The vehicle dossier US · 2021
2021 Toyota
HIGHLANDERProblems & recalls
517 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Transmission & drivetrain appears in 222 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 517 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 6 years with reports.
20,000 miles is the median among 43 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 2,000–55,803 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
4 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINERCampaign 26V128000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 26TB06 / 26TA06
Read campaign 26V128000 at NHTSATIRESCampaign 24V452000
Reported concern
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."
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: SET24A
Read campaign 24V452000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONCampaign 23V865000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 23TA15, 23LA03
Read campaign 23V865000 at NHTSASTRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERSCampaign 23V720000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: 23TB12 / 23TA12
Read campaign 23V720000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
180 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
T-SB-0040-24 Rev1Some 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating position f…NHTSA ID 11034823
Some 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating position for the clip gasket.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0040-24 Rev1
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11034823 at NHTSAT-SB-0021-26Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory as…NHTSA ID 11031158
Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory assembly. The anti-corrosion material has been updated to reduce the possibility of this condition.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0021-26
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11031158 at NHTSAT-SB-0106-22 Rev2OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.NHTSA ID 11028726
OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0106-22 Obsolete
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11028726 at NHTSAT-SB-0001-26Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.NHTSA ID 11028722
Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0001-26
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11028722 at NHTSAT-SB-0055-24 Rev2Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose…NHTSA ID 11028712
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11028712 at NHTSAT-SB-0086-25Some 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly …NHTSA ID 11026318
Some 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly is available to address these conditions.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0086-25
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11026318 at NHTSA22TE09Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership ex…NHTSA ID 11024080
Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer Support Program for repairs related to excessive corrosion to the wire harness connections at the Rear Motor Generator. Excessive corrosion can cause AM Radio Static during certain drive cycles, or the vehicle may not start.
Campaign / software reference: 22TE09
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11024080 at NHTSAT-SB-0058-23 Rev1The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairin…NHTSA ID 11020657
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0058-23 Rev1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11020657 at NHTSAT-TT-0780-25To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are…NHTSA ID 11019332
To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requested by FTS and/or FPE.
Campaign / software reference: T-TT-0780-25
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11019332 at NHTSAT-TT-0780-25To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are…NHTSA ID 11018329
To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the system and are only to be used when requested by FTS and/or FPE.
Campaign / software reference: T-TT-0780-25
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11018329 at NHTSAT-SB-0106-22 Rev2Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. The SST i…NHTSA ID 11016786
Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. The SST is used with applicable vehicles to deliver the update, however, the process for generating license keys differs from previous generations.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0106-22 Rev2
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11016786 at NHTSAT-SB-0106-22 Rev2Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. The SST i…NHTSA ID 11015500
Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. The SST is used with applicable vehicles to deliver the update, however, the process for generating license keys differs from previous generations.
Campaign / software reference: T-SB-0106-22 Rev2
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11015500 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
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