2021 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 548 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. The EPA rates it 23 to 36 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 5
- Owner complaints
- 548
- Crashes / fires reported
- 17 / 4
- EPA combined
- 23–36 MPG
2021 Toyota Highlander recalls
SeatsMar 5, 2026 · NHTSA 26V128000+
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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.
TiresJun 18, 2024 · NHTSA 24V452000+
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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."
Air BagsDec 20, 2023 · NHTSA 23V865000+
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 2020-2021 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.
StructureOct 26, 2023 · NHTSA 23V720000+
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Apr 13, 2022 · NHTSA 22V239000+
Risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Toyota Highlander problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Power Train228
- Service Brakes69
- Unknown or Other67
- Structure56
- Air Bags50
- Engine47
- Fuel/Propulsion System32
- Electrical System29
2021 Toyota Highlander gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6) | 36 | 35 | 36 | $1,800 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6) | 35 | 35 | 35 | $1,850 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S6) | 35 | 34 | 35 | $1,850 |
| Highlander | 3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S8) | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Highlander | 3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S8) | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5 L 6 cyl, Automatic (S8) | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, most recently for the seats (Mar 5, 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Highlander problems?
Owners filed 548 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are power train (228), service brakes (69), unknown or other (67).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Highlander get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Highlander at 23 to 36 MPG combined (best version: 36 city / 35 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.