repaired · 2026 Q3
Mid/rear assembly: recliner
NewRisk. A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2021 Toyota Highlander HybridProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-865 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags
4Structure
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Vehicle speed control
1Hybrid propulsion system
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Hybrid propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Body: bumpers
Risk. A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Control module: software
Risk. Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Highlander Hybrid year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Highlander Hybrid median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safety ratings
2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Highlander Hybrid owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the master warning light remained illuminated.…
Own a 2021 Highlander Hybrid?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.