Toyota Highlander Complaints (2021)

550 consumer complaints on file.

#11774559October 29, 2026
SEATS
When driving I had to brake hard to avoid a collision. My daughter was riding in the front passenger seat. Both my daughter and myself were buckled in our seat belts. When I had to brake, her seat moved all the way to the front position and she was thrown forward towards the front windshield. There is an active recall for my car where the recliner assemblies in the second-row seats may not fully lock after seat back adjustment. This seems to be the exact same issue but we experienced this with the front passenger seat. I reported the issue to Toyota but my vehicle has not been inspected yet. I am having the rear recall fix completed in late November. The issue put my daughters safety at risk and was very alarming for both of us. There were no warning messages or symptoms of a problem with the seat.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774350October 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE began making a high-pitched whining noise when accelerating. When researching this noise, associated with the make, model, and year of my vehicle, it became apparent that the noise is associated with a manufacturer's defect in the [XXX]‑speed transmission (Toyota [XXX]). The cited notification states that the correction for this defect is a transmission replacement that is only covered by the 60,000 mile/5 Year warranty. There are three class-action lawsuits associated with this issue, and I wanted to document my incident in the event that my service appointment with [XXX] Toyota in [XXX], on 11/23/2026 indicates that my transmission is affected by the defect so many have experienced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772893October 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I recently purchased a 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum. Within a few weeks from purchase, the transmission started making a whining noise. Upon further research, it was discovered that Toyota has been installing the UA80=F transmission in their vehicles, knowing full well that there are serious issues with this particular transmission. But yet they continued using this transmission. Someone needs to address this issue and hold their feet to the fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772667October 21, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds and attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated into a rail while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to a nearby Collision Center for the repair. The contact sustained injuries to the left leg, left hand, and left elbow. The contact sought medical attention for the injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11770380October 11, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On November 19, 2025, the 12.3-inch infotainment display in my 2021 Toyota Highlander Limited went black and never recovered. That screen is the only display for the rear-view backup camera. With it dead, there is no backup camera image when reversing. The failure started as an intermittent blank screen with the reverse camera still working, then progressed to a fully dead screen including the backup camera display. A replacement display unit did not fix it. Toyota has acknowledged this defect in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0055-22, which identifies the integration control sub-assembly (part 840C2-48010) as the cause, but has not issued a recall. Toyota service repeatedly diagnosed the problem as a failed head unit. I replaced the head unit at my own expense and the screen still did not work. When I returned to the dealer, they refused to perform further diagnostics, stating the diagnostic cost would be as much as the head unit replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770086October 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud high-pitched whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and the transmission was shifting rough. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced an internal transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A local dealer was contacted and associated the failure with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin: 0008-21. The contact stated that a diagnostic test was scheduled. The failure mileage was 70,100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769405October 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Noticed a whine noise slowly progressing over a couple of weeks. Researched the sound and took it for diagnostic eval. with Holman Toyota in Mt. Laurel, NJ on 10/3/2026. As suspected, the transmission is failing. Mechanic documented via video the fluid sample containing suspended metallic particles with discoloration and burnt odor. They also verified the whining sound coming from the transmission. This is a known failure for the 2021 highlander with a TSB bulletin. Although they have yet to place a recall. There were no warning messages. The complete failure of a transmission while driving could cause sudden immobilization and most certainly result in an a motor vehicle accident. The vehicle has under 54,000 miles and is about 10 weeks outside the warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769154October 5, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
When traveling at slower speeds and applying the brakes on a slight decline, my 2021 Toyota Highlander HYBRID lurches forward with alarming force. On probably 5 separate occasions, this has nearly resulted in me lurching into traffic running perpendicular to me. I have come within 2-3 feet of lunging into oncoming traffic and I am probably the poster child for defensive driving. I had to push the brake petal forcefully to stop. I have not allowed my daughter to drive my car because of this. I first noticed this maybe 2-3 years ago? That's a guess. Why have i waited? b/c i'm a fool and poor at executive function. I looked it up, and apparently Toyota is aware of this problem (T-SB-0059-23) but apparently has NOT ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL. This is truly shocking to me, considering the recalls i've seen so far with this vehicle have been for things that do not appear as alarming or potentially dangerous as this. According to Toyota, they will only cover this defect up to 36K miles or 36 months (whichever 1st). I called 2 of my local dealerships and neither "service mgr" knew anything about it. Unacceptable. One of them, AFTER they said this, refused to even look up the TSB#, stating 'that's not the way we do it. You have to make an appt.' Absolutely ridiculous. Toyota should be forced to ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL. I've read it's a software fix. CHEAP and EASY for a multi-national corp. Perhaps NHTSA was unaware of the seriousness of this problem before and I know that happens, but I'm here to tell you IT IS NOT SAFE. And i am famous for annoying people (especially my kids) for reminding them how many collisions could be avoided if EVERYONE JUST DROVE DEFENSIVELY! I have literally annoyed people by repeating it. PLEASE issue a safety recall and make them pay for it. I don't have unlimited $ to pay for such things in this economy. Thank you. - A concerned driver.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768861October 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
