Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 42 of 512 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Power Train. Review the 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
16 crash reports4 fire reports12 injury reports
What owners actually said
512 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2021
Structure
Vehicle has had excessive wind noise since new. This was brought to the dealership's attention at the 5,000 mile service, and again at the 10,000 mile service. At the 5,000 mile service nothing was checked or done. At the 10,000 mile service the noise level was measured with a decibel meter and was at 79db at 55mph. The se…
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Vehicle has had excessive wind noise since new. This was brought to the dealership's attention at the 5,000 mile service, and again at the 10,000 mile service. At the 5,000 mile service nothing was checked or done. At the 10,000 mile service the noise level was measured with a decibel meter and was at 79db at 55mph. The service tech then drove another 2021 Toyota Highlander that was on the lot and it registered the same decibel level at the same speed. The service tech said that he heard excessive wind noise, but since it was the same on both cars, there is no defect in our car. According to the CDC, noise above 70db over a prolonged period of time may start to damage hearing. The Toyota service manager said that Toyota's acceptable noise limit is 100db, therefore there is no problem, he is not going to attempt to fix the issue. According to CDC 100db is equivalent to a car horn at 16 feet, and cause hearing loss after 15 minutes. This is a dangerous noise level for the inside of a vehicle with the windows up and radio off.
NHTSA ODI #11419471
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesCrash
Upon attempting to engage the brakes, it was found that they did not work. Immediately thereafter, the car began an uncommanded full acceleration. The insurance company has totaled the car. Our safety as occupants was obviously at serious risk. The driver chose to take the car off the road rather than jeopardize the lives of…
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Upon attempting to engage the brakes, it was found that they did not work. Immediately thereafter, the car began an uncommanded full acceleration. The insurance company has totaled the car. Our safety as occupants was obviously at serious risk. The driver chose to take the car off the road rather than jeopardize the lives of others on the same road. The car plowed through boulders and trees, coming to rest upside down wedged between an earthen berm and a tree......suspended about 2 feet above the ground. There were no warnings prior to the incident. The car has been inspected by the insurance company, and has been authorized for inspection by the manufacturer. There were no serious injuries as a result of the accident. We were VERY lucky! Uncommanded acceleration without any control is a frightening event any time....but definitely in the vicinity of other vehicles full of families.
NHTSA ODI #11419420
Mileage unknown · May 29, 2021
Air BagsElectrical System
I purchased this 2021 Highlander on April 3rd 2021. Power steering Malfunction, SRS Airbag system Malfuction first happened on April 21th 2021 when I started the vehicle. the car was towed to the dealer ship. the dealer simply re-set the system and asked me to unplug the tracker device which was installed by insurance company. B…
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I purchased this 2021 Highlander on April 3rd 2021. Power steering Malfunction, SRS Airbag system Malfuction first happened on April 21th 2021 when I started the vehicle. the car was towed to the dealer ship. the dealer simply re-set the system and asked me to unplug the tracker device which was installed by insurance company. Because they suspected the problem was caused by the interference from the device. I unpluged it. However, Power steering Malfunction, SRS Airbag system Malfuction happened again on May 21th 2021 when I started the car. I went to the dealer who then let Toyota involved this time and changed the battery. However, Power steering Malfunction, SRS Airbag system Malfuction happened for the third time on May 28th 2021.
