2021 Toyota Highlander Safety Report

2021 Toyota Highlander: Strong crash ratings, but plagued by widespread transmission failures and multiple recalls.

406Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
17Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (123)Service Brakes (40)Unknown Or Other (34)Structure (31)Air Bags (28)Fuel/Propulsion System (21)Engine (12)Tires (8)Visibility/Wiper (7)Power Train,Engine (5)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander presents a mixed safety profile. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 5-star overall rating, 5-star side impact, and 4-star frontal and rollover ratings, the vehicle has accumulated a notable number of complaints, totaling 406. A significant concern is the high volume of complaints related to the POWER TRAIN, specifically the transmission, which accounts for 123 complaints. Many of these describe a 'whining' noise and subsequent transmission failure, often requiring costly replacement outside of warranty, even at relatively low mileages (e.g., 60,000-80,000 miles). This suggests a potential design flaw or widespread component issue that is not directly addressed by a recall. Beyond the transmission issues, the vehicle has been subject to four recalls. These include critical safety concerns such as second-row seat backs failing to lock, increasing injury risk in a crash; accessory tires with insufficient load ratings that could fail; faulty occupant classification system sensors affecting airbag deployment; and front bumper covers detaching, posing a road hazard. These recalls indicate specific manufacturing or design defects that Toyota has acknowledged and is addressing. Despite the strong crash test performance, the high number of POWER TRAIN complaints, particularly regarding transmission failure, raises significant long-term reliability and safety concerns for owners. The 17 reported injuries, though not directly linked to crashes or fires, warrant attention. The combination of excellent crash ratings with a substantial number of owner-reported mechanical failures, especially concerning the transmission, paints a picture of a vehicle that performs well in controlled crash scenarios but may suffer from significant component reliability issues in real-world use.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Toyota Highlander receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Highlander:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Failure (Whining Noise)
Numerous complaints describe a high-pitched whining noise from the transmission, often leading to complete transmission failure and requiring expensive replacement, frequently just outside warranty. Toyota has issued T-SB-0008-21 related to this.		 High Common 60000-80000 miles
Second-Row Seat Back Failure To Lock
Recall issued for second-row seat backs that may not properly lock into position, increasing injury risk in a crash.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Insufficient Load Rating On Accessory Tires
Recall for 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating, which can lead to tire failure and increased crash risk.		 High Rare N/A miles
Airbag Occupant Classification Sensor Malfunction
Recall for faulty occupant classification system sensors that may prevent airbag deployment during a crash.		 High Rare N/A miles
Detaching Front Bumper Cover
Recall for front lower bumper covers that can detach due to minor impacts, becoming a road hazard.		 Medium Rare N/A miles
Brake Malfunction/Failure To Catch
Several complaints describe instances where brakes do not engage properly or the car jerks forward when braking, leading to safety concerns.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Power Liftgate Malfunction
Issues with the power back door failing to open or close, or getting stuck, especially in cold weather.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Toyota Highlander:

Power Train 30% of complaints

The most significant issue, with 123 complaints, is related to the transmission, frequently involving a 'whining' noise and subsequent failure, often requiring replacement.

Service Brakes 10% of complaints

40 complaints regarding brake issues, including instances where brakes fail to catch or the vehicle jerks forward.

Air Bags 7% of complaints

28 complaints, including issues related to the occupant classification sensor, which was subject to a recall.

Structure 8% of complaints

31 complaints, including issues with the front bumper cover (subject to recall) and power liftgate malfunctions.

Fuel/Propulsion System 5% of complaints

21 complaints, including reports of fuel pump failure causing the vehicle to stall while in motion.

Engine 3% of complaints

12 complaints, including reports of engine failure and oil leaks.

Tires 2% of complaints

8 complaints, including premature wear and issues related to accessory tires with insufficient load ratings (subject to recall).

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Toyota Highlander received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has 406 total complaints, with 17 reported injuries, and four recalls addressing significant safety concerns like seat back locking, tire load ratings, airbag sensors, and bumper detachment. The high volume of power train complaints, particularly transmission failures, raises concerns about long-term reliability and potential safety implications from sudden mechanical failure.

What are common problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Toyota Highlander are related to the POWER TRAIN (123 complaints), primarily transmission failure characterized by a whining noise. Other common problems include SERVICE BRAKES (40 complaints) with reports of brakes not catching, STRUCTURE (31 complaints) including power liftgate issues and bumper detachment, and AIR BAGS (28 complaints) related to sensor malfunctions.

Has the 2021 Toyota Highlander been recalled?

Yes, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has been subject to four recalls. These include recalls for second-row seat backs failing to lock, accessory tires with insufficient load ratings, faulty airbag occupant classification sensors, and front lower bumper covers detaching.

Are there transmission problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Yes, transmission problems are a significant concern for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. The POWER TRAIN component has 123 complaints, with many owners reporting a distinct 'whining' noise leading to transmission failure, often requiring costly replacement at mileages between 60,000 and 80,000 miles. Toyota has also issued a service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) related to this issue.

How does the 2021 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2021 Toyota Highlander boasts excellent crash test scores, potential buyers should be aware of the widespread and costly transmission issues reported by numerous owners, often occurring outside of warranty. Thoroughly investigate the vehicle's service history, especially for transmission-related repairs or the application of T-SB-0008-21, and consider an extended warranty if purchasing this model.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Toyota Highlander

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. The data includes 406 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 17 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Toyota Highlander an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.