Seats: mid
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.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 15 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Most complaints involve air bags (8) and structure (4). The EPA rates it 35–36 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the hatchback failed to open completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer recommended that the hatchback motor be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the instrument panel lights were flashing. The vehicle then independently turned off and restarted repeatedly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the battery level was low and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and other unknown repairs for shifting failure were performed. The vehicle was driven back to the residence; however, the failure recurred upon starting the vehicle the following day. Additionally, the seat belt chime reminders engaged even though the seat belts were securely fastened, and the tailgate had failed to open. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in TSB Number: T-SB-0019-21. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact requested a trade-in or buy-back assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,900.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 35 | 36 | $1,750 | 245 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 35 | 35 | $1,800 | 254 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 34 | 35 | $1,800 | 251 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (8), structure (4), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 35–36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.