We bought a 2021 Toyota Tacoma Platinum in November 2020. In February 2021, Toyota issued a Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21. The bulletin say transmissions may exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission. This condition may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. This bulletin says repair is covered under the Toyota Powertrain Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date. Our transmission began making this noise around 75k miles, outside the warrant. Toyota knew about this problem over 5 years ago and did not take action to recall it. Now this repair is going to cost between $9,000 to $12,000 out of pocket. I cannot afford this repair. I have uploaded the bulletin from Toyota.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768883October 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
65K miles on the vehicle and have started to get a whining noise from the transmission during acceleration. UA80F transmission installed with multiple class action lawsuits against Toyota for this issue as it leads to catastrophic failure with high replacement cost. Stopped driving the vehicle and looking into transmission replacement options. Toyota needs to be held liable for mechanical defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768772October 3, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission jerks and shutters at low speeds on acceleration 0-20 mph. Vehicle has low milage 25518 at which time the dealer re-flashed the software on july 29th 2026.The vehicle was fine for two months , then on October 3rd the problem came back on October 3rd 2026 hesitating like a premature upshift from 1st to 2nd gear at 5 mph with a shutter. The current mileage is 28000 on the vehicle and the problem is intermittent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768575October 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2021 Toyota Highlander is experiencing the exact bumper/under-cover detachment detailed in NHTSA Recall 23V720. In August 2025, an authorized dealer performed the interim 23TA12 clip remedy. That remedy has completely failed. The lower bumper and engine splash shields are unzipping and actively dragging on the ground, creating a severe road hazard. Fred Haas Toyota World on I-45N and Toyota Brand Engagement are both refusing to inspect this failed safety remedy unless I pay an out-of-pocket diagnostic fee. This is a direct violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which mandates all recall diagnostics and remedies be free.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768252October 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Toyota issued a safety bulletin in reference the issue with front carrier assembly pinion shaft in the UA80E and UA80F transmissions. They know there is an issue with the transmission and have known since 2/9/2021 when the vehicles were manufactured. But refuse to issue a recall. Toyota Safety Bulletin Ref # T-SB-0008-21
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768091September 30, 2026
ENGINE
I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD equipped with the 3\.5L V6 and approximately 77,000 miles\. The vehicle developed a humming/whining, airplane\-like noise from the front drivetrain while accelerating\. The noise increases with vehicle speed and stops when the accelerator is released\. There is no vibration, and the vehicle makes the same noise while traveling straight\. I took the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealer, Kerry Toyota, and the dealer diagnosed the transmission as the source of the noise and recommended replacement of the transmission\. The quoted replacement cost is approximately $7,600 plus tax\. Toyota previously issued Technical Service Bulletin T\-SB\-0008\-21 concerning a whine or grind from certain 2021 Highlander UA80 transmissions and identifying the front carrier assembly pinion shafts as a potential cause\. My vehicle is approximately 17,000 miles beyond Toyota’s 60,000\-mile powertrain warranty\. I contacted Toyota requesting goodwill assistance with the transmission replacement, and Toyota declined assistance\. I believe there may be many similar cases involving 2021 Toyota Highlanders equipped with the UA80 transmission, including vehicles experiencing comparable whining or grinding noises and premature transmission\-related failures\. I am reporting this because an internal transmission problem that develops shortly beyond the powertrain warranty may worsen and could potentially result in loss of vehicle propulsion\. I believe NHTSA should review this issue along with similar complaints involving 2021 Toyota Highlanders equipped with the UA80 transmission\.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767841September 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission has failed. Per review of available documents, this is a very common issue with this and other Toyotas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767443September 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Beep alert went off first then on dash board it notified me not to press on gas pedal & sensory collision 2. Parked the car for three days after the 3 days when starting the car the beep notification was still there on dash board still same notification. Then my neighbor came looked at it and said the all Toyota have same issue with the AC. He advised me not to turn the AC on just use fan. He said that when AC is on part of the car where the air blow is freezing. Now it is concerning when winter comes to turn on the heater.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767447September 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apple CarPlay: The touchscreen occasionally loses connection or fails to pair with Apple CarPlay and Android. I changed my chargers so many times thinking it was wire issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767217September 27, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Head lights for newer vehicles are coming very bright and are pointing higher than normal safety levels causing on coming traffic feels like these lights are on high beam, which causes blinding issues for on coming traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766575September 24, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
I bought a vehicle in cash three weeks ago at Universal Toyota located at [XXX] . Two days later, I called the sellers [XXX] and [XXX] to have a noise fix /checked. It turns out the transmission is bad/damaged and of course it's not safe to drive. Universal Toyota don’t want to fix it (expensive) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766307September 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Toyota refuses to issue a recall for a well known issue with the UA80 transmission that fails around 5 years on many Highlanders. I follow [XXX] and there are countless posts about this issue. Mine failed at one month before my warranty was up and replacement was covered but it was replaced with the same transmission which I assume will also fail after 5 years or another 50,000 miles. There is a service bulletin for repair from Toyota so they're half admitting the issue but there needs to be a recall and a revision to the UA80 transmission to make them safer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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