Check the transmission and bumper recall
The 2021 Highlander drew about 50% more complaints than average, mostly transmission whine and shaking. The hybrid is popular and generally solid, but make sure the recall list is clear.
Updated November 2026 · based on 550 owner complaints and 5 recalls
208 1.5x the Highlander average
5 free to fix at a dealer
Every Highlander year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2021 Highlander
Top problems and what they cost
Transmission whine
Whining on acceleration, with some cars getting a new transmission under a service bulletin.
Fix: Often covered by warranty; otherwise $4,000 to $6,000.
Transmission
Noise and shaking when braking
Some owners report shaking under braking and loud noise below 65 mph.
Fix: Brake rotors $300 to $600.
Brakes
Bumper and tire recalls
Recalls cover a bumper part (23V720), tires (24V452) and a seat recliner (26V128).
Fix: Free under recall.
Recalls
Recalls
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 Toyota Highlander
- Confirm all 5 recalls show as repaired at nhtsa.gov/recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2021 Highlander has 5 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for transmission whine and feel for shaking under braking.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 21 complaints about transmission hesitation and rough shifting on the 2021 Highlander, one of the worst years for it.
- Ask how much powertrain warranty is left.Some engines on this car were repaired or replaced under recalls or extended warranties. Paperwork shows whether that was done and how much coverage is left.47 of the 550 owner complaints about the 2021 Highlander involve the engine (9%).
Questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Check the transmission and bumper recall. The 2021 Highlander drew about 50% more complaints than average, mostly transmission whine and shaking. The hybrid is popular and generally solid, but make sure the recall list is clear.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
5 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Highlander problems?
Transmission whine; Noise and shaking when braking; Bumper and tire recalls.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.