Vehicles · Insights

2021 Toyota Highlander

Powertrain dominates 2021 Highlander owner complaints

Of 458 complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the power train is by far the biggest theme at 177 reports (39%): more than the next four problem areas combined. Brakes, body structure, engine, and air bags round out the top five. A few reports in each area mention a crash or injuries, and two engine reports involved a fire. No deaths were reported in any category.

Most reported areas

Power Train safety 39%
The single largest complaint area: 177 reports (39%). Tied to 3 crashes and 3 injuries. This is the one to research most closely before buying.
Service Brakes safety 14%
Second most common: 64 reports (14%), linked to 4 crashes and 5 injuries. Test the braking on a drive and watch for warning behavior.
Structure safety 10%
Body and structure issues: 47 reports (10%), with 1 crash and 3 injuries noted.
Engine safety 9%
43 reports (9%): the only area with fire reports (2), plus 3 crashes and 2 injuries. Worth a careful check despite the lower count.
Air Bags safety 9%
42 reports (9%), but the highest crash and injury counts of the top five: 5 crashes and 5 injuries.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 458 complaints

Track maintenance, recalls, and costs for your Toyota, and see this inside the app.

Get Garage Story Maintenance schedule

General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only, not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Studio AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.