NHTSA ODI #11418965
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2021
Structure
After leaving my hotel in San Diego in the early dense foggy morning. I pulled over to help a kid who looked like he was just hit by a car or something. I put my 2021 less than 1500 miles at the time Highlander in park. The kid walked up to my rig, I being a single female, cracked down the window, and asked if he was ok. At tha…
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After leaving my hotel in San Diego in the early dense foggy morning. I pulled over to help a kid who looked like he was just hit by a car or something. I put my 2021 less than 1500 miles at the time Highlander in park. The kid walked up to my rig, I being a single female, cracked down the window, and asked if he was ok. At that point he just opened my driver's door and I started to panic as I thought the door was still locked. I grabbed the door a closed it and tried to lock it but not before he was able to open the back passenger door and get in. I really freaked out. Without thinking I got out of my rig and as he was closing the door I grabbed it and told him no get out. I have NEVER felt so unsafe in my own vehicle before because even in park while I was still in the car the door's were all locked and no stranger's could just walk up an get in. This is a serious life threatening situation. I made a video right after but, this doesn't take videos. Also, there were 3 other witnesses or more and the SDP of CA didn't even come a ask us any information. But, the fire and rescue, and ambulance came for the kid age 16-21, whom I tried to help and was only wearing his underwear. And was bleeding from head to toe. But, he scared the heck out of me as he 2as also at least 5'9-6'. Big kid I know. But, still a kid. And I was still in danger because my door's were not locked and I could not access the SOS. The cover would not open, or I was so scared I couldn't get it to open. Nonetheless, a new system is needed for emergencies just like that. Not all emergencies are about a crash.
NHTSA ODI #11418891
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2021
Air BagsCrashInjury
Traveling south bound on SC11 (in Seneca South Carolina) a vehicle that was traveling east bound, failed to stop and traveled across my path. The front end of my vehicle impacted the drivers side / passenger door area of the other vehicle. The momentum of the crash, caused the other vehicle to spin counter clock wise and impact …
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Traveling south bound on SC11 (in Seneca South Carolina) a vehicle that was traveling east bound, failed to stop and traveled across my path. The front end of my vehicle impacted the drivers side / passenger door area of the other vehicle. The momentum of the crash, caused the other vehicle to spin counter clock wise and impact me again...on the drovers side passenger door. Our 2021 Toyota Highlander was 4 weeks old with 2K miles on it. Weather conditions were excellent. I immediately stepped on the brakes when I realized the other person was not even slowing down. Our anti lock brakes worked good, but none of the air bags deployed. The drivers side passenger door and pillar is being numerous items to be replaced. Not sure if this is correct information... the Body shop employee stated that air bag sensors are located in the pillar and from end / bumper area? I have photos. I have never been in an accident. I'm surprised the air bags did not deploy! I'll be glad to talk to Toyota folks at some point...thought it my civic duty to report to you folks first. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11418384
230 miles · May 19, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the roadway before the vehicle stalled again. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check eng…
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The contact owns a 2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and pulled over to the side of the roadway before the vehicle stalled again. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230. The consumer stated that Sansone Toyota falsely stated bad gas was added to the vehicle. Sansone advised consumer to contact insurance company. Geico investigated the claim and agreed a warranty should be issued. The consumer stated that a new engine is needed and had to pay $2799.03.
NHTSA ODI #11417767
Mileage unknown · May 15, 2021
Visibility/wiper
THERE IS DEFECT IN THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER PLATINUMS' DRIVER SIDE MIRROR. THE MIRROR GLASS WILL VIBRATE LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN DRIVING. IT DISTORTS THE IMAGE IN THE MIRROR. WHEN ON HIGHWAY, IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE. THIS KIND OF VIBRATION SHOULD ONLY OCCUR IF YOU DRIVE OVER THOSE POTHOLES OR RIPPLE ON THE YELLOW DOUBLE SOLID LINES …
