Name: 2021 Toyota Highlander
Brand: Toyota

Toyota Highlander

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 23 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The automatic hatch back didnt work when it was cold outside."

Anonymous, FL (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Trim peeling off, sealant strip at cargo hatch coming off,"

Anonymous, GA (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"Passenger side front windshield is blurry. I haven't addressed it yet with the dealer."

Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Rear hatch has trouble opening"

Anonymous, CO (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

"Automatic Hatch 'stutters' occasionally when opening or closing"

Anonymous, AL (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"Door panel required replacement. Also navigation system was not working properly"

Anonymous, MT (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"Bumper not attached well recall currently"

Anonymous A., NC (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"Front facia panel fell off, subject to a later recall"

Anonymous, KY (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Parking brake

"Around 40,000 miles on vehicle a loud squeal was heard when putting the vehicle in Park and releasing the brakes. Repair included replacing both left and right rear electric parking brake actuators and rear brake calipers. Cost came to $3,300. Fortunately, I had purchased a service warranty which covered most of it."

Anonymous, MI (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Pulsation or vibration

"Husband scuffed up pads and rotors since Toyota said they were bad. Buttoned up car, and car refused to start. Had to have towed to Toyota. They wanted $800 to reset code."

Anonymous, AZ (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

Rotors

"Vibration felt when using brakes on a long downhill stretch (several miles) at highway speeds. Would get progressively worse with repeated use due to brakes heating up. Rotors were turned and the vibration is no longer present."

Anonymous A., OR (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

"We thought we needed an alignment so we took our vehicle in to be checked out and they informed us that we needed rotors on our back wheels."

Anonymous A., TX (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

Noises And Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water comes in vehicle through defective roof rail clips and d seals which causes water to go into the A pillars and makes them wet where the airbags are located."

Anonymous A., WV (2021 Toyota Highlander 3.5-L V6)

Other noises & leaks problem

"It started right away. Toyota tried fixing twice to no avail. The problem is apparently due to a sheet metal design in the hood area and the weather stripping can't eliminate the sound."

Anonymous, OH (2021 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

"No other problems"

Anonymous, KY (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"Screen display is too small for practical use. Audio and "contacts" information takes up a majority of the screen."

Anonymous, TX (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"GPS is pretty worthless; Display for GPS is too small. Audio information takes up most of the screen."

Anonymous, TX (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"I bought the car in May 2023. Within 3 months of buying the car, the A/C quit. I took the car back to the dealer to get it fixed under the warranty. They said they put dye in the system to find a leak and recharged the refrigerant. Beginning this summer the A/C failed. The dealer recharged the system and billed me $350. They said they found no leak. Within three months the A/C failed again. This time I took it to alocal garage which charged me $150."

Anonymous A., RI (2021 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Seat belts

"defective sensors would chime to fasten the belt when no one was in the seat"

Anonymous, ON (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Toyota Highlander

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

Engine Cooling

Transmission Major

Engine Major

Steering And Suspension

Transmission Minor

Engine Electrical

Drive System

Fuel System/Emissions

Engine Minor

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