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    Toyota Highlander

    EPA MPG: 23 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2021 Highlander is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2021 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    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.

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "Apple CarPlay fails to connect often. I have discussed this with Toyota a number of times. It works for a while then develops connection problems. Its been quite frustrating."

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

    "airplay does not consistently connect or stay connected"

    Anonymous, GA (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum Unsure)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Display screen quit working. It had to be replaced at $1400. It was two months past the warranty."

    Anonymous, WY (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Hardware replacement

    "Screen went black and couldn't control radio, heat/air. Had to take in repeatedly to show them. Finally found an article online that mentioned specific problem and showed them that, then they replaced the screen/monitor."

    Anonymous, TN (2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "I have had great difficulty with our phones pairing correctly. Problem still not resolved. We use apple play when we need to use the phones. That is when apple play works"

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

    "New Iphone 16 will not stay paired with Toyota bluetooth"

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

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Transmission died at 69,000 miles. Changed my view of Toyotas forever. They are trying to give me a good deal for a new one. Supposed to get back to me on aug 4"

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

    "transmission needs replacemment, ave been waiting 5 months for one."

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

    "Noticed a whine sound at about 50000 miles whenever the footfeed was engaged. Researched to learn a Service Notice had been put out by Toyota for 2019 - 2021 Hylanders related to this issue. Dealer advised it was a transmission failure and the vehicle was taken out of service until a new updated transmission was available. Toyota paid for all replacement costs."

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

    "Need new transmision and there is a likely 6 to 12 month wait."

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

    "At 78000 the transmission started to whine when accelerating. I brought it into a transmission specialist. They told me it was a known issue for my make and model Highlander and the repair would have to be a new transmission. I confirmed this with Toyota and I decided to trade the car in rather than spend 9000. Very disappointed in Toyota for not having a recalll. We really liked the Highlander and bought it because of the Toyota reputation. We have now gone back to Honda"

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

    "Cant remember exactly, but the dealer replaced the transmission."

    Anonymous, NC (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 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

    A/C compressor

    "Fan blew warm air when air conditioner was on."

    Anonymous, IN (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Other climate system problem

    "Bought the car in November , the A/C worked in March on a trip to Florida . In May it was not blowing cool and was low on refrigerant"

    Anonymous, PA (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "The air was blowing but was no longer cool or cold . The refrigerant was low and needed recharged on a 4 year old car"

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

    "Leaks around fittings."

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "rear hatch won't close automatically. started a couple months ago and is erratic in frequency."

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

    "Headlights replaced under manufactures recall"

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

    "Rear door sometimes fail to open when pushing the open button. Sometimes it has seemed stuck when trying to close."

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

    "The battery was bad when I purchased but I wasn't told. Cost was over $300."

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "Same air leak"

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Other noises & leaks problem

    ""When you are driving over, like, 35 miles per hour you can hear the motor whine. It's not loud but once you notice it, it's very annoying.""

    Anonymous A., MA (2021 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "knocking when firmly applying the brakes while going 20 mph"

    Anonymous, CO (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE Unsure)

    ""A slight rattle from the passenger side dash, exact source undetermined. Been going on past couple of years.""

    Anonymous, TX (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 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

    Other body problem

    "The front bumper fell off driving down the highway. Two months later we received a recall notice on this exact issue... faulty clips. It was repaired by Toyota at no cost to us."

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

    "The lights are way too bright. I constantly have people flashing at me because they are too bright!!"

    Anonymous A., OH (2021 Toyota Highlander XLE 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.

    What Owners Say

    Remote engine starter

    "Remote engine start stop working."

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

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Other paint & trim problem

    "Paint chips easy"

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

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission sensor or solenoid

    "A loud whistling noise started in August 2024. Dealer replaced transmission in April 2025"

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

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Brakes

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

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    TIRES
    Jun 18, 2024
    Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V452000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 4763
    AIR BAGS
    Dec 20, 2023
    An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V865000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 999901
    STRUCTURE
    Oct 26, 2023
    A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V720000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 750795
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