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THERE IS DEFECT IN THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER PLATINUMS' DRIVER SIDE MIRROR. THE MIRROR GLASS WILL VIBRATE LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN DRIVING. IT DISTORTS THE IMAGE IN THE MIRROR. WHEN ON HIGHWAY, IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE. THIS KIND OF VIBRATION SHOULD ONLY OCCUR IF YOU DRIVE OVER THOSE POTHOLES OR RIPPLE ON THE YELLOW DOUBLE SOLID LINES OR SHOULDER OF ROAD. I HAVE TEST DRIVEN MULTIPLE ONES OF THE SAME TRIM ON THE DEALERSHIP'S LOT TO TRY TO GET DEALERSHIP TO LOOK INTO REPLACING/FIXING MY MIRROR, BUT THEY ARE SAYING ITS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE SINCE THE OTHERS ARE DOING IT. ALSO TEST DROVE A LIMITED TRIM AND THE VIBRATION WAS WORST THAN THE PLATINUM. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS ISSUE WITH OTHER 4 WHEEL CARS. TOYOTA WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE JUST BASED ON MY COMPLAINT SO I AM PUTTING THIS COMPLAINT SO HOPEFULLY TOYOTA WILL ADDRESS THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11416722
3,400 miles · May 10, 2021
Engine
VEHICLE HAS 3400 MILES AND STARTING HAVING LONGER THAN NORMAL CRANKING WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER THAT OCCURRED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WHERE THEY INSTALLED SOME FUEL SENSORS. 2 DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. BOTH INCIDENTS AL…
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VEHICLE HAS 3400 MILES AND STARTING HAVING LONGER THAN NORMAL CRANKING WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER THAT OCCURRED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WHERE THEY INSTALLED SOME FUEL SENSORS. 2 DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. BOTH INCIDENTS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED A SECOND TIME BACK TO DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE NOW REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP. MAYBE THEY NEED TO ADD THIS VEHICLE TO RECALL LIST
NHTSA ODI #11416030
1,700 miles · Apr 29, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System
HIGHLANDER HAS SAME ISSUE AS THE 2019-2020 TOYOTA RAV4 FUEL ISSUE IDENTIFIED BY THE NHTSA: VEHICLE FUEL GAUGES DISPLAYING LESS THAN FULL AND/OR TOTAL FUEL DISPENSED IS LESS THAN EXPECTED, WHEN THE FUEL NOZZLE AUTOMATICALLY CLICKS OFF. NOTED THE 'DISTANCE TO EMPTY' SHOWN ON THE MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY IS LESS THAN EXPECTED. WHI…
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HIGHLANDER HAS SAME ISSUE AS THE 2019-2020 TOYOTA RAV4 FUEL ISSUE IDENTIFIED BY THE NHTSA: VEHICLE FUEL GAUGES DISPLAYING LESS THAN FULL AND/OR TOTAL FUEL DISPENSED IS LESS THAN EXPECTED, WHEN THE FUEL NOZZLE AUTOMATICALLY CLICKS OFF. NOTED THE 'DISTANCE TO EMPTY' SHOWN ON THE MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY IS LESS THAN EXPECTED. WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE ABRUPTLY COMES CLOSE TO SHUTTING OFF BECAUSE GAUGES ARE INACCURATE. VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN TO THE FULL CAPACITY OF THE STATED RANGE. GAS TANK IS 17.1 GALLONS BUT VEHICLE CANNOT TAKE MORE THAN 12-13 GALLONS FROM EMPTY.
NHTSA ODI #11414525
23 miles · Apr 28, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System
I REPORTED MY GAS TANK NOT FILLING PAST 12.9 GALLONS OF GASOLINE ON NUMEROUS FILL UPS ON MY NEW 2021 HIGHLANDER HYBRID PLATINUM TO TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE HIGHLANDER ON INVOICE SAYS IT'S A 17 GALLON TANK CAPACITY. TOYOTA SERVICE DEPART REFILLED MY EMPTY TANK TO12.6 GALLONS VERIFYING MY COMPLAINT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFO…
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I REPORTED MY GAS TANK NOT FILLING PAST 12.9 GALLONS OF GASOLINE ON NUMEROUS FILL UPS ON MY NEW 2021 HIGHLANDER HYBRID PLATINUM TO TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE HIGHLANDER ON INVOICE SAYS IT'S A 17 GALLON TANK CAPACITY. TOYOTA SERVICE DEPART REFILLED MY EMPTY TANK TO12.6 GALLONS VERIFYING MY COMPLAINT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THEY NOTIFIED TOYOTA AND TOYOTA RESPONDED IN SAYING THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THERE'S NOTHING TODO. THE TOYOTA SERVICE ADVISOR INFORM ME UNTIL THERE IS ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THEN TOYOTA WOULD ISSUE A RECALL
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2021 Toyota Highlander Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year