NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 Toyota Highlander
The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 4 NHTSA recalls and 415 owner complaints on record — every open recall is repaired free at an authorized Toyota dealer.
Complete safety data for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, including NCAP crash-test ratings. Data pulled live from api.nhtsa.gov.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
NHTSA #26V128000Reported March 5, 2026 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Free manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 20, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
TIRES
NHTSA #24V452000Reported June 18, 2024 · Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
NHTSA #23V865000Reported December 20, 2023 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
NHTSA #23V720000Reported October 26, 2023 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
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.