The 2021 Toyota Highlander's elevated safety profile includes 3 recall campaigns and 427 owner-reported complaints. Make recall verification part of your pre-purchase checklist.

Recalls

427

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

23V7200002023-26-10

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

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.

A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

24V4520002024-18-06

TIRES

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."

Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

26V1280002026-05-03

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.

A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has accumulated 427 NHTSA complaints over 1 years, with power train leading the pack. Know what to look for before you buy.

01Power Train134

02Service Brakes40

03Unknown Or Other34

04Structure33

05Air Bags28

427 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy

23–36mpg combined

20-36city

27-35hwy

$1,200-$1,900/yr

With 6 configurations tested, the 2021 Toyota Highlander ranges from 23 to 36 MPG combined. That's a 13 MPG gap that can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs.

By Trim

Highlander Hybrid - Automatic (AV-S6)

36mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

36 city35 hwy~$1,200/yr8/10 Clean

Highlander Hybrid AWD - Automatic (AV-S6)

35mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

35 city35 hwy~$1,250/yr7/10 Clean

Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT - Automatic (AV-S6)

35mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

35 city34 hwy~$1,250/yr7/10 Clean

Highlander - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city28 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Highlander AWD - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Toyota Highlander

37States

25%in top 3

If you're near Texas, you're in luck: 10% of listings are there. But with 37 states represented, there's likely one near you too.

TXTexas

1,00110%

CACalifornia

8048%

FLFlorida

6737%

PAPennsylvania

4695%

NYNew York

4665%

DCWashington DC

4044%

NJNew Jersey

3423%

ILIllinois

3353%

NCNorth Carolina

3273%

DEDelaware

3203%

GAGeorgia

3163%

MDMaryland

2993%

NHNew Hampshire

2793%

OROregon

2693%

MNMinnesota

2493%

MAMassachusetts

2312%

WAWashington

2272%

AZArizona

2192%

MOMissouri

2112%

COColorado

2102%

TNTennessee

1852%

RIRhode Island

1482%

IN145

AL144

MI142

OH135

UT123

WI123

OK121

KY95

ME66

LA63

NE61

NV58

AR52

CT51

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

2021 Toyota Highlander Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander a good car to buy?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 3 recalls on record. There are 3 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is power train, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA shows 3 recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Depending on configuration, the 2021 Toyota Highlander delivers 23–36 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

POWER TRAIN is the number-one complaint area for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, based on 427 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.