknown Or Other41
- Structure39
- Fuel Propulsion System20
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Toyota Highlander
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Listen for whining noise during acceleration indicating transmission issues
- Check for proper operation of the liftgate in various weather conditions
- Inspect for signs of sunroof glass damage or previous repairs
- Verify airbag recall status and ensure repairs are completed
- Test air conditioning system for leaks or insufficient cooling
- Confirm transmission service history and inquire about any replacements
- Check for any unusual noises or vibrations during a test drive
2021 Highlander recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Highlander. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- TIRESNHTSA 24V452000Jun 18, 2024
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."
Consequence: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023
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.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
- STRUCTURENHTSA 23V720000Oct 26, 2023
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.
Consequence: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 22V239000Apr 13, 2022
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. 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."
Consequence: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Used-market value
2021 Toyota Highlander resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 Toyota Highlander on the road
264,128 2021 Toyota Highlander units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Toyota Highlander stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Toyota Highlander
With an 83/100 score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Toyota Highlander rates above average for reliability. That gap suggests a generally solid ownership outlook relative to peers, even if it is not at the very top of the class.
Issue reports are not confined to a single system. The largest share centers on the powertrain, but notable volume also appears in brakes, airbags, structure, and a meaningful “unknown/other” bucket. That spread points to a broader mix of concerns rather than one dominant, isolated weak spot. The recall count is elevated, adding some additional uncertainty alongside the complaint pattern.
Overall, the data supports an above-average reliability profile with moderate buyer risk.
What you get in a 2021 Toyota Highlander report
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2021 Toyota Highlander — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?
With an 83/100 score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Toyota Highlander rates above average for reliability. That gap suggests a generally solid ownership outlook relative to peers, even if it is not at the very top of the class.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Highlander problems?
The most-reported 2021 Toyota Highlander problem areas are: Power Train (127), Service Brakes (45), Air Bags (43).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Toyota Highlander, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.